The words here are not my own. Oh sure, my name is up there at the top, but I don’t actually write here. I just type what He says. Don’t believe me? In the past two months He’s tapped on my shoulder over and over until I finally wrote about , my wounds from the Church, and what it’s like when life doesn’t look like what you imagined.
Trust me, I would not have chosen those blog topics. (Thanks, God. You da real MVP.)
But there’s this really weird thing that happened. The words that were so hard to write, the ones that I read and re-read and prayed over and slept on – the ones He wouldn’t let me let go of – are the same words that are building bridges.
It’s one million times harder.
It’s risky and vulnerable and sometimes I plain don’t like it. But maybe we all just need to go there and go there together. Maybe the freed people need to shout about freedom and the truth that out of darkness comes light. Maybe we need to talk about the messy because so often our message is written smack in the middle of the mess.
Because that’s where we sit down and Jesus shows off.
It’s my soap box here – every story matters. So I’m going to remind you – and remind myself – again tonight that freed people free people. Your story holds more weight than you can imagine.
You can keep it in and keep it quiet, shut your mouth, lock your jaw, throw away the key.
You can turn the page or set the stage and it’s all up to you. Only you can decide, only you can tell it, you’re the only chance we’ve ever got at hearing the story.
Because it’s your story. And it is for freedom that we have been set free but honestly sometimes I live locked up.
I’d rather live in the freedom that He died to give me. And I’d rather write about the darkness – even when it’s hard to tell – because it only makes the Light shine so much brighter.
Jesus in our stories could set someone free.
Which means we should probably tell our stories.
More on this in my behind-the-screen newsletter, my friend-date with you called The Table. It’s landing in email inboxes in a few hours… sign up if you’d like? It’s full of sass and honesty. Which is a pretty interesting combination, trust me. And this month it’ll let you in on a little secret.. something about a blogging conference, perhaps? SQUEAL.
It’s been weeks since I’ve had a Thursday night free to join #fmfparty. But it’s still a thing and gosh, I love it big time. Join us next week if you’d like.. it’s the place where we write so we know just what we think. We breathe out our hearts, sharing the hurts and the joys and splitting hearts and words wide open.
Well I immediately jotted this down in my planner: “You can turn the page or set the stage and it’s all up to you. Only you can decide, only you can tell it, you’re the only chance we’ve ever got at hearing the story.” because I need to hear that and remember it!
Glad to hear that! Thanks for telling me. :)
Thank you for encouraging me to be brave! I struggle with this so much, especially as a beginning blogger just learning to “put myself out there”. What you have shared is so beautiful and I agree that He gives us what we should write about.
“And I’d rather write about the darkness – even when it’s hard to tell – because it only makes the Light shine so much brighter.” Yes! That just nails it right there. I have to remember this one!
Blessings,
Elizabeth
Keep on writing! I won’t tell you that it gets easier, but I will say that there’s nothing quite like hitting Post or Publish and knowing that you’ve obeyed.
Beautiful words and images, Kaitlyn. I love where the Lord has been leading you. Indeed, He has promised us freedom, and He longs for us to live free – part of that is sharing our stories, as bringing our times of darkness into the light, breaks the hold of that darkness. As Jesus pours His light into those places, healing and restoration take place – leading to joy, love and the abundant life!
Blessings and hugs,
Kamea
Yes! What you said.
I love you so! Here’s to living free… and freely telling our stories!
We each have a story to write…so true…and sometimes when I hesitate to publish or go public with my posts…it is Jesus that warms my heart with that little gentle tap on the shoulder as you say above. He knows that someone needs my message…His message…love. Amen sister! Well written. <3, Jenn FMF
<3 keep writing!
Kudos to you for allowing yourself to be used as a messenger. So many people are blessed by the work of your hand.
Thank you. That’s really kind of you to say.
so glad you shared.
“Jesus in our stories could set someone free.” Love this! So true.
It can be hard to live life, but maybe the more we allow the world to see our imperfections and cracks, the more Jesus can actually shine through them.
Happy Friday to you!
Totally agree with you there!
Yeah, I get you…I sure didn’t want to be writing about facing death by illness at this point (always thought I’d die in a gunfight), but the fell situation has afforded me a chance to reach and help others.
I mean, we all die…we all lose people…and maybe I can do some good, show some joy and even humour along the way. Putting the fun back in funerals, as it were.
I can share the love. Not a place I would have chosen, but it’s the write place. And it’s mine.
(‘Write’ place…geddit? Cue maniacal laughter.)
Here from FMF, #7
Honestly, I shake my head at the idea that Jesus could use my story. His story is so cool on it’s own! But you’re right; He has used so many people to encourage and convict me. The voices of bloggers, of quiet behind-the-scenes church people, the beautiful praises of worship singers. We all need each other.
oh yes… His story is so wonderful on its own. Crazy that He uses us – and that He uses us to tell it! It’s such a gift.
“Jesus in our stories could set someone free.” Amen and amen, again and again.
I’ve still got my fingers crossed I can make it to Nashville. :)
What a beautiful and inspiring message. By the end, I was mouthing your words and nodding my head along with you. These are the sticking words for me: “I’d rather live in the freedom that He died to give me. And I’d rather write about the darkness – even when it’s hard to tell – because it only makes the Light shine so much brighter.” There is much freedom in bringing the darkness into the light. Thanks for sharing your gift here. Beautiful!
Always encouraged by your comments. Thank you Karen!
Kaitlyn,
Loved this post!! (And your picture? I’m so moved by it.) Like, I can’t stop scrolling back up to see the bird on the lock. And the font…pretty much I’m in love with all of your printables.
“Because that’s where we sit down and Jesus shows off.”
^^My goal.^^
I want to be free from needing the attention. I want to show off Jesus.
Every friend along the way is helping me. You are no exception, but you are exceptional.
May you know the blessing you are, dear Kaitlyn. God uses you mightily. And you let Him.
Love,
Tammy
(#6 on #fmf this week)
xoxo, friend.
also – so happy you like the graphic! they’re so fun to make!