A heart to heart conversation can be difficult. Sharing scars and hurt is not easy. But we are called to share our life story for the benefit of others, and for our own hearts as well. A few weeks ago, as we were driving to church, my husband, my younger boys and I had a conversation in the car. We discussed what a testimony was: our personal story of how we came to know, believe, and trust in the Lord. My husband asked them to give a little testimony of their own and they each did so. Then they asked us what our testimonies were. To be quite honest, I was taken a little aback by this, not thinking they would want to hear mine as well. While I have given my testimony to other women, even given it front of groups of people, sharing it with my boys seemed even more intimidating, more personal. I didn't feel equipped for it in that very moment. My husband shared his testimony with our boys, beautifully, in a way that was perfect for their age and understanding. When they asked me next, I told them I would share it a different day. "What is your testimony?" It was a question I was not quite prepared to answer, at least to my children. But it is an important question to be asked. So, I ask you the same question: What is your testimony? Have you shared it with your children? Remembrance is an important theme in the Bible. God knows us humans forget easily. Our story is God's story. It helps remind us about who God is, what He has done for us, and who we are in Him. If we forget our story? We forget who we are. We forget whose we are. Passing down our story to future generations is important so that WE remember, and so they can hear about God at work in the lives of real people. Their family. And it becomes a part of their story as well. Moses told the next generation over and over about what God had done. He didn't want them to forget. In Deuteronomy, when he gave his last and final address to the Israelites, it could have been about so many different things. But what he wanted to etch on their hearts was the importance of remembrance. To never forget what God had done. To tell the story. Their story. To share it with future generations. "Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them." Deuteronomy 4:9 Maybe you don't feel ready. Or prepared.
I didn't either. Maybe you don't know how to tell it in a way that is understandable or age appropriate. I didn't either. But the question nagged at my heart. And I knew I needed to have a heart to heart conversation with my boys. No matter how difficult, I needed to sit them down at the table, and share how God has worked in my life. How I came to know Him and trust Him. If you are like me, and your story is a difficult one, take a moment to truly consider a way to share it with your children. That is what I have been doing over the last few days. And I decided that this month (February), the month of "love", would be a perfect time to tell them my testimony. To talk to them about the amazing love that our Father has for each of us. To express to them His love displayed in my own life. Although I do not feel equipped, God WILL equip me. He will do the same for you. So, before this month is over, I am going to be obedient. I am going to do the difficult. I am not only going to remember what God has done in my life, but I am going to share it with my boys. I am going to remember the great, faithful, sacrificial love of a God who sent His Son. Who sent His Son to redeem. To save. To set free. To give life-abundantly and eternally. There is no greater story to tell. No greater love to celebrate. Let me encourage you to take a moment, sit down at the table and have a heart to heart conversation with your kids, your grandchildren, your nieces or nephews, a child your mentoring. Tell them your story. Tell them about the priceless love Jesus offers them too. "When you have eaten and are satisfied, praise the Lord your God for the good land he has given you. Be careful that you do not forget the Lord your God, failing to observe his commands, his laws and his decrees that I am giving you this day. Otherwise, when you eat and are satisfied, when you build fine houses and settle down, and when your herds and flocks grow large and your silver and gold increase and all you have is multiplied, then your heart will become proud and you will forget the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery." Deutoronomy 8:10-14 Blessings, Elizabeth Scroll down for images of a heart themed tablescape idea!
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Meet ElizabethWife. Mother. Writer. Photographer. Child of God. Encouraging others in faith through a lens of grace and seeing beauty in the ashes. All images and content belong to me (Blue Jean Gypsy), unless otherwise noted. You may use an image ONLY if it is linked back to this blog! Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
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April 2020
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