A couple days ago, I was challenged to share my testimony on Facebook. This was in response to First Baptist Church of Calhoun, Louisiana’s charge to share personal testimonies with the world on Facebook. Let me be clear, I have noooo problem talking, sharing, and expounding on my experiences; however, I was somewhat taken aback with this task. Questions kept swirling in my head and bouncing off the walls of my brain. What is my testimony? What should I share? Who cares? What if I come across stupid or weird or dumb? What does anyone want to know about me? These were just some of the questions that plagued me. I searched Scripture, thought about the “right” things to say, attempted to “create a masterpiece”, and was focused more on what others would think than what was truly my story.
Then, it hit me like a ton of bricks…just tell your story. And, so, I did and countless others are sharing their “testimony”.
So, what is a testimony? Merriam-Webster says that it is a “solemn declaration”; “an outward sign”; “an open acknowledgement”; and a “public profession of a religious experience”. I consult the Book of Stephanie and find that a testimony is a story…YOUR story…that has been, is, and is continually being written. Our story, or testimony, is a fluid process of our experiences and how God has moved in our lives. Fluid because we are created beings with the potential for change and growth. Our story is made of our experiences that shape our lives and how we allow God to work for and within us. Our story becomes our legacy when we are no longer here on Earth.
My story now is much different than the story of 27 years ago when I married my “hunka-hunka burning love” and made our first trip to Elvis’ Graceland during our honeymoon. It is extremely different that the story 10 years ago when I faced two miscarriages during my 39th year. This story today is different that the 2nd time we visited Graceland with our daughters during their spring break (everybody needs to visit the King of Rock-and-Roll’s house (see the pic above)). A story that tells a much different tale than one written almost a year ago when our house flooded. My story 36 Fridays ago is markedly different that the story of today. But, here’s the deal about my story … my story is uniquely MY STORY.
Reading and watching countless testimonies of people I know and people I have never met, I am humbled by how uniquely beautiful each testimony is. Uniquely beautiful because these testimonies are individual, genuine, real, and sacrificial. Individual because no one has the same testimony. Genuine because they are allowing themselves to be completely transparent. Open about struggles, weaknesses, or insecurities. Open about either being completely uncomfortable or totally excited. Open about the humility they feel by the overwhelming grace and love of our God. Beautiful because these testimonies are real.
Really real.
Our testimony is not like some of our “faux reality” Facebook posts that collectively seem to portray our lives as completely perfect all of the time. I am afraid that we have succumb to this faux (or false) reality mentality that our lives are to be free of heartache, pain, ugliness, and sadness. I am not purporting that we should refrain from posting family vacations, moments to be proud of, or pictures that show “good times”. Oh, absolutely NOT! These good times are treasured moments in the fabric of our lives. What I am saying is to become aware that NO ONE’s life is perfect all of the time. NO ONE’s spouse, children, friends, or pets are perfect all of the time. I’m pretty scary looking when I first wake up on the morning. Tim does not do every “honey-do” item on my list for him. Savannah could not keep her room clean no matter how much I nagged her. Isabella has and will challenge me every day of my life. OK, I must confess, Mojeaux (our poodle) is PERFECT ALL THE TIME, but he is an exception to the rule!
Some people may be embarrassed or ashamed of their past. They don’t want to share the “ugliness” with others. Well, let me direct you to the descendants of Jesus Christ. Was he “embarrassed” that murderers, harlots, and ladies’ men were in his line of descendants? I think not. I believe He realized this was the perfect representation of how His Father can create “beauty from ashes”. Do not let your past keep you from sharing your story. I believe that, once we turn to Him, we can allow God to use our story to heal and support others.
As I read through the comments on the testimonies posted, consistently people profess to how someone telling “their story” has touched them. We are to tell our story! Love our story! No, we don’t have to like the events or difficult things that happen to us, but we can appreciate that these are the things that help shape our story and are preparing our legacy.
That’s the question that I landed on…what do I want my legacy to be?
What do I want to be remembered for?
I determined it was LOVE that I wanted to be remembered for. I have experienced unadulterated, sacrificial, and agape love from God through his faithful during a time of my life when I could do nothing but breathe. I want to share that God’s Faithful were relentless in their expression of His love to us and this, in turn, creates a love in me to share with others. That, my friends, is my testimony. That, my friends, is what I want my legacy to be.
This exercise in sharing my testimony has been quite freeing and eye-opening. I want to challenge you to share your testimony. I guarantee you that you will be blessed and will bless others if you genuinely share. Don’t worry about creating a “sermonette” or Bible study out of it.
Just share it, live it, and love it while you THRIVE!!!!
Stephanie
(By the way, if you decide to share your testimony on Facebook, consider tagging me in it either Stephanie Payne or Alive 2 Thrive: in Honor of Savannah Payne. I’d love to be blessed by you!)