Have you ever had one of those moments when you hear someone talking about an experience or feeling that you thought only you could possibly have experienced or felt, but it turns out you’re not the only one, and when the two of you experience this revelation and connection, you both kind of freak out and then feel like a ten ton weight just got lifted off your shoulders???
Or maybe you carried a feeling of guilt or shame for far too long over something that happened years ago or is still a part of your life today, and when you finally shared it with someone, you finally felt like you could breathe again??
Or maybe you’re still carrying something, feeling like you’re walking around with the weight of the world on your shoulders, just desperate to feel known, accepted, loved…?
I’ve been there. And I’m guessing most of us have. In our fast-paced, quick-fix focused, superficial culture, it’s super easy to feel like you can never share parts of your life and parts of your heart with even the people closest to you. And too often this leaves us feeling weighed down, isolated, unseen, unheard, and unknown.
Well, I’ve also had the privilege of being the person who got to encourage and uplift someone who vulnerably shared a piece of their heart and their story with me, and every time that’s happened, it’s only made me feel closer and more connected with that person. It’s made me feel more loved by that person and also given me a chance to share just how deeply I love them.
I believe that’s how God feels about us.
It’s so easy to allow our experiences with the people in our lives to skew our perception of who God is. So many of us look at Him as a God who judges harshly when we’re vulnerable and slaps our wrists when we slip up in sin. I know I’ve looked at Him that way, and sometimes I still do.
But the truth is that God isn’t a slap on the wrist…He’s a warm embrace.
When we come to Him with our struggles, our burdens, and our shame, He comes beside us with love, grace, and mercy, and says, “Thank you for opening your heart to Me. I love you. Now let’s walk through this together.”
Wherever you are…I just want you to know that you are heard. And not only are you heard but you are known. You are known by a God who loves and cherishes you for every part of your being and just wants to walk through the hard stuff with you! All it takes is that scary, vulnerable, powerful first step of sharing our stories and our hearts and putting our junk out in the light for us to see the beauty in it, to see how it’s shaped us, and to be reminded that God loves us – all of us.
So in case no one has ever told you this:
Your story matters.
It matters to me, and it matters to the One who created you and walks every step with you.
I feel so passionate about this that I could write about it forever. But instead, I decided to sell some t-shirts with this very statement. Your story matters. It’s so true, and the world needs to know it! So why not order a shirt (or ten) to remind yourself and the people around you that Your Story Matters AND help me to stay in Georgia to pursue my calling! All proceeds go directly to my time in CGA. This order ends March 1st, so place your order now! Below is a little more info on my heart behind selling these shirts, as well as the links to the two different styles!
This shirt represents so much more than a striking fashion statement. The phrase Your Story Matters reflects my heart for the people of this world. In this fast-paced society, it’s so easy for me to go moment to moment without really giving anyone the time of day. But when it comes down to it, the best way to love anyone is to give him your time, lend her a listening ear, show him you care about who he is, and make her feel known.
I want people to know that when I ask “how are you,” I truly want to know. What you’ve gone through and what you’re going through – good, bad, beautiful, ugly – all makes you you, and it is those unique experiences that allow you to love people in a way that only you can love them.
I have felt so much freedom in realizing how important my story is, how it makes me who I am, and how it has molded me to carry out a valuable purpose for the Kingdom, and I want every person I meet to know this truth! Nothing can take away your worth; nothing can diminish your value. No matter where you’re at in life, know that you matter. Your story matters. And you have a purpose.
All proceeds will go directly towards the Center for Global Action (CGA), the discipleship/apprenticeship program I’m beginning January 29th! You can learn more about CGA and my heart for going on my blog: ronnywilson.adventurescga.org!
Huge shout out to the brilliant Brittany Gonzalez for these awesome designs!
https://teespring.com/your-story-matters
https://teespring.com/your-story-matters-fundraiser
P.S. A newsletter is coming soon with more information about what I’m actually doing here in Georgia, how the Lord is moving, what I’m working towards, and how y’all can be involved in this journey! LOTS of exciting updates and things to share!! Keep on the lookout for that in your inbox within the next few days!!!
