"as it is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death."
We've got a problem. I'VE got problems. I can't keep biting my tongue...and I don't think I should be anymore. I feel like I've been called for a purpose. I don't exactly know what that is or what it looks like yet, but for a while now, I've felt that God was trying to tell me something...telling me to write. Telling me to use my 'voice' for a purpose that I don't even fully know yet (and possibly never will). So here I am, and I've got a lot to say. So now I'd like to make it official: I'm coming out of the spiritual closet.
I am a Christian.
What even qualifies me to be writing a blog about God??? To be honest, I've got a computer and I know how to type. End of resume.
Am I some super amazing perfect woman? No, and I never will be. But I want to strive to be holy and to follow what God has for me. I am someone who has learned so many lessons the hard way. I'm stubborn, angry, and selfish. At the same time, I feel as though the lessons I've learned enable me to possibly come along side of a friend and help them thru a difficult situation. You name it, I've probably dealt with it: from addiction, marriage struggles, eating disorders, death of loved ones, to various sin issues. Bottom line: I have a lot of love to give, and I love helping people. I'm a good listener, I will keep things told to me to myself, and I try my best to be a giving friend.
Do I have an academic qualifications? Well, no. See, on paper, to the world, I'm not really worth much. What's beautiful/humbling/comforting about God is that He doesn't require a degree or a Mensa member IQ to follow Him. Quite lucky for me:). I went to a Christian school K-12 and then attended a Bible college for one year and chose to not go back and complete my degree. I do not have a degree in English or writing or anything of the sort. The only degree I received in college was my Child Development Associates Degree (which has since expired).
In short, I'm a stay at home mom, super flawed woman who just happens to have a computer and feels called to write. Still reading? Thank you:).
What am I hoping to achieve? Fame? Notoriety? Nope!
I am hoping that this will enable me to reach out to others in a way I never thought possible. I want to help point others to Christ and show them how wonderful a Savior we serve! I am also hoping that this will be a tool for myself in my own spiritual walk. I want to learn and grow from this. I want to dive into Gods word and see things from His perspective. I'm thirsty for more!!! I am so excited to see what God has to show me thru this.
This isn't going to be a 'fire and brimstone; you're a filthy sinner going to hell' kind of thing. I want to love and encourage. There are enough "Christians" out there promoting hate.
I know this will be a challenge in many ways. I am starting this with the goal of writing at least once a week. Accountability would be welcome:)! Topic suggestions would be welcome as well:)! I know that speaking on this isn't necessarily popular and could set me up to lose some friends or to be criticized. That is something that is scary and overwhelming but I have to be ok with it. *Deep Breath*
The blog is called PARRESIA- my new favorite word (and possibly tattoo one day, haha!). Parresia is a Greek word that is found in the New Testament that is often used to describe the attitude that the disciples of Christ should have in sharing the gospel with others. It means "courage" "confidence" "boldness" "assurance" "fearless public speaking" etc. I would greatly appreciate prayer and encouragement in this new endeavor.
I want to become bold. God has done so much for me. How much more can I give Him?
If you have any questions, please ask them! I want this to be interactive! POSITIVE and interactive:). Also, if you've got stories of blessings or things that God has done in your life, please please PLEASE share them! My favorite things ever online are those "Restored Faith in Humanity" stories and photos. God has done some amazing things in my life and I plan to share them and I'd LOVE to hear things like that from you.
Thank you so much.
Lauren
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!
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