The older I get the more I come to appreciate the people that I have crossed path with. They all came for a reason, some for just a season. I attended college 3 different times. Once I met a girl. Actually, I met many girls [and guys] – some shown below. That girl has stayed with me. Ever so often her story comes to mind. Funny thing – I don’t remember very clearly what she looks like. I remember her first name but not her last. Her story has been imprinted on my heart forever. I’ll call her ‘ Emily’.
Her mom was sexually assaulted and had gotten pregnant. She decided to keep the baby. Emily was this baby. Society labels her a ‘rape child, child of rape or rape baby’. Interestingly, I never heard her refer to herself that way. Her mom met a man while she was pregnant. This man fell in love with her and decided to marry her – pregnant and all. This man was who Emily called father. She had no residue of shame or trauma. One of the sweetest, kindest soul I have ever met. She told her story unashamedly to anyone who would listen. When she speaks of this man she called father, there was nothing but genuine, pure love for him. You sensed Emily was loved in a deep way. I was amazed at her openness and warmth. Now I know the love she experienced was poured from God through her parents – especially through that man she called dad. Her story touched me – Emily’s voice mattered when she spoke. It spoke of the power of love and hope when we allow God to take our messes and repurpose them.
Do you know that your voice matters? Your story matters- my story matters. Do not allow your journey or your pain to go to waste. Life is not just about you. Someone is waiting on you and on me . Their healing, recovery and restoration may be hinged to our story. God still uses broken, shattered things to create beautiful masterpieces. It’s likely they won’t remember our names , but they may never be the same after hearing our story. Our story of failure, defeat, triumph, survival, and restoration. Even if we are still on that road to recovery , navigating some uncertain times- our story still matters. How about being that girl [or guy] that someone met? Your voice matters. My voice matters. Tell your story.
*** Thanks for stopping by. Share your story. “like’ and comment.
Restored Hearts 
Agreed, our stories can change lives if we’re brave enough to tell them. Middle row beside the girl in the white hat.
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For real. It may take time but we can start with an audience of one. That’s me for sure.😀.
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Congrats to you for getting to the point where you’re now sharing with the world. I finished your book, nice and short 😊.
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I will tell it…thanks for telling yours
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I am waiting…😊
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Good morning My sister
I the church we call it testimony outside it tell our story..just yesterday the Lord impressed on my heart about tell my story…you must tell it but it is not for everyone..he ( the Lord) will lead you to who and what to share that, he will get the Glory. Thank you for your conformation
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That’s the truth…our story is meant to help. God knows who needs the help and He guides accordingly so he gets the glory.
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Our story does matter, someone is waiting to hear it. Ask God to lead us as to who to tell it to.
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For sure…
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Wow, you knew I would like this post 😉 Such a powerful message!! So beautifully written. Thank you for sharing and for bringing this to my attention.
God has his wondrous ways and he decides who shall live..
inspirational and thought provoking..
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