Overcome!

Testimony: (n.) Open declaration or profession, as of faith; evidence in support of a fact or statement.

There is something to be said about someone who is willing to share their testimony of what God has done in their lives.  I have utmost respect for those who do so.  I am of the opinion that God doesn't do things in your life for you to just sit on it and not tell anyone about it.  If God does something great for you, you should tell people about it.  The Bible says, "We are made overcomers by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony."  This statement could not have more truth to it.  We don't overcome obstacles in our lives simply because God heals us or because he delivers us from addictions or because he mends our broken hearts; we overcome when we TESTIFY about how God did these things for us.

It is quite a feat to deliver your testimony to a group of people.  It requires opening yourself up completely.  It requires vulnerability and humility.  It requires the realization that, if it weren't for God, you wouldn't be where you are today.

I'll never forget the first time I ever shared my testimony.  A lady in our church started a ministry for middle school to high school aged girls in our community.  I was asked to share my testimony at the second meeting.  I remember being extremely nervous because most of the people in the room didn't know what I had been through in my life.  It had always been a painful thing for me to talk about even though I knew that God had healed my heart.  Because I had come the realization that I wouldn't be where I am with God, I resolved to be completely open and really share my heart with the girls.  I know that God worked in my life so that I could minister to girls in similar situations.  I know it like I know my name.  I cried and sobbed and bawled through the whole thing.  It was the most vulnerable I had ever felt in my life.  My mom was in the room, and I said things that I had never told ANYONE, not even her. I could see everyone in the room crying with me, and upon sharing, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted.  I also found out a few days later that a girl that was in attendance had been in a similar situation.  I never got to talk to her, but I was told that she really got ministered to because I was willing to share my heart and what God had done for me.

I say all of this to say that this past Sunday, our church did something called "Cardboard Testimonies."  It is something that has been on my heart for a while.  I approached our pastor about it months ago.  There was so much going on that we weren't able to do it for a while.  About two months ago, though, we set a date, and I got to work.  During the practices and planning stages, it got a little frustrating.  We never had a single practice with everyone there.  I just hoped it would go smoothly and reach someone.

It was AMAZING.  There wasn't a dry eye in the place, including the people who were participating.  The day after, I put a video of it on youtube.  I shared the link on my facebook, and within an hour, there were around 200 views.  We have received countless comments on how powerful it was.  I don't say this to brag on myself.  Not in the least.  I say it to brag on God and how He uses His people.  There has been a lot of heartache in our church family, the majority of it wasn't even represented in the service.  The fact that God has used our pain and heartache and struggles to minister to people leaves me in awe.  I want to share it with you.

Just a little disclaimer, the video was shot on a tripod.  There are lags between each person. This is because people walk across the stage.  You can't see that in the video, but it really did flow very smoothly in person. =)

I hope it touches your heart as much as it did mine!