My Dad invited me to be a guest speaker at his Sunday School class that he’s currently leading. The class is about “if God is good, then why do we hurt?" so I shared my story and thoughts on grief.
I wasn’t too nervous to speak, but my parents and I did get a little emotional as I was trying to get though my message. It was a little more difficult to speak on this subject than I thought, but I got through it. All I hope is that what I shared was helpful to the people in his class. Afterwards, I thought of so much more that I should have said, or elaborated on, but oh well. I think I still did a fairly good job.
Throughout sharing my story, I read some verses and a quote that I really like, so I wanted to pass those on to you…
2 Corinthians 4:16-18 -- For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”
-----
Quote from ‘I Will Carry You’ by Angie Smith (page 185)
“It is a decision we must make, many times even in a day, to choose to believe that our Father is good. That sentence may be hard for you to read depending on where you are because we don’t understand many of the ways the Lord works on our behalf.”
-----
2 Corinthians 12:9 - But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
-----
Jeremiah 29:11 -- For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
So so brave girl. Listen, from what I've read on your blog, I can say with absolute confidence that you did a fantastic job! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteI bet you did an amazing job
ReplyDeletebeautiful! wish i had been there to hear you speak. (((hugs))) next time you should video it and post it on youtube! seriously. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for coming to class. You did a wonderful job of speaking! And, yes, it was very emotional for me as well. Many in the class told your Mom and me that they very much appreciated you sharing you story with them.
ReplyDeleteThis blog is a great followup!!
Love always,
Dad
Obviously I recommend this book for anyone who wants a better understanding of why evil and suffering is in this world and the hope they can have because God is indeed real and he cares about us.
Lauren,
ReplyDeleteOpening your heart to those in the Sunday school class and sharing your story is a beautiful testament to your FAITH. Through our struggles we learn to lean on "him" and let him direct our steps. It took me some time to allow him to be my guide, but when I decided to follow, my life changed.
I know you did a beautiful job, just another way to honor your precious children and give HOPE to those who listened to you. Perhaps they will take what you said and further it help someone else.
And, I love the verses..."My Grace is Sufficient" and "For I know the Plans I Have Made for You".
Much Love,
xxx
I'm sure you did exceedingly well. Also, I think your parents are attractive.
ReplyDeleteThis is too cool! I hold on to the fact that God allows us to go through tough times to grow us, and to use us in other's lives. I know He is using you, and am so glad to have you guys at the Suncoast!
ReplyDeleteI know I often times feel discouraged after sharing my story with people, or have to listen to Brian share personal stuff about us from the stage, but I think that is normal... and though no one may ever tell you what it meant to them, I believe one day in heaven we'll see it. And, we get to hear our Savior, and God say "well done, my good and faithful servant."
Oh, and I LOVE Randy Alcorn's books! I have read all of his fiction stuff... I need to dig in to some of his non-fiction work apparently!