New Territory. Walking into Freedom. Untrodden Paths.
Change is scary.
Deciding to walk away from long held traditions of man into the
uncharted territory of freedom and grace is unsettling.
There are many ahead and behind you on this journey. We all end up at a place where we wonder if we can go on and, if we do, what is on the other side.
Amy is one of those fellow travelers who shares her bridge crossing moment.
May her words encourage your heart.
The Bridge
Guest Post by Amy.
I walked and walked praying and asking God to show me what I needed to do.
To show me truth.
I came across this bridge. It seemed like my life at that time. I stood there and knew I could cross over and see something amazing or just be disappointed. I felt like God was saying just cross over.
I began to cry and I was so happy at that point my client had 30 minutes before their session and they are notoriously late. I began to argue with God and reason with Him. I didn't know if I was strong enough to do something new. As painful as it was there was something comforting staying with "what I have always known". I was afraid to cross the bridge to leaving. I wish I was a strong Christian and just obeyed God. I stood my ground for so long until I just couldn't stand there anymore. I was so afraid….what if I am wrong? If God is leading me it cant be wrong….right?
Finally I walked across the bridge- I also crossed my spiritual bridge that day. I walked up the hill past a trickling little creek to an open pasture with a preserved 1800's pioneer village, complete with cabins, corral, barn, implements and a little church. It was so amazingly peaceful. I changed the location of our shoot to this village just so I could stay there longer.
God led me, I crossed and found peace.
In a week I am going to cross another bridge to a finding a new church. I am scared, standing at the bridge. This time I am holding Daddy's hand. I know when I cross, that peaceful clearing is there waiting for me. I can't see past the trees just yet, but I will.
We are all on a journey and are at different places on that journey. I am just so thankful that God says if we seek Him He will be there. As scary as not knowing what is ahead might be, God is leading us to the open ground just past the forest. I don't know why I shared all this I just felt like I needed to. I have struggled with a lot of negative on my journey to freedom and hope and I hate being negative. I wanted to share a positive on my journey.
The positive of how amazing God is even when I am afraid to take the next step.
6 comments:
Amy,
Clicked over from Kim's and so happy I did!
I loved what you said about us all being on a journey. So true. Now, if I could just let go and let Him direct my journey a little more, I'd be in good shape.
Welcome Amy!! I am so glad you stopped by. Don't we all feel like that so often!
You are loved.
My first service in my new church (several years past now) I sat alone by myself. I had been asked not to attend that Sunday at my former church. I had planned on working in the nursery that morning like I always did with the newborns.
I am naturally withdrawn. It was *HARD* to go somewhere new, but I was determined not to be defeated. I chose a large church so I could blend in. I didn't want to be noticed as a visitor. The pastor spoke of "new beginnings." I had always thought these liberals here at this church were on the wrong side from my narrow fundamentalist view.
That Sunday morning I witnessed baptism and salvations. The blinders fell off my eyes. I had always thought my former church was the only church in town doing "something" for God. It's so amazing to finally see with my human eyes what all my life I was not allowed to see.
I was taught to stay away as if even being around these others would tempt me in some way off the self righteous path we were on. It's enlightening to look back and see that all that time *WE* were the pharisees. All these good works we thought we did, and yet so much is done for honor among our peers or our former christian college.
There are a lot of good churches out there and probably a lot of bad. I think there's a home for all of us. What's right for one person might not be the right fit for another. My new thought process is to live and let live. I've opened up my heart to be accepting of all: democrats, gay, fill in the blank. We are all God's creation!
Kim,
That was so brave of you to share. I know that even on my journey I fear to truly open up and speak those moments of the journey that stir up fear or controversy.
You last sentence was powerful. Jesus accepted and loved the sinner, the outcast, the social untouchables, the democrats (haha!)...if HE did why I am so afraid to admit I freely love them as well? I believe the answer is that we've been taught to believe that such an act of love and acceptance is wrong...I dare say I've been sold a lie. Jesus's example was so contrary to this...wow Kim..now you got ME thinking and that is dangerous! hahaa!
As usual, thanks for making my day dear friend.
I love the idea that God creates and leads us over the bridges that bring us closer to him.
o glad you courage arrived just when you needed it Amy- congrats on taking that courageous step.
It sure is scarry- been there! But.....OH so worth it- to find a non-judgemental, loving, kind body of believers who walk in the LOVE of God.
When it was my turn to escpe, God allowed me a glimpse of His grieving heart- that so many in His body treat each other the way they do.
May God bless you in your walk to FREEDOM- leading you and guiding you like the loving Good Shepherd that he is.
May he lead you and guide you to green pastures and still waters, that you may be deeply refreshed, nurtured and HEALED. My healing took 4 years- allow yourself time to grieve.
In time you will be singing and dancing like a kindy kid[ pre-schooler] as you revel in your new found freedom.
Gently does it- one step at a time- and remember- progress towards healing is 2 steps forward, one step backwards- and don't beat up on yourself when you go back one step- you are still moving onwards and upwards, led forth by GRACE.
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