redeemedintohope.
The title of this web page and the words that I rewrite on my wrist each morning. It's a statement of faith, of truth, of identity,. Many people know that since last spring there has been a couple of "pits", shame, and struggles. They were all really thrown at me prior to Kenya and I believe that it was on that soil that He began the redemption and renewal process in me.
Last fall was the continuing of that redemption but a phase I pray my feet, hands, and spirit never encounter again. The phase of stripping, the heart searching which was wrenching. The only thing as many know that kept me going was the hope that was to come of freedom, joy, firm grounding, and an increased intimacy.
It is that hope in which I now bask. He has proven faithful. He took me to such great depths- ones that only His presence was there at times. SO much so, that now there are times where I can almost physically feel His breath around me when we talk.
I have been redeemed into hope. Period. It is the story I long to scream with desperate words into the lives of others. He gives me glimpses of the growth, the BEAUTIFUL reconstruction from ruins almost every day. Affirms me of His character.
One of these significant times came in Bible study last week. I was listening to a friend and her amazing story clearly stamped by Jesus as she spoke of purity, a life absent of betrayal, bitterness and for the first time I was at peace. My heart didn't take leaps of jealousy and envy towards her life but rather sat in CONFIDENCE and CONTENTMENT in my own story.
Hallelujah!
We all have stories, each meant to be used to show Christ to those around us. I want Him to use mine. But more than the words I will speak are thea ctions and reactions I'll have throughout the roller coaster this life brings. That when rejected I won't topple in shame, insecurity, or anxiety but rather stand in confidence that all good in me is HIM.
Freedom. Balance. Joy. Anxiety free.
He will always be redeeming me into hope. IT doesn't stop here. And for that I am thankful. Over the last three months the journey has been shining life, arems high and surrendered. The path isn't marked with slashes, foot prints, and destruction but knee prints more each day.
Trusting, trusting with eyes up.

"OH LORD, YOU TOOK UP MY CASE; YOU REDEEMED MY LIFE."
LAMENTATIONS 3.58