This is a place to boldly step out in faith as women and share our stories.
Have you ever felt like an outsider? Like, if they only knew who I was, what I have done, or what I was thinking, they would not want me here. They would probably ask me to leave.
This is the way I felt during my first experience being invited to a Bible study. There I was sweating and hoping they didn’t call all on me. I didn’t know the answers, heck, I didn’t even own the book. I didn’t belong here. I did not grow up going to church. I felt so lost. I wanted to run.
Did you know that God knows everything about you? He knows what you have done, what you are going to do, and even knows your thoughts.
He sees us and LOVES us, just the way we are. Sit in that for a minute. He sees our side-eyes, our outbursts, our road rage, our Facebook posts, our inner thoughts about ourselves, and hears us tearing ourselves down.
In spite of all of this, He loves us! In Ephesians 2:10 it says, “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.” Even with all of our imperfections and mistakes, He calls us His masterpiece. He is proud of who we are and has plans for us!
Those stories of shame from our past and guilt that we hold on to and hide behind, God sees them as opportunities to shine His goodness and glory. What we see as stumbling blocks, He sees as bridges. The experiences I’ve had that made me feel like I didn’t belong, shape who I am today. I am passionate about making sure women understand they are accepted, loved, and fully belong.
I have talked with so many women who say they can’t be used by God because of their past. I am here to boldly tell you, you CAN be used by God. He can use any of us at any time to do anything.
No one needs to see a buttoned-up version of who we wish we were, to be used by God. God shines in our hot messes.
So, if you feel like you don’t belong, you can’t be used, or you aren’t put together enough to be here, I am here to tell you, you’re in good company. You are right where you are supposed to be. I can’t wait to see how God uses you in and through your circumstances. In Romans 8:28 we are reminded “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” He is FOR us!
Sister, you belong!
REAL women REAL stories, is a blog designed to share stories about seeing God in the day to day things, big or small. We are not perfect, Jesus is the only one that is. You will read about real women with real struggles.
This is a place to cheer each other on, as women boldly step out in faith to share their stories. These stories are full of vulnerability and authenticity. We each have a story to share, so be brave, be bold. Read these stories with a heart of compassion and love, just like Jesus would.
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Jenny Curtiss, a midwest girl at heart, is from Indiana, and currently lives in Highlands Ranch with her husband and 3 boys. After staying home for a decade with her boys, she currently is serving as the Women’s Pastor at Journey, and is passionate about building women up and helping them discover their God given gifts to serve others. She believes that each one of us has a story that God gave us to inspire and point others to Jesus.