Before/After

So, our church just got done going through a series on "Just Walk Across the Room" by Bill Hybels. We spent four weeks working the four sections of the book. Because I am putting together the worship services for our church, I borrowed the book to get a feel for what each week's sermon was going to be about, and I'm glad I did. It has been a long time since a book has not only challenged me to move beyond my current state but has also encouraged me that where I am is ok, as long as I continue to move.

One of the sections is all about stories. Hearing someone else's story. Sharing your story. Sharing God's story. In the book, Hybels challenges his readers to write down their before/after in 100 words or less. His reason? We spend too much time talking to people about things that don't really convey God's message and God's actions in our lives. Instead, we spend time on the minute details that don't really matter to anyone else but us. I decided to take this challenge, as I am aware that I can be rather long winded when telling a story. :)

Below are two examples of my before/after in 100 words or less. I am posting this, not only for my benefit (accountability), but also for my Unchained students at NHCC. We have given them this same challenge, and apparently, they don't think they can say what needs to be said in such a small amount of words. But they can! And they will! (Below my two examples are some examples of from the book. Take a look Unchained and then take the challenge!)

"I used to live a life based on my own wants and desires. I wanted friends, and I was willing to do just about anything to make people like me, all the while claiming that I was a Christian. Finally, there was a moment when God said , “My way or no way”—no more hypocrisy or two-faced lies. I had a decision to make…follow Him or me. Since I made the decision to follow Him, I have had the desire to help others see that it is not about people liking me, it is about people loving Him." --Jess

"I love Jesus. I love Him with all of who I am. Not just because the bible tells me I need to, but because I have seen the pattern of what it looks like to have Him in my life, and it far surpasses the life I used to live. Before, I was not ultimately happy. I was always trying too hard to get people to like me. Now instead, of trying to get people to like me, I am focused on trying to get people to love the person of Jesus." --Jess

"For years, I felt empty. I had a hole that I needed to fill, so I searched for things that could fill that hole: a new house, children, new friends, clothes, a new job...My emptiness would be filled for a short time, but never found the 'it' that kept the hole filled. One day I heard a message about having a relationship with Jesus. Once I understood, I accepted, and grew in my realationship with him, my emptiness was filled--for good. Today, I am no longer seaching for things to fill my life."

"My life was filled with shame and fear. I was all tied up inside and isolated. Loneliness led me to a place of hopelessness. But then I met Jesus. Now I am free from my self-inflicted prison of fear and shame. I am forgiven and loved! I am peaceful about who I am and who God is making me to be. The void inside is now filled with joy--joy in knowing that I am a precious child of God."

"I was angry and depressed all my life, thinking that the world revolved around me, and I wasn't getting my due. I was cynical and isolated. After finding Christ, though, I felt an amazing love and acceptance for the first time. I began to be liked for who I was by the people around me, and my whole life changed. I came to know the joy of relating authentically with people--opening up with honesty and truthfulness about my life."