I've been thinking about using this blogspot as my personal testimony especially in regards to my previous post today. God has put it on my heart to take you all the way back to the beginning for me- back to a place I don't like to visit in my past, but a place of redemption. The memories of my past mistakes no longer haunt me with the same torment as once before because I now recognize how I've been set free. Don't get me wrong, the devil still tries his hardest to fill me with shame and doubt but he doesn't get as far as used to in that attack.
As a dorm manager, I have had many opportunities to sit with girls as they pour out their shame at my feet about past mistakes and decsisions that they can't shake off. As I have listened to countless confessions of pain and sin, I have found myself speaking God's truth to them about how there is "no comdemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." It's much easier to try to convince someone else that their sins have been forgiven and the slate wiped clean than it is to accept that truth for myself. Maybe that is one of the reasons God has placed me in such a position- because He knew that surely after repeating the same thing over and over to many hurting young women, that maybe I would eventually get it!! Maybe then I would apply the same truth to my life. Maybe after promising over and over that God's love is unconditional, I would accept that truth as my own. I think God knew what He was doing!
I used to keep all my secrets to myself thinking that if I uncovered them, my authority would deminish in the eyes of the college girls I have influence over. That was a lie from the pit of hell and God has been revealing that to me gradually over the past couple of years. Now, I do believe that it is very important to be discerning with information, but I have begun to see a pattern from my Almighty God. Every time He brings me a precious wounded young woman with tears in her eyes, it doesn't take long to notice that my story is so similar to hers. Every single time. It's like He keeps bringing me people to minister to that He knows will unlock some secret unhealed hurt in my own life. I used to be so afraid, so wrapped up in fear of someone finding out the "real dirt" about Donna McDaniel Strachan, but oh, how the ways of God are so much greater than our fears!!!
"My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace"
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4 comments:
"When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule when she gives instructions." Proverbs 31:26 NLT
Praise God dear friend! Is God not amazing??!! He's alive in you and He's working it girl... you just keep letting Him lead you and watch out Satan! But the road will not be an easy one... Satan gets grumpy when God's people catch on fire.
Donna, you are such an incredible person. I think God has you right where he wants you to be. I know you are a blessing to all those girls. I'm glad you're back to writing on here. Maybe I'll start back up someday! :-)
I miss you! I hope things are going well for you and your beautiful family. We'll have to catch up next time I come down there.
Very impressive Prima. It is one of the most unpleasant things to be faced close up with the past. In ancient civilizations (here is the history lesson) they always built their new cities on top of the old ruins, always trying to build them bigger and better. They built something good on top of things that are old. I think this is what God wants us to do. Putting away old things and building our lives up toward newer and greater things. We never forget the old because that is what our foundations are laid upon for our new and better selves. Peace Homey and may God bless you richly today!
Jeremy
What an amazing woman you are my friend! Thank you for your words as you have spoken them so wisely. I feel many times in my talks with our boys that God is using me in the same way-to not only teach them but for me to learn. I many times walk away feeling like I need to take my own advice. Thank you for your courage to stand up and speak out! The girls are blessed (as we all are) to have you! I love you!
(I want to ditto Gina's scripture and look out Satan!)
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