We all have a story to tell. Maybe yours is about addiction like mine. You could be deeply scarred by the physical, emotional, or sexual abuse of your past. Perhaps you struggled through infertility and miscarriage.
Regardless of what pain has consumed you. Whether you are fully healed today or not, I want to encourage you to share your story. It may not be easy. In fact, I can almost promise you it will be incredibly difficult at times.
Here’s the breathtaking part:
Telling others about your deepest and darkest pain will not only repair you, it will heal them by unveiling they are not alone.
We can’t let the guilt and shame associated with our pasts stop us from showing what God has done in our lives. Regardless of the nature of our story, if our agony came from our own mistakes or the sins of others, we need to remember those days are gone. We are new creations today.
This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!
~2 Corinthians 5:17 (NLT)
I can completely relate to wanting to keep those memories buried inside from worry of what others will think. For the past two years I’ve shared my story in this online space, yet very few people I personally know were invited here. As long as that girl with the jaded and ugly past remained Candace Creates, I felt safe.
I recently met with an agent regarding a memoir I’m writing about my drug addicted past and where God has brought me today. She advised me to set up an author page on Facebook with my real name to start building a community there as well. This is something I’ve deliberately avoided since I began writing.
The thought of my high school friends, my husband’s family, and casual acquaintances through my children’s activities knowing of my struggles, past and current that I so openly share here, mortified me. But I know it is time to show everyone the light God has brought me. Unfortunately I have to show the darkness to truly represent the power and beauty of His light.
You don’t have to start a blog, write a memoir, or even post your story on Facebook. This is part of my journey, but it may not be yours. There are many ways to put your testimony out into the world. (If you’re considering blogging, check out these resources to help get started.)
In my church community group, we are in the midst of sharing our pasts right now. As we release our words each week, with cleansing tears falling down our cheeks, we bond to each other. We heal a little bit more and allow other group members with similar histories to feel the always beautiful, Me, too. We see the hand of God in each of our stories bringing a once lost soul to that couch in our leaders’ home surrounded by people who care deeply regardless of our past circumstances.
I’ve recently started volunteering at a pregnancy center to offer help for others through my own devastation in this area. It is one of the most painful decisions of my past that I hope to spare other women from making for themselves. This is a part of my story I will share someday in the future here as well, but there is much more healing that needs to be done before.
Again, we don’t need to be fully healed before we share our stories, but where we discuss them may depend on it. You may want to start with a church family, your own special place to volunteer, a 12-step group of some kind, or even just coffee with a close, safe friend. But please just find somewhere to do it.
Tell your story, even the scariest places. Especially the scariest places.
AMEN Candace. God wants to use us in our brokenness. I shared my story of date rape, although not on my own blog, on a another public blog, and it helped so many. So thankful for the healing and restoration that follows our obedience.
What an incredibly brave story to tell, Barbie. I’m so glad to hear it helped many people. That truly makes it all worth it to me. It can be incredibly difficult to put those dark stories out into the world, but we know how needed they are.
That is brave, Barbie. I’m so encouraged to read that.
You have come a long way my little baby girl and become a wonderful Mother, Wife and daughter. I am so proud of where you are today with yourself. Luv.
Thank you, Mom. We’ve come a long way ;)! Love you too.
Candace, this is beautiful. I applaud your growth, your willingness to share the whole of who you are, the bravery and sheer release of it all.
You make me realize once again that as we live in integrity with who we truly are, we become stronger and more confident. Our yes is yes, our no is no, because we’re not worried about people pleasing or what others may think. When we have one story to tell, it strips away anxiety of pretending. And gives hope to those who gather ’round.
I’m so excited for you, friend …
Thanks so much, Linda! It’s been a long hard journey, but I’m so thankful now to have this story to tell. It could have turned out very different. Unfortunately, many addicts don’t end up with the life I have today. Love this: “it strips away anxiety of pretending.” It absolutely does, my friend.
Indeed friend we are more than conquerors through Christ Jesus and the story needs to be told. Revelation 12:11 says, “They overcame him (satan) by the blood of the lamb and the word of their testimony. The blood of Jesus covers the sting, shame and guilt of what may be in our stories so we can do just as you said, show in glory. I rejoice with you on the journey and pray his comfort as He continue to REVEAL & HEAL.
I greatly appreciate your prayers, my friend. You are so right: “the story needs to be told.” I love how my story turns into His to share all He has done for me. So many lost souls can’t yet grasp that He is waiting to do the same for them.
Hi Candace! I think it takes an extraordinary inner fortitude to share things we’re not proud of. The alienation we feel from others can be so strong, that we just don’t want to risk it. What a blessing that you can say that you are starting to do just that, and how it has begun to heal you. I’m so proud of you! How hard that must have been.
Doing that whole media thing is a mixed bag I suppose. But the rep has good experience with book sales, so I say, go for it! I have a Facebook page for my blog, and I do enjoy seeing people there. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it too. I wish you every great thing on your journey Candace. It sounds so exciting!
God bless,
Ceil
That fear of alienation is what kept me quiet for years, Ceil. The funny part is I completely isolated myself during that time so either way I would have been alienated in some form. I’ve actually found more community in sharing my story than I ever had before.
Social media can easily drive me crazy, but I know it’s a wonderful way to reach people and share our important journeys. I’ll find you on Facebook! Blessings to you.
I so admire your courage, Candace. May God give you further strength to share your story! I know I, for one, have been blessed by your openness, and I’m certain others have, too. I so identify with this – “I have to show the darkness to truly represent the power and beauty of His light.” I’ve been asked before why I have to talk about the past, that I should move forward and quit looking back. But I believe if others see the depths of what we have gone through, they will also see more of the depth of God’s love and redemption. It is yet easier for me to share in writing with an online community than with face-to-face people. Since it’s a church family where I have been hurt the most, it’s hard for me to trust any other one. I’m grateful though for a handful of friends who have believed me and supported me and for your and many other online friends’ love and support. Blessings and hugs to you as you write your story, Candace. You go, Girl!
I’ve been truly blessed by your story as well, Trudy. I’m so glad to have you on this journey with me. I completely understand about concerns regarding church. I’ve had many issues over the years with church settings. My husband and I took forever to finally find one we are both comfortable in. You do a wonderful job on your blog with your story. I have no doubt you will continue to help many there, including me :).
Oh wow, I am so happy to hear you are volunteering at a pregnancy center. That is probably hard, but pretty fantastic! It really is so important to share our stories, because you never know who it will help!
I’ve just started training there and I’m really excited about it, Jen. It will no doubt be very difficult at times when I need to bring up the past, but what an incredible way to use my story. There are reasons we go through those hard times. I truly believe most of it is to help others in areas we would otherwise know nothing about. We are created to live in community and serve :).
Hi Candace, I admire your courage. I trust the Lord will use your story to heal hearts. I know you will do well writing your story and compiling it in a book!
Go On Gal! God has got your Back
Loads of Blessings, friend
Thank you for the cheers and blessings, Ifeoma! It’s an exciting, yet nerve wracking endeavor :). Many blessings to you as well, my friend!
Candace, I was just going to comment and tell you what an inspiration you are and how your words will change lives and lead others into THE very PRESENCE of GOD— which is what I truly felt in my heart. But before I began to type, THE LORD said, “Tell her that I said that she is brave and beautiful.”. I am in tears right now because I can feel HIS love for you. You are on THE FATHER’S heart, Love. If it’s healing that you need, it is healing that you will receive— in the name of JESUS! I am praying for you, Brave and Beautiful One. GOD bless you, sweet friend! 🙂
What a breathtaking and much needed message you have delivered to me, Tai! Thank you so much, my friend. Bravery is something I’m just starting to learn about. It’s been quite a journey. I greatly appreciate those prayers as well :).
You are most welcome, Love! I pray peace, joy, healing, and infinite blessings over you in the name of JESUS! Rejoice, Dear Heart! GOD is with you! 🙂
You know I think you are brave and love how you are letting God use your story to in turn heal you and grow your relationship with Him.It’s a beautiful thing to unfold and as you share more God will grow you and bless your journey. You are loved and blessed. Hugs my friend.
Thanks so much for your encouragement, Mary! The internal healing taking place with every word I share continues to amaze me. He is so loving and forgiving :). Hugs to you, my friend.
Candace, you’re a brave woman. I know what you mean about feeling reluctant to share things on facebook, or with public people WE ACTUALLY KNOW! It’s been hard, yet freeing for me as well.
I think you’re so right about sharing our stories. They let others know they’re not alone. Reminds me of what Rick Warren says about sharing our weaknesses: “Do you want to impress others, or do you want to INFLUENCE them for Christ?”
I love that Rick Warren quote, Betsy! Thank you for sharing that. I have not heard it before. I definitely hope to do the second half of it :). I so agree with you about sharing with people we know. It’s hard and freeing at the same time!
You are such a blessing to others for telling your story. Telling our story is such a hard thing to do because we all are afraid of judgement from others, but you are right. Telling our stories will help ourselves as well as others. I’m proud of you for being so open with your story.
I truly wish I had no concern about the judgement of others, Sonya. That’s completely untrue though. I’m really working on this area but it’s a work in progress :). We have to just keep sharing and it really does get easier.
Candace, this is beautiful. I shared a similar sentiment recently on the blog. My husband and I often joke that I’ve been called to “dish my dirt,” but it’s true. God wants me to share the lessons I’ve learned and those I’m still learning. Happy sharing!
I love that, Alissa! Dish my dirt :). Me, too. I have the same calling. Happy sharing to you as well!
We have to show the darkness to truly represent the beauty of his power and light. Love those words. A verse came to my mind in reading your post – there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1 Even though we may fear what others think of our past, I am thankful we have a heavenly Father who does not think badly of us.
Thank you for that verse, Rachel. I will add it to my arsenal :). It fits perfectly. I so appreciate our heavenly Father’s unconditional love as well. It has truly changed my life.
Candace, Thank you for these honest, encouraging words. It is so very true that our painful stories are for His glory.
Once we look at it that way, sharing becomes much easier. Thanks so much for stopping in, Liz.
Thank You, Candace!! With your encouragement, I’ve decided to encourage my husband to begin sharing HIS story now! (He has said many, many times, that he wants to share his story “when this is all over”but I see now that it would begin helping him NOW to be sharing it!) He too suffered from drug dependency, thru his early 30’s. During that time in his life whether by direct or indirect means – actual OD or delayed reaction times due to the drug use – he literally DIED 3 times! He is truly a miracle to be alive and functioning. Add to that the fact that he went thru an extensive “Christian-based” rehab, wherein he was convinced by the heirarchy of the church that he marry someone from the church. He ended up marrying a woman who had 8 kids from her first marriage, taking on her children as if his own (THANK GOD he DIDN’T formally adopt them!) After 10 yrs of marriage, This woman filed a claim with CPS that he had molested 3 of her children (2 girls and 1 boy) and yet REMAINED in the family home continuing to “expose” her kids to their “ALLEGED” abuser for 19 days, before leaving. CPS determined that of the 3 only one was a “possibility”, but then one of the older girls – who had sworn revenge against him for exposing a sexting ring she had been involved in while in school, made claims that he’d abused her for years!!! Of course, all of these claims came ONLY AFTER the “family’s” attempts to have my husband civilly committed failed! We have determined that the “family’s” only objective had been to get him out of their lives, while retaining all the property, standing, etc that they had gained while he literally (90+ hrs/week working to support) killed himself working. They’re betrayal almost killed him. In fact, if I hadn’t come out to help him (we’d been good friends since we were 12 & 13 yrs old) I have no doubt that he would NOT have made it. He suffers from two debilitating illnesses, and with all the turmoil, he was on the verge of having to have a feeding tube placed to keep him alive!!! Needless to say, the physical toll was only a small part of what he suffered from this family. Anyway, I intend to urge him to begin telling his story NOW so that he can begin to heal NOW rather than later!!! God Bless!!
Wow, Lora! Your hubby has quite a story. Thanks for sharing it with me. Writing has become incredibly therapeutic for me. He could even start writing it out for himself. That helped me begin healing from my past. 12-step programs can also be wonderful and safe places for those of us with addiction histories. I’m not involved with one right now but I know a lot of people who have found their tribes there :). Many blessings to you both as you continue to move forward.
Wow; I can so relate. I know that I have been hiding my story because I am afraid of what others will think about me; yet I also know I went through the hell so that I can help others know that they are not alone and that there is a way out. Thank you for bringing this to light and for sharing your story!
I truly believe so many of our food issues can come from trying to keep our stories stuffed down, Maureen. You have a wonderful platform to share the painful part of your story and continue serving our community :). Many blessings to you as you press forward helping others see a way out!
Hi Candace,
I was reading another blog which led me to yours. I have been so consumed with wanting to tell my story. After reading the previous blog right below I saw tell your story. I immediately read it. I’m not a blogger myself but have a story about a lot of depression, abuse, alcoholism, drugs, ect… I actually have tried to take my life more than once. The last time I was in a coma for 3 days and the doctors told my family if they believe in God they need to pray hard. I was raised in a strict babtist upbringing and have also been hurt by the church. I have always believed in God but life for me was too hard. The last attempt at suicide was 4years ago and since then I recommit ed my life to Christ. I still struggle some days. I really love how you put it that we can still tell our story even if we are not completely healed. And i appreciate the ideas of how you can tell others besides the website. You have been an inspiration for me. I know God led me to your blog and for that I’m very thankful. .I really need to tell my story as I feel it would help others and I think it would help me heal more. God bless you!
I’m so grateful God brought you here, Roni! You have landed in the right place, my new friend :). It sounds like we have a lot of similarities in our journeys. I’m glad you have found inspiration here. You definitely have an important story to tell! I’m looking forward to hearing more. Praying you find the strength and courage to start sharing somewhere. Many blessings to you!
Sharing our stories is the hard work of faith – of trusting God enough with our past to walk us through the healing and show us how we can use the hurt and brokenness to help someone else. then, trusting God as we share that He’ll lift us up as the world tries to silence our testimony. Very brave of you! Prayers for you as step boldly forward and that many more people will be helped by the sharing of your story.
I love how you refer to “trusting God,” Kathryn. That is really the key. As my faith grows and I trust Him more, the stories flow more freely. Thank you for that important reminder.
As women, we connect around our stories, and we are helped in our efforts to rise above our past when we see how our story is linked to the Great Story of Redemption, the narrative arc of Scripture that reveals how God has created a people for Himself through the death and resurrection of His Son.
Your story demonstrates that Jesus’ story changes everything!
What a beautiful explanation, Michele. Thank you for sharing it. I’m so grateful my story has become His. It took many years to come to this understanding but what an incredible difference it has made.
A needed nudge, perhaps, for me. Thank you fro these great points and sharing bits of your story, Candace!
I hope this nudged you to tell more of your important story, Bethany :)! Many blessings to you.
Candace, I am so grateful our God is moving you to share your story. It is not easy. And yet, as we share, we find that God not only redeemed the past but continues to redeem it as it is used for His greater glory. Praying for you & for your story as you get it all down on paper. Blessings!
Thank you so much for your prayers as I move forward on this writing journey, Joanne. It amazes me how He continues to heal all of that darkness. Blessings to you as well!
I’m glad you are following the “nudge” to move forward and share your story. I know that many will be blessed in the reading and offered hope for their own journeys. Let your light shine girlfriend.
Blessings,
Patti
You are an inspiration, Patti. I hope to one day unfold my entire testimony here. One story at a time, I suppose :). Blessings to you, my friend.
We share a similar path. Sharing was the best decision I could have made. No doubt it has brought healing. Thank you for sharing.
I completely agree, Sarah. Sharing has been one of my very best decisions as well. So glad to have you here!
I’m glad I discovered your post. I have recently told my story of healing from abuse on my blog and, while it was hard and scary to do, it has been healing for me and I have also been so encouraged by how God has used it to impact others too. I haven’t shared my blog with many people I know personally yet so I appreciate what a big step that must be for you. Well done for sharing your story and allowing God to use it.
What a wonderful step you took opening up such a personal and difficult testimony, Carly. You will begin to share your blog with people you know personally when the time is right for you. Our online community is so amazing. I’m incredibly thankful to have found this supportive online world :).
Beautiful! It’s so important to share and not isolate yourself through the bad or the good times!
I isolated for so many years, Anne. It’s been a long road out of that. I’m blessed to finally have community today. So glad to have you here!
Glad to be here. I’ve bookmarked your blog and look forward to reading more from you. And I’m so glad that you have that community of support now!
Amen, Candace. Great reminders!
Thank you, Bomi! We really do each have an important story to share. It’s not always easy, but it’s certainly worth it.
This is absolutely lovely and so true Candace!
I found healing in telling of my struggles with post traumatic stress disorder and anxiety but more astounding are the numbers of people that my story touched and impacted. Amazing. That’s God’s hand, right there.
Thanks for sharing (and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop).
Wishing you a lovely weekend.
xoxo
That’s absolutely God’s hand, Jennifer. Thank you for sharing your life. I struggle with major anxiety issues as well. I have no doubt you will help many with your testimony. Have a wonderful weekend!
Oh Candace… you are one brave woman. I am just so proud of your bold and courageous steps that you are taking to get your story, and ultimately HIS story through redemption, healing and transformation within our hearts and our lives.
I love your message here. May we all take those bold steps to share our own stories- with whom we feel led to do so. Each time we do, God’s light can be revealed.
I am praying for you. I really can’t wait to read your book. I just KNOW it will be a powerful testimony to all that Christ can do with our brokenness… and I thank you for your transparency- because oh how so many need to know they too can have hope and healing in their own messy broken lives.
Thanks so much for your sweet words and prayers, Chris. I’m trying to learn how to fit book writing time into my life right now. I’ve actually decided to unplug for a week to regroup. I checked out of social media yesterday and am just tying up things here tonight. I’m hoping when I plug back in I’ll be ready to move forward with my memoir and know more about where God wants me to go with it. So glad to see you before my week off, my friend!
That takes courage! I find it hard to talk about the dark places in my life, but I am inspired by people like you who tell their stories 🙂
Thank you, Akaleistar. It can certainly be hard to go there. I truly love reading people’s personal stories. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving week! Sorry for the delayed response. I unplugged for a little while :).
I’m at a point in life that I need to share my story. My life as I put it is a Lifetime mini series or soap opera both are fitting. While there is a buffet of experiences, bad decisions, wrong turns and hurtful relationships to talk about I’m feeling lead at this time to speak, write or give testimony on my healing. I suffered with a liver disease for years and had two transplants in a year. I NEED to tell how Amazing God has been to me. I don’t really know where or how to start but I want everyone to know God is in the miracle business. I am living proof that He loves to show out lol. Any prayer and or advice for this journey would be appreciated. Thank you so much for this site. I’ve been searching for ideas and you have been the most helpful, God Bless?
Hi Lisa! It sounds like God is really leading you to share your incredible testimony. What a wonderful journey this blog has been for me. I started it about 5 years ago and am so thankful for people like you that I’ve been fortunate to meet here. There are so many places for you to start! Maybe a support group for one of the issues you’re recovering from? Newly diagnosed patients are always in need of hope from people like you who have walked their journey. It might even be time for you to start your own blog! It’s a lot of work but well worth it at times. Check out the blogging resources link in the post above for some great educational tools. I hope to see you around here again!! Many blessings to you!