Your Testimony is Vital!
I’ve thought a lot about how aspects of my life could positively affect the lives of others. There are so many things that I’ve endured and survived, yet much of it hasn’t been shared. Although I had several reasons as to why I chose not to share at that time, it has weighed heavily on me that now is the time. Sharing my story – my testimony – could be just the thing to not only change but save lives.
Years ago, churches used to have what they called “testimony service.” During these services, congregants would tell of how, by having a personal relationship with God, coupled with His miraculous intervention, they overcame. In our words, they would tell of how He turned it. Those listening gained so much strength! They rejoiced with their sister or brother but, also, came to realize that, what He had done for that person, He could, in turn, do for them. The testimonies built their faith, gave them hope, and strengthened them to keep going because, at any moment, He could move on their behalf, causing them to be the next recipient of a miracle. These services carried on for numerous generations, some of which still happen today. For countless people, this was their introduction to God and how He worked. They saw their mothers and grandmothers pray, then witnessed testimonies of victory regarding that very thing that they prayed about. They garnered hope, amongst many other things. It didn’t matter how unfavorable the situation seemed, they saw how heavily their elders relied on and trusted God, causing them to do the same.
Testimonies have a way of providing a sense of unity and giving insight into how to handle different problems. They give a sense of unity in that they allow people to see that they aren’t the only ones going through a certain situation. They have a way of making one feel as if they have a partner in the fight. No one wants to go through anything alone, especially something that is not good. Additionally, I think some testimonies reveal, to a degree, what not to do. They serve as warning signs for those to follow to go a different route, as some (not all) of the places and situations that the people find themselves in are due to mistakes that they made or situations that they put themselves in. I felt it important to bring out this fact because there were times that I brought things on myself, knowing what the outcome would be. All in all, testimonies could be life changers if we choose to share.
What if your testimony was the key to unlock someone else’s freedom? What if your transparency gave someone else the push to live life differently? Moreover, what if the lack of testimonies are a direct correlation as to why so many people allow themselves to live a life less than what God intended for them to live?
I will use myself for an example. I was party to an abusive relationship for 12 years. I want to draw attention to the fact that I used the words “party to” rather than “victim of.” Although a victim, by definition, is simply a person who is subjected to an action, I found that synonyms of that same word are mark, prey, sitting duck, and target. I may have been those things then, but I choose to be defined differently now.
As I was going through this period of my life, I noticed that most people just wanted to sweep it under the rug. It was never really addressed. It was the taboo topic that everyone knew about but no one talked about. It was as if people thought disassociation from the person enduring the abuse or being quiet made it go away. In my case, many knew. Some saw firsthand. Needless to say, there were no actual conversations about it. When I reached the point that I wanted to discuss it to help others, I was told that I was “putting my business in the streets” and needed to be quiet about it. But what if my story was the one that would give someone else the strength to walk away? What if my testimony could be a part of their healing process – being able to see someone who endured and not only lived, but thrived? I feel it necessary to stress that the telling a testimony to shame someone else or to paint yourself in a better light than the other person is not what I’m proposing. Testimonies solely for the intent of finger pointing and slander have minimal effect. The goal is to share to uplift and bring about a positive change. I will add that I waited until my testimony could be delivered without any ill intent whatsoever. I’m not mad, bitter, or resentful. It was what it was. It made me stronger and shaped who I am today. It, also, put me in a position to make this a reality for someone else.
What have you gone through that could have very well changed someone else’s life for the better? What were you too embarrassed to share that may have cost someone else their life? Whose faith and hope may have diminished because you were silent?
I believe that God spared me so that I may be of help to countless others. I believe that is your plight, as well. Tell your story. Become a hope builder. Be the reason that someone soars and not settles. Be the key to unlock their destiny. If hurt people hurt people, then what do healed people do? There is a well-known cliché that states that time heals all wounds. I think time, along with God, and people willing to share their stories, aid in that healing process, as well.