Esther saved her people.
Hannah made a vow.
Mary birthed the King of Kings.
Ruth was a loyal friend.
I just wanted to stop by and tell a little of my story for the And Me, which is a campaign created by Kellee and her husband Dave. I've been following their story since Jan 1, 2015 after their elopement was posted on Munaluchi Bride's instagram. I was deeply inspired for their love for Jesus and one another. When Kellee announced this campaign in December, I jumped at the opportunity to purchase one for my sis and I! I posted a picture in this shirt last week at Intervarsity's Urbana 2015 in St. Louis, but I didn't have an opportunity to tell my story in the midst of the packed week. Right now, I want to take the time to tell a little of my testimony.
And Me? Me? Apart of God's story?
If you would've asked me this between Fall 2009 to 2011, I would have laughed in your face. Though I was raised as a Christian, I quickly forgot about God's sovereignty and pursued a life for myself. In college, I pursued things that I thought would give me power and status. I found my identity in great grades, guys, friends, my body/looks and what others thought of me. I created idols out of these things and my heart was so hardened to God's voice.
Even then, God still beckoned for me. In Fall 2011, those idols began to crash. I found myself in a whirlwind of confusion. One of my majors challenged me and I wasn't making perfect grades. I attended parties with the intentions of finding the perfect guy. I still didn't feel like I fit in with anyone. I had the hardest time wondering who I was supposed to be friends with on a mostly white campus. I gained and lost weight so fast. I walked around in a fog not knowing that I suffered from depression.I experienced so much emotional turmoil that I couldn't think straight. That winter break, I looked myself in the mirror and I vowed that a change had to occur. I knew I couldn't continue life that way. During that next semester, I joined a local church in Charlottesville and I started attending Intervarsity Christian Fellowship's Oneway chapter. For the first time, I found myself listening to the Word of God. In addition, I created friendships with people who truly loved me.
During the Summer of 2012, I experienced another idol crashing down. Due to my concern with others' opinions, I took a job I shouldn't have taken. In those moments, I clearly knew I couldn't live at the hand of man-made items and fickle people/emotions. That summer, I spent every night and day studying the Bible. I deleted so much of my old music because I realized the lyrics shaped my thoughts. I started listening to Mali Music and Kari Jobe constantly. That summer I learned that I was God's and I was fearfully and wonderfully made.
Since then, I have experienced so much peace, love, and joy in my heart. God has provided me with amazing friendships, restored relationships with family, career plans, purpose. I was once was lost...He found me. I wasn't perfect. Quite frankly, I was a hot mess as we say in the South haha. He met me there and changed my life so much in one year. I spent years creating a life for myself and God has orchestrated so many beautiful happenings in my life. I am grateful for the manifestations of some and I can't wait to share others very soon.
So I just like Esther, Hannah, Mary, and Ruth, I too am apart of this beautiful, amazing, joyful redemptive story. I am in this beautiful lineage. Every morning I wake up, I embrace it.. I live it...it fuels me.
Sisters, brothers....you are apart of this story AND guess what? it doesn't matter where you are. It takes a willing heart and God will transform your life.
At Urbana 15, David Platt delivered an amazing message. He said, "This is the life that counts - a life in love with Christ. Does your heart belong to Christ?"
All of these things....grades...people...plans...money...parties...cars....organizations....they don't matter. Yes, they complement you, but they don't identify you. Those things crumble, your identity is what stands.
What story will you tell with your life? What identifies you?
Please know you are already made precious.
Take care!
xoxo,
Tonyette
PS,
Want to talk?
Email me at trw8aw@virginia.edu or follow me/ DM me on Instagram @speak_yoursoul
