I had the privilege of sharing a glimpse into my story with the women of My Sister’s House, a division of Atlanta Mission. I wanted to share some of my notes with you here, just in case someone you know and love could benefit from hearing them.

High school drop-out
Bad influence
Alcoholic
belligerent
Single mother
Adulteress
Unemployable
Hopeless
Addict
Beyond Human Aid

These were the words used to describe me for many years.

With 10 years of sobriety now behind me, I can honestly say that the best is before me. I can also say with all certainty that the best is before you.

I want to encourage you, in this season. Whether it finds you in a place of peace or of turmoil, to make the decision to change the voice that only you can hear. The one that speaks up any time you are making a decision, the one that whispers discouragement when you’re lying awake at night staring at the ceiling. The one who is there first thing in the morning when you wake up. The inner voice.

Fill your mind with truth. Please. I beg you. As we walk into a broken world and raise children, especially daughters in the midst of the brokenness, we must replace any negative self-talk with truth.

The only way I know to do that is by listening to what God says about me.

I don’t know what words your inner voice is speaking to you, but there are 3 things I want you to know today.

GOD LOVES YOU ~ He does! I am 100% positive about this one. And his love is perfect.
1 John 4:18 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
There is no fear in love. Instead, perfect love drives fear away. Fear has to do with being punished. The one who fears does not have perfect love.

HE HAS A PLAN FOR YOUR LIFE
Isaiah 41:10 The Message (MSG)
I’ve picked you. I haven’t dropped you.’
Don’t panic. I’m with you.
There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. 
I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. 
I’ll hold you steady, keeping a firm grip on you.

Ephesians 1 (NIV)
We were also chosen to belong to him. God decided to choose us long ago in keeping with his plan. He works out everything to fit his plan and purpose.

JESUS CAME FOR YOU AND FOR ME. BECAUSE OF THAT, WE HAVE HOPE. ~ No matter what this season brings for you, you can rest in this truth.
Isaiah 9:6 The Message (MSG)
For a child has been born—for us!
the gift of a son—for us!
He’ll take over
 the running of the world.
His names will be: Amazing Counselor,
 Strong God, 
Eternal Father,
 Prince of Wholeness.
His ruling authority will grow,
 and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.


Romans 15 New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
May the God who gives hope fill you with great joy. May you have perfect peace as you trust in him. May the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope.

Today, I answer to different words…
Loved
Redeemed
Treasured
Forgiven
Accepted
Beautiful
Adored
Sacred
Hopeful
His Masterpiece
Just to name a few…

What words are you answering to?



This is my prayer for you and one that I pray for those I love including my children.
Ephesians 3
A Prayer for the Ephesians
For this reason, I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever! Amen.

Keep up with Atlanta Mission on Facebook and Twitter
For questions please call: 404-588-4000
or
email: info@atlantamission.org

Related Articles:
Baptisms