From the Inside Out

Oh hey there...

I have been in somewhat of an off season on here. Life has been hectic and busy, but more important amazing and beautiful.

This blog post has been on my heart for awhile, and it just keeps reappearing. Hence why I am here typing these words right now.  I wrote a post awhile ago about how I truly believe people can change. Under the circumstances that they are changing for themselves, not anyone else. Consider this Part two of that post...

It is alarming and beautiful to see God work in a persons life, and truly change who they are. I guess it is something I never really noticed before I dove completely and utterly into a relationship with our Savior. Or I guess you can really say I was pushed in by Him, but that's OK. I will take it however you want to look at it.

I found us in a photograph
I saw me and I had to laugh
You know, I'm not who I was
-- Brandon Heath, I'm Not Who I Was

I am absolutely in love with this song. Really, you should give it a listen because it really gives me hope, and happiness. I hope it can do the same for you. I don't know how many times I have looked back on a photograph, and realized how much I have changed.  You have probably changed over the years and experience this same feeling.

The amazing part of it all, is when I think back to the actual WHO I was in those picture. What I stood for, who I was trying to be, hiding behind a mask of who I thought I should be. Never really knowing, always seeking...that was me. We have all been there before, some of us are there right now and some will never stop seeking who they are and true happiness.

But this post isn't really about me. I want to focus more on the good I have seen Him do in others.I want those of you who haven't accepted Christ, or are just wanting to change, that it is more than possible. No person is too messed up for Him, no situation too big, nor small.

I think some of my favorite stories are from the people I went to college with. I have seen Him use people who I never thought would change. People who used girl after girl to their advantage. People who were drunk pretty much every time I saw them. Which happens more often than not in a college setting. It is such a beautiful thing to see them in their life now. To see them go from that life to one over flowing with His love, and His work. It is truly breath taking.

I have seen forgiveness blossom out of the most unforgiving events. I have forgiven more than I have ever thought I am capable. I have learned how to love unconditionally, push judgements aside and look at the world in a sunny side up fashion

I know some of you are thinking, "I don't need this God guy in my life to be a good person." I wish I could explain it, but I can't put it into words the difference it is when He is put at the center of your life. It really does feel like falling in love. Falling in love with Christ is like falling in love with someone who will never leave you, forsake you, or stop loving you. Finding a actual human being like this is impossible. That is what makes His love for you so worth wild, so amazing, so pure.

Are you ready to take the dive? It isn't easy, it can be scary, but the reward, His love is worth every second of it. I know I have said this before, but if you would have told me about a year ago that I would be sitting here writing this, living the life I have right now, I would have called you crazy. That's the beauty of Him, He knows how to use you in ways you never knew you were capable of. He is just waiting for you to jump in, embrace Him and experience the life changing love that he provides.

Love y'all

Lauren

Well the thing I find most amazing
In amazing grace
Is the chance to give it out
Maybe that's what love is all about
I wish you could see me now
I wish I could show you how
I'm not who I was