I was talking to a friend last night about a time in my life when I had no hope, when I had walked away from God and pushed hard to keep Him out of my life. But when you choose to run from God, it's exhausting and it's a hopeless feeling I never ever want to feel again. Once I stopped running, it didn't take long for Him to swoop me up in His sweet, undeserved grace and sweep me off my feet with His deep love.

I remember an acquaintance telling me years ago that I should be careful about sharing my story, that I would lose the respect of many. I was so discouraged until I realized that every single one of our stories matters, because they are all stories of survival in one way or another.

Choosing to be transparent and share your life with others shows nothing but bravery!

““they told me I’d never get to tell my story, too many bullet holes, it would take a miracle...but my story is only now beginning, don’t try to write my ending, no one gets to sing MY song!” -Nichole Nordeman”

Nichole Nordeman has long been one of my favorite songwriters and this song right here brings tears to my eyes. Take a minute to watch this lyric video, I hope it encourages you as much as it encouraged me!