Turning Your Scars Into Stars

Madison woke up, as usual, at 5:30 am ready to tackle the morning routine of getting herself ready before waking up her precious little girl to take her to daycare. Madison was a single mom with ambition to give her daughter more than she ever had herself. She worked 2 jobs to pay for the bills and often found herself exhausted at the uphill climb.

As she stumbled to the mirror to begin getting ready for another day, she looked at herself and sighed, "Is there more to life than this?" Wondering how she ended up in a situation that was far from the fairy-tale ending she had pictured, Madison felt a sense of grief overtake her. She rubbed her eyes and thought, "Why me?".

Much like Madison, there are thousands, if not millions of women today, asking the same question. For whatever reason, life has ended up far different than their childhood fantasies and the hope for those dreams seem far away. I remember being 23 years old, wondering the same thing. I had fallen in love and married the man I thought I would grow old with me. Unfortunately, that fairy-tale ending shattered the day he left me, only 7 months after our marriage had begun. I was broken hearted and fell into deep depression, wondering, "Why me, God?"

At the time, I thought my life was over. I had always dreamed of being used by God to make a difference in this world with my voice and music, but suddenly the thought of God using a broken, divorced, abused, and unwanted woman seemed impossible. Little did I know that God was in the business of turning our scars into stars that light the way for others. He doesn't look for perfect vessels to use for His honor, but for available vessels who are willing to be repurposed!

Now, 17 years later, it is that very story of brokenness, pain, and heartache that has enabled me to help so many thousands of women around the world. My tragedy became my testimony and now I see it as one of the most precious gifts God has given my life.

Every woman, every mom, every person has a story tell. To some, that story is of heartache, abuse, rejection, and failure. To others, the story is laced with victory, triumph, and success. No matter what your story may be, God has a way of working out the details so that He can use your past to empower the future of others. So how do you transition from being a victim of your story to a victor in life?

3 Keys To Unleashing Your Story

1. Know that your story is God's gift to you. What you make of it is your gift to God. Though God may not have gotten you where you are today, He can move you from where you are to where you are destined to be. By letting go of the hurt, unforgiveness, bitterness and pain, you can receive His love, purpose, and restoration.

2. Recognize that your story has the potential to change the world around you! You may not see it now, but everything you've been through and survived could very well help someone else overcome in their time of need. Have you survived abuse, rejection, loss of a loved one, failure, or even a life of making mistakes that seemed impossible to overcome? Don't give up. That story, if put in the hands of a masterful architect like God, could change the world of someone else in need. Your story has the potential to light the way for others living in the darkness of similar circumstances.

3. Believe that your story isn't over. The best is yet to come! God's not finished with you yet. "He who began a good work in you is faithful to complete it." Philippines 1:6

I encourage you to join us on September 26th, in Hot Springs, Arkansas for the 2009 EMERGE Conference, where you will experience the life-changing messages of speakers dedicated to seeing you step into the life you were destined to live. The night will be packed with entertainment, speakers, comedy, music, and fun, all focussed on seeing you 'Emerge' stronger than ever!

For tickets, or to learn more about the event click here or call 888-664-0656.

I look forward to seeing you there!