The Power of a Story

When I began writing here in April 2012, my purpose for blogging was to share my story in a new and creative way. In fact, my blogger profile ends with this statement, "I believe that everybody has a story to tell. It is here that I will tell my story...making peace with the pieces of life." 
I believed then, and still do, that there is power in sharing your story. Power in naming your broken pieces, so that they may be healed. It is in doing this that authenticity comes and transformation can take place.

In her book, The Unveiled Wife, Jennifer Smith, bravely tells her story. And, she does it for the same reasons that I decided to tell mine. So that women will know that they are not alone in their struggles. To provide hope. And, to encourage women toward developing an intimate connection with God.
I first met Jennifer and her husband, Aaron, through blogging. Then, we were fortunate to meet in person in January 2014, after Jen invited me to Southern California to share some of my thoughts on weariness at her Shine event. It was then that I first heard her speak publicly about her struggle in marriage. 
In her book, Jennifer tells her story - her journey toward discovering the greater purpose of marriage. It's the story of her struggle to understand why the God she loved her whole life would not provide her with a miracle. It's the story of how she wanted to give up on God and her marriage. But, most importantly, it is the story of redemption and grace. Of forgiveness and freedom.
"Although I was saved by grace, over time I had woven together another veil, made of expectations, imperfections and insecurities"
While Jennifer's story may not be my story or your story, we all have veils that we have hidden behind, at times. In Psalm 91 we are told that if we "dwell in the secret place of the Most High" that we will remain fixed and stable in Him. We will only experience this stability and rest if we turn our face toward him. If we behold God, we become mirrors through which others can see him. We cannot do this if we remain hidden beneath our veils, if we stay stuck in what we don't have or in the negative parts of our story.
In 2 Corinthians 3, Paul says that when we turn to the Lord, the veil is removed. Then, there is freedom. Then, we can see and reflect God's glory. Then, we can become more and more like him.
This is the story that Jennifer tells. Of being unveiled. It is difficult story, which she speaks courageously. I feel privileged to have been invited into it.
"Being an unveiled wife is about confronting and crushing your fears;  believing in truth more than doubt, worry or lies and finding your security in God alone." 

*Disclosure: I received a free copy of The Unveiled Wife for the purpose of review.