Last week, I had the opportunity to share my story with a group of women at Eastern Hills Community Church in Aurora, CO.  The ladies there were so attentive and open to what I had on my heart to share with them.  I SO appreciate that!Both this bible study at EHCC and a bible study I was a part of in the fall went through Kelly Minter’s Nehemiah Study.  I used that study as a theme.  It’s all about what breaks our hearts.  Where God may be calling for us to serve.  It’s a difficult topic.  And could become a topic ridden with guilt versus excitement quite quickly.After sharing my story, I turned the tables on the group of women in the room.  I mentioned, in general, three different groups of women.  Consider which group you most resonate with as you read the following.Group 1-  “Clear Vision” – This is a group of women that have heard God calling to them softly and clearly with what He wants them to do/where He wants them to serve.  If you resonate with this group, you may have already taken a step or two in that direction.  Or you may be clinging onto your plan instead of God’s, although He has made it abundantly clear.  I danced this dance for 3-5 years before surrendering my “big” ideas in exchange for God’s eternal ideas.  My advice to this group:  this year, take that first step!  It doesn’t have to be big.  Just a step.Group 2 – “Unanswered” – This is a group of women that really have no idea what God may be calling them to do with this short life or where they should be serving.  Maybe due to busyness, maybe because life is good and you simply haven’t thought about what your heart breaks for.  My advice:  Try mind mapping. (Check back and I will walk you through this process in the next post.)Group 3 – “Hurting” – This is a group of women that hear the word serve and they can’t imagine finding the capacity to do such a thing.  Your heart is broken and it needs some serious mending before you can go and help others.  And the reality is, what your heart is broken over today will be just the thing that He will use you for in the future.  My advice to you:  find support/help/healing.  This year.And listen up to those who resonate with having a clear vision or who feel unanswered:  those who are hurting need us!  They need our support, they need our encouragement, they need us to serve them in order for them to move forward towards healing and wholeness.Because the reality is, we all have a story to share.  There is someone that needs to hear our hope, our struggles, our realness.  When we hear others share, we reflect on ourselves.  Think of it like pruning a tree.  And I believe that based on our stories and where our heart has broken, at some point, we get the opportunity to turn around and serve others going through a similar situation.

1 Chronicles 16:24  “Publish His glorious deeds among the nations.  Tell everyone the amazing things He does.”

Which group do you resonate with?  Are you willing for this to be the year that you start to take steps towards where God is breaking your heart?  And where He wants you to serve?  Because there is only one you, with your unique story, unique qualities and unique gifts.