Stories

What's your story? Seems like an easy question, right? But so many of us, including myself feel like we wouldn't know what to say, or that no one would want to hear  our story, or that our story isn't good enough...well, this week has been huge for me in realizing my story.

Our Amazing Week in Vail, Co.

We were in Vail, CO this week, as we attended a conference on maximizing business. We were attending mainly for Josh to learn more entrepreneurship and business, etc..., but we have been overwhelmed by the amount of information that applies to ME. To my story! I have learned so much on how God has given me a platform, an audience, a people to share my story!

We did not want to leave!

It was gorgeous weather

Our hotel was amazing.. each night a robe and slippers...it's the little things:)

When private becomes public...very public

If you know me at all, you know I am typically a private person (hilarious that I am writing this on a public blog, I know:), but I really am. Had Josh not started the blog, I don't know if I would have ever done something like this. It has been the biggest blessing with prayers, support, and touching people all over the world. We are continually amazed when we see blog views from all over the world! Yes, that somewhat makes my stomach curl, but I am realizing that is a blessing, not a burden. God has ordered our steps and brought up to this place. May He guide our steps as we work toward sharing our story even more. We have had hundreds of people suggest us speaking more, writing books, continuing our podcast- unfathomable to me that people are so interested. I am really working on trying to see it as a good thing, and not pressure to write the perfect words- because Lord knows I don't have those. I just try to share from my heart and that the Holy Spirit would speak through me.

Needless to say, as we receive peace and guidance, we will move forward to having many more people hear our story. I still have hesitancy about this, but God is giving more peace and direction in how to tell even more people of His amazing story in me. The funny part is, even you all (who know so much) still just know a fraction of what life has been like for me over the last 2 years. As time goes on, I pray I'm able to share much, much more. This "privacy" part of me is getting torn down, slowly but surely. I've really been challenged as to why I lean toward privacy. A lot of it has to do with fear. A lot of it has to do with selfishness. A lot of it has to do with me feeling like people don't care that much. WHY WOULD I WANT TO BELIEVE ANY OF THIS? The devil is a liar and I want no part of fear, selfishness, or lack of value.

John 8:44 "You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and has nothing to do with the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies."

I had some really special morning walks in Vail with my hubby discussing our stories...

Running is definitely easier with this background:)

I love traveling with this guy!

My Story...lately

So, soon we will be updating our blog layout and adding some things to make it easier to share our story:) In the meantime, I am still getting settled in with my new job as a school counselor and loving it.  What I would have given to have had a mentor that I strive to be for these students!!! Also, I am making progress toward my dissertation. I am in the interview process, since my IRB got approved! An IRB is basically just a formal document that allows you to include humans in research, so since that got approved, I have begun to interview members of my family. Just to remind you, my dissertation is on my breast cancer journey. The title is : Breast Cancer at 24: An Autoethnography of Personal and Familial Experiences of a Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment. This involves me sharing my story and interviewing family members to get their perspective on many things during my diagnosis and treatment. It has been difficult so far, which I anticipated, but I didn't anticipate how healing some of the interviews would be. God amazes me when he turns something that could potentially be harmful into something healing... The more and more I delve into my study, I realize the potential reach it can have. I told God that I would be a vessel.. I just didn't realize how much!!!

The Challenge

1.) Find "your story"

•    if you struggle finding the answer to this, ask a trusted friend or family member. Sometimes Josh or those closest to me reveal a part of my story I didn't even know.

2.) If you're not telling it, why not? 

• You may be fearful like I am. I have to be wise and somewhat guard myself. That's ok. Just be honest with yourself and where you're at. Have someone hold you accountable.

3.) Share it. People WANT and NEED to hear it

•  share it to a group of friends...moms, dads, church, colleagues. The parts that you are "scared" to tell are exactly what people are wanting and needing to hear!!!

Committed to sharing my story and praying you'll share yours,


Aly


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