Page 16 - April 2023 News On 7_Neat

The Jesus Revolution: An Encouraging Reminder of Christ's Transformative Power and the
Importance of Sharing Our Testimonies
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of their testimony…"
Revelation 12:11a (NASB)

As I sat in the theatre and watched "The Jesus Revolution" movie, tears streamed down my face. I was deeply moved by the
testimonies of those whose lives were changed during the “Jesus” movement of the 60s and 70s. These stories not only give
evidence to God's transformative power, but offer inspriation to share our own personal testimonies.

So, what exactly is a personal testimony? Simply put, it is your own story of how you came to know and experience God. It
doesn't have to be dramatic or filled with miraculous events; it just needs to be authentic and honest. Being a “witness”
means sharing your testimony with others, living out your faith in daily life, and pointing people towards Jesus.

Stories, as we all know, are incredibly powerful. They capture our attention and transport us to different worlds, making us
feel a range of emotions. It's been scientifically proven that when we connect with a story, we get a hit of dopamine - the
“feel-good” hormone. Testimonies are powerful because they are real experiences of people who have been transformed by
Jesus Christ's love. They are not just stories, but a reminder of God's faithfulness, grace, majesty and power. They are part of
a larger narrative beyond ourselves.

As we approach the season of Easter & Passover, it's important to remember that both holidays are rooted in storytelling.
During Passover, families retell their stories of deliverance from oppression to remember where they came from. As
Christians, we should also remember our origins to appreciate what Christ has done for us.

My own journey with God has been messy one, characterized by many hard and painful lessons which led to growth and
change - a process made possible through the grace of God who (thankfully) gave me a hunger for transformation and a
“teachable heart.” Through my blog posts, podcast, and devotionals like this one, I document my journey for myself and
others. It's important to me that my life should be a testimony, and I believe the same is true for everyone. By sharing our
experiences and faith, we can inspire others to seek a deeper relationship with God.

The Jesus Revolution reminded me the importance of sharing our personal stories and how it’s a meaningful way to connect
and build trust with one another. When we are vulnerable enought to share our experiences of trials, resilience, and how
God has worked in our lives, it can have a profound impact on those struggling through tough times. Plus, when we talk
about where we come from and how we've tackled challenges, it promotes understanding and empathy among us all.
Personally, I find sharing our stories both powerful and inspiring and feel it brings people closer together.

In fact, I am personally committing to sharing my own testimony on an upcoming podcast episode of Practical Ministry. I
invite you all to listen when it is released so we can continue building community together. There will likely be a
corresponding Process of Illumnation blog post as well (see below ** for more info on how to follow and support my podcast
and blog).

I invite you to take some time this month to reflect on your own story. Write it down or record it on audio or video. Don't
shy away from sharing what God has done for you because you never know whose life you might touch with your words. And
if you don’t know whether you believe in God, write that down, too. Ask Him to show you who He is. If you need some
encouragement, feel free to reach out to me. I’m always happy to help :)

Until we meet again, may God’s Grace be with you… XO.

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