What I Learned from Dirty Laundry Secrets

Can I reminisce for a moment? It was about this time last year when I was given the opportunity to teach the first study I wrote, Dirty Laundry Secrets, at Bay Area Fellowship Westside Campus the church where I attend. That was an incredible adventure for me. It was really an experience where God challenged me to trust Him.

When I was given the opportunity, I questioned, I doubted, I froze, I prayed, and I argued. It was crazy. Teaching women is tops on my list of passions, but I had never taught in a community like this. I continually was asking myself -- Would I have something to relate to them? Would they trust me? I certainly didn't want to screw it up because souls were on the line.

If it weren't for a dear friend, Marta, I'm not sure how I would have made it through. She prayed with me. She prodded me. She called me before and after class to ensure me God had my back. She attended the class. She encouraged me. She helped open my eyes to my doubt and unbelief. Thank you, friend!

Even though others said "no one would show up for class and that I was crazy for wanting to teach there", I am so thankful I obeyed God's calling. Teaching those eight weeks, I learned so much about myself, that community, and God.

I learned:

1. When God wants to move in a big way He will challenge those leading.
2. Although people come from different cultures and backgrounds, our hearts still break the same.
3. Whether we are jobless, homeless, addicted, abused, or wealthy, God's truth is the only truth that will set us free.
4. When you share your struggles, you open the door for others to do the same.
5. When you show up and follow through with God's call, you create a place where miracles can happen.
6. When you are faced with a situation and speechless, it's then that God will minister in unique ways.
7. Pain is pain, regardless of race, finances, or community.
8. You have to continually show up to earn the trust of others and have a right to speak into their lives.

I could go on and on. I seriously could list the girls individually and tell you what I learned from them. I'll forever be grateful. It is an incredible adventure when you can sit back and watch God work in mysterious ways. There are no words to describe what it's like to see changes in others lives and know maybe you were there when that seed was planted, but that that change is ALL GOD!

What God did those eight weeks:
1. Freed a woman and three children from an abusive relationship. (testimony HERE)
2. Freed another from her drug addiction.
3. Many claimed Jesus as their Savior.
4. More were baptized.
5. He changed lives.

I'm looking back, because I'm looking forward to seeing God move in our next class of Dirty Laundry Secrets beginning this Wednesday.