It’s no secret that I love a good story.
I love to read them, and I love to write them. Nothing captivates me more than something that’s real-life, up close and personal. Throw in a great visual and it’s golden.
Stories have the power to move us and teach us. They open our hearts, expose our feelings and help us to sort through our own convictions. And good stories often help us come to terms with our doubts and frailties, moving us forward to a place of confidence and action.
The world and our pride tell us to put on a good story front. To show our best sides in front of our friends. To post our most flattering pictures on social media. To portray as much order and beauty as possible so that our stories will look and sound good. So that we will look good.
But have you noticed what stories go viral on the internet?
I’m here to tell you that it’s not usually the neatly packaged life. More often than not, it’s the words and videos that are raw and real; the ones that speak of hope in hard times, love that overcomes trial, right that wins over wrong, and gratitude in the redemption of it all. You can think of one right now, can’t you?
Why is this?
I believe it’s because we’re wired to long for a redemption story.
The Bible is just that – from beginning to end – one long story that takes us through this incredible journey of ups and downs, rebellion and heartbreak until hope and sacrifice and redemption finally win. How glorious that the imperfection of the needy leads to gratitude for the provision of a perfect Savior.
The greatest story ever told.
Since gratitude is our focus, and since Jesus is the lasting Source of our gratitude, it follows that if you’ve been rescued, you too have an important story to tell.
“I can’t tell my story,” you say.
It’s too messy.
Too imperfect.
Too incomplete.
Too unresolved.
Too hard.
Too {fill in the blank}…
But wait.
Remember, the best stories aren’t the perfect ones. Listen, no one can relate with those anyway. The best stories are centered on the hope and gratitude we live out in the midst of our imperfect stories, because all of the glory is shifted away from us and back onto the real hero of our story… our perfect Savior.
If we actually lived out this kind of consistent, genuine gratitude in the middle of our imperfect mess… it might just go viral.
A woman who is confident and content in who she is in Christ overflows with gratitude even in the midst of her less than perfect story, allowing God’s beautiful story of redemption to continue to shine through her to the next generation.
He’s given each of us a story.
It’s up to us to decide what we’ll do with it. Won’t you elevate the name of Jesus by living gratitude in the midst of your imperfect story today?
At His feet,
LET’S TALK: Do you struggle to live out gratitude because you’re caught up in the imperfect? How can we pray for you today? Let’s encourage one another in the comment section below!
Wow! Yes I have been in a deep point of struggle with gratitude for weeks. Struggling bc God doesn’t seem to be working on my time table and must be overlooking us. Struggling bc all I feel is the pressure of the daily struggle that always seems to win out. But yesterday I heard on K love something that has been transforming. The host shared about a lady she knew that always thanked God in advance of prayers being answered and how it at strengthened her faith. So I started doing that, and it’s working! My attitude is better. My heart feels lighter. My perspective is more thankful and bright. God hadn’t forgotten me and He is at work!
Thanks for your post. What an encouragement – to remember to pray with thanksgiving, knowing that God will see us through what is occurring, even though it doesn’t feel like it right now.
It’s hard to remember, but we CAN have confidence that even when we can’t see, God is always working for our good and His glory! Praise God for that turning point, Lauren!
Love,
Whitney
i’m tired…really tired…and not sure why. is it the weather? is there an underlying, nagging thought that is bothering me? my mind wants to praise God with gratitude and my heart and body just want to wallow in the tiredness this morning. I will pray for strength and ask for your prayers also.
Dear JackieJ ~ I am praying for you 🙂 Go with what your mind is telling you to do, for “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?”-Jeremiah 17:9. I have found that after rolling out of bed, I hit the floor on my knees and face before a holy God and just mumble “Thank you’s” until I’m awake enough to say anything different…lol. As we praise Him, His power is revived within us. The Spirit that lives within can’t help but get excited and energized when we worship and sing and praise the Father. Turn on some worship music and just soak it up. I bet you feel better in no time!
Dear Laurajean,
Beautiful!
Laura Jean you are amazing…I have loved this woman since we were 13yrs old (ten years ago… on some calendar …ok. Ok! the veterinarian’s !) & I have watched her go thru things that most people wouldn’t find hope in let alone gratitude…(even forgiving me for early 20’s bad hair and much worse decsions. I don’t know why she even speaks to me…oh wait…yeah ok I do…but still!!!
She is light where there has been no windows and paths when the road seemed to end. She carries with her faith in Heavenly Father and if you know Laura then counting your blessings will be easy because she (and Angel Shaver!) both are warrior women that create their lives, choose to not be held back from previous trials, and make each day new…oh and also your complaints will sound trivial after seeing what they not only survived but make better as great mom’s, survivalists and forever friends.
Ps Laura I would appreciate you getting fat or something you have 300 kids and are gorgeous. Your making me seem chunky when I blame and complain about 2 . ah life in pictures …that’s right ! Say cheese! move over Regina nothing personal they won’t see you anyway…
Sweet Jackie,
I hear you, and I’ve been there. The best advice for me was when my pastor once said, “To flee one thing, you must pursue another.” Laurajean is right on… to flee a downcast spirit, we can pursue praise! Honored to pray for you today, friend. So glad you stopped by.
Love,
Whitney
A friend of mind called me and needed money to pay her rent because she was getting evicted. When she asked me, I didn’t have the money. I didn’t want to take anything from my 401K. But, if that’s what I had to do to keep her and her kids from being evicted I would have done so. So, I turned to my credit union in hopes of getting this money for her. She called me the night before she was to go to court and I told her I didn’t have it. I felt really bad because I could have taken it from my 401K. When I got off the phone with her, I got down on my knees and I prayed that God will make a way out of no way. Then I checked my account at the credit union and nothing was there. I prayed again when I got up the next morning and I felt this chill come over my body. I said that’s my God. Later that morning around 11:00a.m. I went online and check to see if my credit union gave me the money I asked for. God is an ontime God. The money was in my account. I called my friend, at this point she was at the Court house and I told her I had the money. The court let her make payment arrangements and I immediately when to my Credit Union and withdrew the money and got her a cashier check for $2,798.00. God is an ontime God. My friend is doing very well now. She found a new job and everything is working out. Prayer works. Happy ending!!!
Thank you for sharing that incredible story of generosity today, Darlene! GRATITUDE to our great God!
Love,
Whitney
this posting is so encouraging to me today…This week life is starting to move into a “normal” phase after months of uncertainty and change with moving several times, loss of jobs, loss of insurance and isolation. These past few weeks we have purchased our home and our settling in as well as this week my husband started a new job and our insurance is covered again. However, in this time of “prosperity” I find myself alone and a spirit of downcast. My husband took some precious time with me last night after dinner and said, “Hun, what’s going on, please talk to me?” I said I don’t know and was just numb. My husband started to praise the Women I am in his life and through these months how God has worked through me and I started to cry. His words of affirmation and love broke down those walls of passivity that I was building up. He reminded me of some powerful things to remember:
TEA (our Thoughts control our Emotions that control our Actions) It starts with my thoughts and giving them over to Christ. And to do that I have to remember that I am His-I am Holy-I am a Reflection of Him. And when I’m in this state of blah I am not reflecting His Beauty. I don’t want that! I was also reminded to enjoy His presence. For me it’s seeing the beauty of what He has created-the Morning Sun (even in it’s limitations in Western NY), a kind moment between God’s Childern and so many opportunities to be In His Presense that I just need to not take for granted.
Anyways, all this to say what was in today’s reading is just confirmation I believe that God uses us in our imperfect state and He loves us regardless and wants to be with us and share in His Holiness and in His Beauty. So as for Today I will pick myself up and I will take what I have made to be “a mess” and turn in around to allow God to work on my Thoughts and make this day beautiful. Love you Whitney!
Oh Nancy,
I had no idea you were going through such a challenging transition, but I absolutely ADORE the way your husband spoke truth, life and encouragement into your situation!! Oh Father, thank you for your provision of hope in the darkest times, for meeting our needs at just the right time, and for faithful followers of You that point us to Truth just when we need it most! God, you are merciful and good, and we adore all that you are today! I will pray for you, my friend!
Much love to you today,
Whitney
I feel at the bottom this morning. I just feel ready to throw in the towel, satan has won. My husband belongs to a religion that is total opposite of what the bible teaches. No, he really isn’t active but his entire family are part of it and they are always trying to encourage him to be active in their religion. I’ve spent years praying for God to open my husband’s eyes to truth and show my husband His unfailing grace. I just feel like my prayers are pointless, I know the aren’t, I’m just having a very unencouraging morning. I was praying for God to give me peace about this situation and so I opened me email and said, “ok LoveGodgreatly let’s see what you have for me this morning”. It is amazing how our God works. This is exactly what I needed. I cried through reading it because God was encouraging me through you. Thank you for your faithfulness to our Lord and Savior. I just need to praise Him in the storm.
Sweet friend,
I know there are times when it feels like God is silent and that no one understands. I hear the hurt in your words this morning, the longing for God to “show up” in the midst of your need. Let me encourage you today that He has never left you, that He is for you, and that He is working even when you can’t see! I love how you came to the conclusion to praise Him in the storm… what an amazing response, and one that will surely change your countenance today! I have prayed for you this morning. Continue to trust Him, friend!
Love,
Whitney
“The best stories are centered on the hope and gratitude we live out in the midst of our imperfect stories, because all of the glory is shifted away from us and back onto the real hero of our story… our perfect Savior.”
Imperfect, yes! After several years of living with chronic illness, divorce, lack of finances ect there are days when I feel more hopeless than anything, but those are the times that God shows up the most, and then I realize it’s not about me at all, but all about Him. I can’t even begin to tell you of all the things He has done through my brokenness. He is so faithful! These hard times are never easy, but it’s in them that His glory is revealed. I’ve also learned that others are watching how I respond during these times. Am I using these imperfections to point to a Perfect God?? Are they seeing my faith? Are they seeing light, despite the darkness? These are things that I am working on, but in the meantime I pray that my heart would become more grateful to my God who is so worthy of my praise.
YES, Kim!!! It’s not about us, and others ARE watching! Oh God, help us to shine hope in the darkness today. Thanks for sharing these encouraging thoughts today!
Love,
Whitney
I definitely struggle with desiring perfection here on earth when I KNOW in fact it does not exist outside of a relationship with the Lord. It’s so hard because most of my life, I was fed the lie that I CAN attain perfection in my diet, wardrobe, work, relationships, and events. From Facebook to Pinterest, these influences challenge me every day. Thankfully the word gentle reminds us that only HE is perfect and his way is perfect, even when it doesn’t scream “perfection” in the worldly sense.
I hear you, Melissa. I’ve struggled with the same things, but praise God for the freedom that is found when we can live real hope in the less than perfect moments! Thanks so much for commenting today…
Love,
Whitney
Father God, I praise and thank you that your strength is made perfect in my weakness. I praise and thank you that you are an amazing God – faithful and true, your love is unfailing and your mercies don’t come to an end. All I have and want is you , O Lord.
Amen
All I have and want is you, O Lord. Amen, Fiona!
Love,
Whitney
Happy2bme,
I have a lady friend who just went through this same thing. One of the thing the Lord put on my heart to share (and I didn’t) with her is, to worry is a sin. Phil. 4:6. Pray for your husband but remember in 1Cor7:14 your husband is sanctified through you. God will do his work on his time table. Have peace in that. Will you struggle with his decisions, yes. But know that He will do his job.
Her husband came to believe in the last minutes of his life, but it doesn’t matter when, just that he did.
Blessings
April
Aroy, you make such a good point. We try so hard to control things, when all we can really do is leave it in God’s hands and TRUST Him to lead the way. Thank you for sharing that point with us!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
My story: I had just discovered that the great-uncle who had fondled me as a young girl and who had been kicked out of our home to protect me from what might come next, had committed suicide. I never would have wanted that. I thought, he just felt me up, nothing worth dying over. I was partly responsible. no matter what words my family and friends gave me. But then God Himself spoke through a godly gathering of women, and they asked us to stand and be prayed over if a man had ever done a wrong to us. I felt that I had done more wrong to him than he did to me. After the prayer of a friend, the next sentence spoken by the leader bowled me over. She cited Romans where it says there is no condemnation of those who are in Jesus. Thank You to the One who I can believe when I cannot believe anyone else on earth. Thank You God!
Valerie,
I am so sorry that you were hurt in this way. BUT, praise God that your hope is in God… where true love, freedom, identity and security is found! Thank you for your bravery in sharing today.
Love,
Whitney
My boss keeps reaming me everyday every week and I am so..tired of the negativity it is getting to me.
Oh Lisa, I’m so sorry to hear that. That is a difficult situation to be in. Praying for you friend! <3 {hugs}
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Thank you for this blog post today! It has given me a sense of freedom. I am a people pleaser and definitely have perfectionistic tendencies. I know that Satan tries to beat me down with thoughts of negativity about myself, who I am, and how I am not perfect. Your words reminded me that I don’t need to be perfect! I need to let the power of Christ work through me and tell His story through me. It doesn’t matter what others think, because God is working through me. I only need to trust and REST in His faithfulness and goodness!
I know what you mean about struggling with perfectionism. I struggle with it a lot too. But there is so much freedom when we let go and let Christ lead the way, isn’t there? Thanks so much for stopping by, Angie!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Our family is going through a difficult time with one of our college-aged daughters right now. God has begun repairing relationships, but in the midst of it all sometimes I get so discouraged (actually impatient that God is not working on my timetable, as well as just basically upset that we are having to experience this trial). And then…I sat down to read today’s LGG post…and I was reminded that “the best stories are centered on the hope and gratitude we live out in the midst of our imperfect stories, because all of the glory is shifted away from us back to the real hero of our story…our perfect Savior.” And with my focus adjusted, I can again Praise Him with a heart full of gratitude for HOPE…He is our HOPE and I will be grateful even in this trial. Thank you for faithfully allowing God to use you…your words encourage my heart many, many times!
Thank you for sharing your heart. I am praying with you that God redeems the situation for His glory.
Blessings!
Amy A (LGG Encourager)
Today I’ve struggled a bit because I haven’t felt the presence of God, nor have I heard from him. I haven’t been feeling well physically, so I don’t know if that’s the problem. However, I must still be thankful that I was able to see another day and even if I haven’t heard from him, I will still let him know how thankful I am for all he has done, is doing and will do in my life.
Oh sweet Monica, it is so hard to overcome physical difficulties and remain focused on praise. I echo your sentiments. Thanksgiving is a deliberate act as I must enter into it. I am praying that God will wrap you in His arms tonight and comfort you by His Spirit.
Amy A (LGG Encourager)
Thank you and God bless you, Amy.
I sure do! We have been moved for 6 months now and we are all still struggling with the move. I thought it would be so great and don’t get me wrong, it’s a great place and much better for us, but the transition has been bad. Prayers for peace and just transition would be appreciated.
Prayers for you and your family, Heather!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Praying for everyone here!
I feel like a misfit though… While I know life isn’t perfect, I’m crazy optimistic and grateful for every second of every day. My optimism and gratitude drives my brother crazy. He can’t understand how I can make even the worst moments a positive. But I can and I do. I’ve always been this way, don’t know how else to be. I can’t stand to wallow in sadness or what-ifs or anything that isn’t positive. I do get stressed and upset sometimes but it doesn’t take long for me to spin it around and choose joy.
I pray for this for all of you too.
Such a blessing to be this way, Casie! Thanks for stopping by!
Blessings, Marlene {LGG Encourager}
Gratitude…. as I read through the blog today, my heart was lightened. I too am struggling with an imperfect story. My family is going through a very difficult time now. When I went to bed the other night I always say, “Thank you Lord for this day”. That night I didn’t. I couldn’t thank him for my imperfect heart breaking day. Reading the posts, the blog, makes me realize I do have gratitude for all that is around me, and Thanks for those who stand beside me in this difficult time. Gratitude speaks it’s words clearer now, for truly God has answered my prayers in this blog today to lighten my heartache. We often put on that happy face to not show our imperfect story, but today I will smile even though the imperfect story still sits inside me, but my gratitude will shine through not my sadness.
Deb, Thank you for sharing your imperfect story. Your confidence in God that allows your gratitude to shine through is a testimony of grace.
You bless me!
Amy A (LGG Encourager)
Why is transparency so hard? Years ago I heard a life-changing story: Becky Pippert’s neighbor told her, “I’ve made a decision to follow Christ, and have you to thank for it.” While Becky was trying to remember what profound words she might have shared, or godly counsel she gave, her neighbor continued, “I finally realized that if God could love you, Becky, then He could love me too!”
Yes, it’s faith and love in spite of our messiness that draws people, not our “have-it-all-togetherness.” Lord, forgive my stubborn pride and be glorified in my broken hallelujahs.
Thank you, Whitney, for your poignant writing.
999023 168155I surely did not realize that. Learnt something new nowadays! Thanks for that. 7284
To maintain steadfast Hope and Trust in the God of Hope. Stay blessed and highly favoured all.