Encouraging Treats

Last Friday night was one of the most refreshing evenings I’ve had recently. Aside from the fact that I was showered with raindrops, my heart was humbled and renewed after attending a workshop by Joy Mendoza. She graciously facilitated a seminar entitled “Writing Your Personal Story”. It was a humbling experience for me as I looked back on what God allowed me to go through in the past and see how He continues to use those moments for the good and for His glory.

Out of the 80 people in the room, I only knew three: Joy (the speaker), Edric (her husband), and my friend who attended the seminar with me. However, even though we were in a room full of strangers, I easily felt at home because of the conversations that we freely shared with each other.

In between Joy’s tips and stories, she asked for volunteers to share about the outlines that they prepared during the workshop. These outlines, of course, showed the personal experiences and action steps that the participants went through or are going through right now. One of the outlines that Joy encouraged us to draft that night was about our lives before Christ, when we discovered Christ, and after experiencing Him.

As each participant shared, my heart churned even more because these were real people who humbly opened up about their personal stories and gave God their thanks and glory that evening. Not only was I inspired to be more intentional in remembering and writing about how God has been moving in my life, but, I was also motivated to encourage and pray for the people around me — who are most probably going through tough and faith-stretching moments in their lives right now.

It has been six days since the workshop, but, I still can’t get it out of my mind and heart. Joy mentioned that we all have a personal story that we can share and each story is a unique account of God’s redemptive work in us. By God’s grace, through this, I hope that we will be able to share the gospel to others, encourage and comfort them, pass on a godly legacy, and ultimately give God the glory.

I would like to share a song with you that is very much related to what I’ve been learning from Joy’s workshop. This song “You Carry Me” by Moriah Peters reminds us of God’s sovereignty in the midst of pain, mistakes, and even loneliness. It encourages me to continue trusting in the Author of my life, who will never leave my side. I hope it gives you comfort as well.

“Through the wind and waves
Through my worst mistakes
Through the times I thought I walked alone
You were holding me
You were whispering
I will never leave you on your own”

Psalm 23:4 says: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for YOU ARE WITH ME, your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Special thanks to the ff.:

• Joy Mendoza – for giving to the Lord and sharing your heart and life to us.
• Darren Soriano – for our photos with Edric and Joy and for humbly and courageously honoring God through your testimony that night.
• OMF Literature – for organizing the workshop with the help of “Christian Writers Fellowship”.

OMF Lit Bookstore – 776 Boni Ave. Cor Pinatubo, Mandaluyong city (5314303)