be Real: An Opportunity to Grow Together

I am so excited to share with you a new idea the Lord has impressed on my heart.  It involves you!  And hopefully will bless you as much as it will me! 

As you know, I long to Be Real with one another -- in real life and blog life!  Sharing my testimony was just one way I moved in that direction! But I want to do this together! Our busy lives and burdened hearts tend to keep us from sincerely asking and answering a most simple question:

How are you?

We're either too afraid to find out the truth, or too scared to really admit it.  But ladies, this is not how God intended the body of Christ to live together.  We are supposed to bear one another's burdens and intercede on another's behalf.  The Word teaches that we should join together in fellowship and life up holy hands in praise. 

The Lord has shown me a way to meet this need through a new feature here at Extravagant Grace, but it requires your participation.  I want you to share your REAL life testimonies, trails and triumphs with us through a variety of Be Real interviews and posts!

Do You Have a Testimony?

• What is your life story?  
• How did you come to know the Lord?  
• Have you experienced a working of the Lord in a particular area of your life and experienced the victory in Christ? 

I'd love to post your testimony here at Extravagant Grace, as a source of encouragement to women needing a refreshing perspective on God's faithfulness and provisions!  Of course, I would link to your blog and you, in turn, have the chance to link your readers over here and post an I'm Real button on your blog. 

All you have to do is email me your 1000 word or less story at extragrace at gmail dot com.  If your story is longer than 1000 words, you can post the rest at your blog.  Of course, I reserve the right to not publish a story for any reason, especially if it is inconsistent with my statement of faith and mission of Extravagant Grace.


Are You in the Midst of a Trial?

• Are you in the middle of a life crisis, illness, relationship struggle, prodigal child, financial difficulties?    
• In the midst of this trial, do you see the hand of God at work?  
• Have you learned a Biblical truth you want to share with others? 
• Do you have a word of encouragement for women facing a similar situation?

Sometimes the greatest source of encouragement comes from hearing the real life trials of another and seeing how they are facing it.  And often, a person in the midst of a trial needs to write about their experience while searching the Lord for His work and the lessons He's imparting on their heart.  Part of being real with another is admitting that life isn't perfect and we still don't have the answers, but that we are determined to remain faithful to the Lord regardless of the situation at hand.  

Real women need real encouragement, from someone who knows.  I'd like to publish your story here at Extravagant Grace!  Please use the following interview questions to explain your story and email your answers to extragrace a gmail dot com.  In turn, I will publish your interview and offer you a have the chance to link your readers over here and post an I'm Real button on your blog.   Of course, I reserve the right to not publish an interview, especially if it is inconsistent with my statement of faith and mission of Extravagant Grace.

1. What is your name and blog title/url?
   
2. How long have you been walking with the Lord and how did you come to faith (200 words or less and/or a link to your testimony at your site)?
   
3. What is the current trial you are experiencing? How long has this trial been going on?  Do you see the end in sight?
   
4. Are there any resources or support groups that you have found helpful during this season?
   
5. What Biblical principles has the Lord revealed to you through this trial?
   
6. What Biblical advice or word of encouragement would you offer to someone in a similar situation?  And to those who know a friend or family member in this type of situation?
7. What verses have brought you comfort or direction?

Join in!

Sisters, I believe that God will use our decision to Be Real to transform our lives through providing encouragement and support to one another, as we pursue living intentionally before the Lord.  God desperately wants His body to function together under the headship of Christ. 

Let's see if we can Be Real and transparent with one another, for His glory and Kingdom work.

I look forward to hearing from you and seeing God use Extravagant Grace to spread His love and encouragement to one another.

By His Grace & Mighty Power,