Rise Of The Truth Teller By Ashley AbercrombieSample

Day Seven

Own Your Story

Scripture: Psalm 139

It’s taken me fifteen years to become a person I love. I’ve often wanted to run fast toward my internal cave of pain while my face smiled and lied and hid. It’s been painful to live honestly, to tell the truth and learn to do so with grace and love and without being derogatory, condescending, or judgmental. I still fail at this often, but now I am aware of myself, I can say sorry, and I can walk away from circumstances and people that make me play the game. I’ve realized that truth telling starts with me.

I don’t want to spend another moment pretending and performing. I’ve spent so many years getting rid of my mask that I can’t bear to ever wear it again. I’ve stepped out of hiding and it’s scary out here, but I’ve discovered I’m not alone; there’s a generous portion of good, imperfect people living on the edge, truth telling with confidence and unabashedly loving themselves, God, and others. Living vulnerably, without all my weapons and walls, defense mechanisms and superwoman tendencies, has made me easier to know. Alongside other powerful women and men who are chasing love and truth relentlessly, I’m still shedding some of the skin I’m in, but I’ve learned not to mind the process of becoming. 

Friend, hang in there. Your story matters, and whatever chapter you’re living, remember that you are not alone. You have sisters and brothers in your corner, all over the world, who are fighting the good fight and overcoming impossible odds. You’re not finished. This is not the end of the story, so keep on keeping on. You are loved. There’s nobody else who can do what you were created to do—you are unique, one of a kind—and God is with you and for you. 

I believe you’ve got the makings of a truth teller. I believe you’ve got some stories to tell, some hard-earned wisdom we need. 

My prayer is that you would own your story. That you would create a safe space for others to do the same. That you would rise from the ashes of your past and take hold of the glorious future you are promised. That you would rise as a truth teller, a difference maker, and boldly, without apology, release others to do the same. 

What do you think of the phrase, “My story matters”? In your ordinary, day-to-day life, how can you rise as a truth teller, and difference maker? Who can you help, or encourage, today?