In case you missed these beautiful, inspirational, raw and real stories… here’s a roundup of the #Faces of Faith that were featured in November-December!

I’m eager to start this feature back up in the New Year. If you are interested in sharing your story/testimony, please contact me ASAP.
 I would love to share your story on @stillwatersblog Instagram… nobody’s story is too simple, too ugly, too confusing, or too weird to be used by God. I truly believe that by sharing various #FacesofFaith lives and hearts are being touched. 

Thank you to Andrea, Sara, Madison & Kelsea for bravely sharing their stories with Still Waters readers! 

November 9, 2016:

Today’s #FacesofFaith story is from Andrea on her 22nd Birthday! Happy birthday, my beloved sis! 💙 

“Being raised in a Christian home, my faith has always been a part of my life. I think it’s really awesome to see how that faith has matured as I have. When I was little it consisted of asking God to give me that toy I’ve been wanting, or to make my brothers act nicer, but as I’ve grown He’s become more like a friend. Someone I go to when I’m at my lowest of lows, highest of highs, or anywhere in between. Someone who I put my trust in and just Someone to lean on. There have been times when I’ve ignored God and refused to see Him as the friend He is. I’ve wanted to run or hide from Him (as if that were even possible), but He has remained constant and consistent. Knowing that God still pursues me despite my many flaws is unfathomable and the comfort and joy it has brought me in my life is immeasurable.”

 📸: Allison Grace Thompson

November 16, 2016:

Today’s #FacesofFaith comes from the very wise, Madison! 🌸

“Recently, through group & personal Bible studies, God seems to be teaching me about choices. In the midst of fleeting circumstances & feelings, I am constantly presented with choices: to choose joy, to seek God, to love my husband well, to be generous with my time, to work hard, etc. I know that God has given me everything that I need & it is my responsibility to choose to serve him, even when I’m feeling overwhelmed. 

It can be easy to lose sight of Truth during challenging times, but I find myself struggling with this more during happy seasons. When everything is bright & positive, I sometimes find myself soaring along passively, taking everything in but not actively seeking the One who has given me such a peaceful season. He’s teaching me lately that I can/SHOULD choose to serve him, whether I’m busy, lazy, content, or suffering. I’m thankful for His forgiveness during those times that I wander away; the least I can do to thank Him is to daily renew my commitment to pursue Him.”

📸 Burt Co. 

November 23, 2016:

Today’s #FacesofFaith is comes from my loving friend, Sara!

“God has always been at the center of my story. From a young age, I clung on to every one of His promises. I modeled my life, words, & actions to make Him proud & lead others to Him. Growing up, there were times when I felt like I did not fit in or belong. My story always felt incomplete; like a girl who was afraid to live life. But my love for God was an anchor that encouraged me to keep on going. When I felt lonely, He was with me. When I felt unloved, He held me tight. God carried me through. 

He continues to have great purpose & plans for me. He has blessed me beyond measure, giving me more than I could ever dream of… Among my favorites are my husband, son, family & friends. God is my strength & the reason I can now live life to the fullest.”

📸 Kirstie Goodman Photography 

December 1, 2016:

Today’s inspiring #FacesofFaith comes from Kelsea 🌸

“I found my life when I laid it down. 5 years ago I moved to Lexington KY to attend college & be closer to my boyfriend at the time. I moved away from my family & friends, was trying to adapt to a whole new environment, working 40 hours a week & taking 15 credit hours at the community college. I didn’t know what career I wanted to pursue, I despised my job & Lexington. I became so caught up in my materialistic part of life that my faith became little to no existence. I questioned whether God was even real. When the devil cannot make us bad, he makes us busy…

I can remember feeling taunted, waking up all hours of night in a frantic as if something had a hold of me. I couldn’t be home alone without feeling scared. I moved home to Somerset, reached out to a preacher, a doctor & family. I would get down on my hands & knees to pray aloud for God to take my fear away & come into my life…….. This torture went on for months. 

And then, one day it was as if the fear was completely wiped away, the depression was gone… I felt peace again. I was no longer being taunted, I felt God on my side at all times as things in my life became more clear. I felt like I was called to be a nurse; I graduated with my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from EKU. In April of 2015 I accepted a position with the VA medical center then made the brave choice to give Lexington a second chance. I can honestly say, I have never felt more. I found a church family that I’m proud to be a part of. My relationship with God is stronger now than it ever has been; He is my closest, truest friend. 

Sometimes we connect through weaknesses. The story I shared above was my weakest, most vulnerable time of life.. a time in which I needed God the most & He rescued me.”

I hope you all enjoyed these heartfelt stories! Happy Wednesday, friends!

Xoxo,
Mal