Isn’t that what Popeye the sailor always said? “I yam what I yam” and no apologies for it, right?
Today I am linking with Lisa Jo at the Gypsy Mama for 5 Minute Friday. She provides the prompt and we write for 5 minutes to see what comes out. You should join us. :o)
Today’s prompt: REAL
Start 6:19am
Many years ago when I received the baptism of the Holy Spirit it was a big secret around here. I certainly knew it would freak out my husband. At the time he already accused me of loving God more than him (well yeah … but I’m supposed to!). He was young and didn’t understand what had happened to his wife. I totally changed. Suddenly certain jokes weren’t funny to me anymore and I didn’t like hanging around some of the people who were once in our circle. But I had this secret around here and at church. Only my heart-friends (who were also chasing after deeper relationships with the Lord) knew what was happening in my life.
Years passed and my husband discovered my secret quite by accident. His friend was dating a girl who prayed in tongues and my husband said, “Beth doesn’t!” but the look on my face said it all. Then he said, ” DO YOU?!?!!” I wouldn’t lie about it of course — so that is how he found out.
Then God brought in a new pastor at church and he started a prayer team designed to encircle him and his family with prayer. There were three of us to start with and all three of us prayed in the Spirit. The pastor understood and welcomed that gift. THEN a few years later ANOTHER pastor came. I stepped into the role of prayer coordinator. Over time, God continued to bless our little team and grew it. At one point there were over 20 members. I think all but one or two people received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. (We were in a Southern Baptist Church. I guess I forgot to mention that tidbit.) The pastor often said from the pulpit that tongues were for today, but people often fear what they don’t understand …
Skip ahead 7 more years and we were finally in a church where the pastors and many others pray in the Spirit. The church teaches about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in the membership classes. A big difference from where we were.
I came out of the closet when I began my blog.
No more hiding what God has done in my life. I yam who I yam.
I love being REAL.
Stop: 6:24am
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