Discovering YOU Magazine April 2018 Issue | Page 37

THE SPIRIT IN YOU

After the Storms Have Passed

Article by Lama-Leah

Without the storms of life, the vegetation on the earth would not have the opportunity to strengthen. Likewise, our faith would not grow and flourish without spiritual storms.

Within the season that I am currently in, God has been giving me more opportunities to minister, and share my story with the world on larger platforms. I am seeing the beauty that has come out of years of living in what felt like continuous storms.

A short time ago, I decided not to go to the evening church service that I typically attend. Instead, I spent time with two friends. I have known one of the individuals for years, and I have known the other one for several months but have worked on several projects together. Both of these friends knew my story to a degree; however, at that outing we were able to get to know each other on a deeper level.

The three of us initially met to have coffee, but after a few hours, we decided to explore the city. We decided to go to a walking trail just outside of the city. At this point, it was fairly late at night. I am not the type of person to go on a seven mile walk late at night. However, I had a feeling that God was going to do something while we were going on this

".... though I have been through a lot within my short life, I maintain

a positive attitude

and outlook on life."

adventure. At the beginning of our trail, we were simply joking around and having a good time. Partway through the walk, the conversation quickly escalated from being light-hearted to having a heart to heart feel. The question was asked, “What is your life story?” My two other friends shared a brief version of their stories and before I knew it, it was my turn. I took a route that the others did not take and share an in-depth version of my testimony, sharing the deep, dark, and ugly parts of my life. I shared the chapters that I do not typically include in my writing because I am still healing from it, myself.

The next day, I received a message from one of the individuals who shared with me. They told me that I was inspiring because even though I have been through a lot within my short life, I maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life.