Song.

What Satan meant for evil, God redeems for good.

In my own life I can testify, that the very things that were clearly meant to cause me harm have instead given me cause to sing of Christ's victory in my life. My prayer is that each of us would be able to have that same testimony, yet each our own very individual song. You can't argue with someone's story. You can't tell them the obstacles they faced didn't exist, didn't cause them pain and grief for a time, and you can't argue their experience of overcoming that obstacle. In every life these struggles are known to be as real as our own skin. We know every piece of it, how it feels to walk around inside it. We know our own flesh's weaknesses, the places we've been torn, and where we've been healed. I consider the power of a testimony greater than any theological, scientific, or political argument. The story is reflected in everything about the messenger; they're completely transformed when they tell it, and it encompasses every part of their lives from thereon.

"For if I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast, for I am under compulsion..." -1 Corinthians 9:16

My family is incredible. Recently, I've especially loved becoming re-acquainted with the family in Brazil.

I come from a family with big laughs, and big senses of humor. Most of us are strong-willed and stubborn, but we get the job done, and we work hard to get there. While we may have our ambitions and our pride at times, we have a joy for life and an adventurous spirit.

Personally I can say that I also come from a family of worriers. The same people that embrace life to the fullest fall to being in fear of the every day. We forfeit the greater picture for tomorrow's details. We care deeply for one another, but are afraid to express and betray our emotions. We forget to trust in something greater. We may forget where are value really lies, and who's plan we're really a part of. Out of pride, we hide what brings us shame.

There's a power in confession as well, and not just the A-B-C's of becoming a Christian some kids hear in VBS. There's something about relaying information to somebody else that allows it to be brought out of secrecy and darkness and into light. Satan works in the dark. Anything left there will only continue to be twisted by him and used to taunt us further. Whatever is confessed and spoken of is brought to light and can be transformed. It can be set into perspective, no longer allowed to control us. We can realize the lies by setting it against what is true. The secrets that once brought us shame can be redeemed and transformed into our own victory song.

"...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us." -Romans 8:37

We can choose for Christ to grant us that victory.

I know God chose my family and I for a greater purpose. In my life, I choose to remember the potential He saw in us from the beginning. I know that he's in the process of rescuing every part of us that's been lost; and I'm just one part of that continual redemption. I know that what truly defines me is not of this world, not of any traits of my family, good or bad, and not the things I have struggled with. It's what Christ overcomes in me. I pray he would continue to shake our foundations, to further break down what was already broken, so that he can rebuild, renew, and redeem.

"...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:3-6

Let this be my testimony,

my confession,

my song of victory,

and my redemption.