I Am A Parable

It’s Official: my life is a parable.
Going from Just the Church (Building) to I AM the Church

I can clearly picture Jesus standing in His boat facing the crowd and using some of my most profound mistakes to lead the people toward conviction and righteous living.

And you know what? I am not upset about it for a minute. In fact, what an honor it would be⁉

“Listen! Consider this…” He would begin, and then use a plethora of examples of the Don’ts and Comparables, of my life, that allow for understanding and growth for others.

Why do I share this?

Because I recently have decided to own that, “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,” (Colossians 3:23) and with that in mind I realized that our path can also be defined through the Parable of the Sower. (Mark 4:3-20 The Parable of the Sower)

We can choose a path where:

a) Right from the beginning we know it’s not where we were meant to be planted, but we settled in and quickly were devoured by status quo and sometimes lack of Godly aspiration, desire, energy or effort.

b) We knew there was never opportunity for spiritual growth and room for roots leaving us withering away after a brief moment of joy.

c) We made the commitment but realized after some time that we were being choked out by the thorns of not enough time, over-taxing intentions and constant stress and worries.

OR

d) The path of fruitful purpose and production. The path and purpose specifically designed for you. The one you welcome with open arms each day and where your success in life is measured in joy-filled to-dos and to-DONES! Because you have been planted in a field of:

Living for the Lord
Never ashamed of the Gospel
Won’t hide my Light under a bushel
Motivated to Go and Make Disciples
Finding True Inspiration with other brothers and sisters in Christ

Yes, my life is a parable, but the great news about parables is that they are directed by Jesus, where He is the story-teller and the master designer! What more could I need or want?!

(Spoiler Alert-Nothing More!)

So where does this leave me today…praying this for me and anyone else who feels this way…

Lord, while you are planting your seeds for everlasting prosperity and production continue to, “Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.” (Psalms 61:2)

Carrie Edwards conveys herself with her infamous never-a-short-story writing. Her words spring to life through her imagination and endless possibilities of, “what ifs?” She finds her truest voice with the written Word, using those words to share The Story. Others enjoy her remarkable presence on LinkedIn with her godly writings. At all times she has a pen in her hand, a journal in her lap and…she is writing.

With a BS degree in Criminal Justice from Troy University, she is in workforce development, non-profit sector, offering guidance, life skills and career development to returning citizens, youth, and socio-economically disadvantaged individuals. When not working or writing she is spending time with her family and friends or attending church at First Baptist Church, Warrenton.

Carrie is a girl with a mountain heap of words in her head. She draws strength to face this world through her faith in Jesus. She lives in small-town Georgia with her family, who continue to inspire her while God continues to refine her. She, and husband Josh, have three children, Gabriel “Gabe,” Peyton, and Jeremiah “Jey.”

Go here for more on Carrie Edwards

Article By Carrie Edwards, and Photo By Zoltan Tarsi are Published With Permission