I used to think that I had a really boring testimony. For as long as I can remember, I have spent my life in the church, going to Sunday school and Sunday morning church services, attending VBS, hearing Bible stories as they were acted out on felt boards, watching Veggie Tales, and memorizing scripture for Awanas. (That's me on the far right in my Easter dress.) I remember praying the prayer of Salvation alone one morning on my day bed at the age of 6 and the absolute reassurance I felt after that moment. That moment is so special to me, but I never felt that my story was powerful enough to relate to anyone.
A few weeks back, Philip was invited to speak at his home church to update them about his ministry here in Indianapolis and really to give his testimony. He stood up in front of the church and said, “Well I am here today to tell you I have a really boring testimony – and I blame you for that.” He spoke in jest, but it really struck me. Like me, Philip had also grown up his entire life in the church. He had uncles, great uncles and a grandfather who were all ministers in the church. He didn’t have a difficult life and never had a “hit rock bottom”, “180°” “come to Jesus” moment. But his testimony and my testimony are beautiful testaments to a living, breathing church—a church that has walked beside us our entire lives to encourage us and strengthen our faith, a church that has ensured that we have ‘boring testimonies.’
A few weeks back, Philip was invited to speak at his home church to update them about his ministry here in Indianapolis and really to give his testimony. He stood up in front of the church and said, “Well I am here today to tell you I have a really boring testimony – and I blame you for that.” He spoke in jest, but it really struck me. Like me, Philip had also grown up his entire life in the church. He had uncles, great uncles and a grandfather who were all ministers in the church. He didn’t have a difficult life and never had a “hit rock bottom”, “180°” “come to Jesus” moment. But his testimony and my testimony are beautiful testaments to a living, breathing church—a church that has walked beside us our entire lives to encourage us and strengthen our faith, a church that has ensured that we have ‘boring testimonies.’
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