I AM Lesson 10

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Discussion Questions:
1. Have you ever experienced trials that were best dealt with "in the family" for either your reputation's sake or God's? You may still choose to leave them there, but you are welcome to share if you are comfortable.

* When I was a young girl of 9, I was molested by a family member (not my dad, he reads this and almost stroked the first time he found out). I had lived with that secret for most of my adult life. In that, I carried a great deal of shame and guilt.

I never told my mom because she would not have believed me at that time in her life. But part of me always wanted her to know. I didn't want to tell my dad bec. well you just don't tell your dad these things. It's like he will look at you differently from then on out. It's the whole shame thing.

When I completed my ministry at GMI (Christian Counseling, Inc) in 2003, 48 hours to be exact, God openned more like slammed the door wide open for me to tell my mom what had happened through a similiar experience with another family member.

Then......my mom wept.

The damage had been done, but fortunately I had already walked through forgiveness --- now it was her turn.

2. Have you ever found yourself in a bizarre circumstance and later were able to walk someone through the same/similar situation? Did you recognize the hand of God in it?

Bizarre-- quite an understatement I might say....

But walking others through the same situation, ahhhhh, 2 corinthians 1:3-5, Father of all comfort. so that I may comfort others....

Daily.... yes... in counseling, in life... God has so blessed me in ministering to others by walking along side those that are hurting... I can say, "I know how you feel" because I do.

3. I was in my late twenties before I ever let myself believe God was for me instead of waiting to smack me upside the head everytime I made a mistake. Do you truly believe God is on your side?

I was almost 40, when that ol' measuring stick.... smacked me right upside the head... and I say measuring stick, because I was forever measuring myself to other Christians... instead of following my own path that God had laid out for me... Don't cha' just hate that...smack smack smack...

So no wonder... it sounded like fireworks....

And I looked at God "In the beginning" like I did my parents.. as disciplinarians... not until our relationship grew to where it is did I understand the love, "unconditional" love that it truly is and always will be...

4. If God has ever had you in the Holy Spirit Chokehold (and who hasn't He?), how have you reacted to God's chastisement? Were you bitter? Brokenhearted? Grateful?

Lisa, girl.. I love you... I love this... HOLY SPIRIT CHOKEHOLD.. I have to remember that....I can just envision my feet hanging off the ground at times as I am soooooo hard headed... PRIDE... nah, never....

Not too long ago, God and I wrestled to the ground... well I didn't win...Praise Him...Never for a second was I upset... I thank Him daily.... Why can't I get it...???

5. Write a brief prayer of Thanksgiving for God's longsuffering.

Oh Papa, I praise You in my weakness,
I praise You for the roads I've traveled
for they have brought me to the place
I am today---in Your arms...