May 8, 2017

My Story of Transformation. {Deeply Rooted and Transformed Series}.

I am honored to have my voice included in the release of Everbloom {Available TODAY from Paraclete Press}. Together we are journeying through the book’s sections: Roots, Trunk, Branches, Blossoms. The beautiful thing about this book is that it is not meant to just be read. Become part of the story. Journey with me. Read along as I share a piece from each section, respond, and ask you to respond with me….

Today I am sharing an excerpt from my own piece in Everbloom

{Read} Beyond September 11th by Yours Truly (click the title to read the excerpt)

{My response} my story of transformation

My story of transformation is still being written.

September 12th was a pivotal day for me. The rest of my story in Everbloom tells of how God used that moment to launch me into a wide world that is still teaching me daily about love and compassion. I have lived in the Middle East and Asia since, have known the joy of helping welcoming refugee families to America, and have just begun to glimpse the beauty of diversity that this messy, colorful, noisy world has to offer if we will see it. Out of that moment and all the moments since I have found my voice and felt the call to tell the stories of all I have seen.

And I believe that this is just the beginning. I have barely begun to grasp the love God has for His Creation, for all His children. And I am still struggling to know how I can extend a welcoming hand to my neighbor, to seek justice and love mercy. But I am committed continuing to find ways for my life to be a sheltering place for others.

“I write to tell stories of the transformation I know is possible. I know because I’ve lived it—once full of fear and striving, knowing nothing of grace. God taught me how to love without borders, and my life was never the same. Those seeds planted years ago have transformed into what I daily pray is a sheltering place for others to grow.” (from Beyond September 11th, Everbloom)

These stories of transformation in Everbloom aren’t our complete stories. They are just glimpses into how God has worked and we hope they launch conversations and journeys into deeper transformation. So, join the conversation and share your story. Mine isn’t finished yet and neither is yours.

{Now share your story} Imagine a person whom you might extend a welcoming hand to, and describe your actions.

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Read the rest of the Deeply Rooted and Transformed Series and enter to win your own copy of Everbloom! Drawing at the end of the day on May 8th!

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Nicole

Comments: 3

Robin Baldwin
April 20, 2017 at 3:34 pm
I am 13 years into motherhood and have been blessed with caring, thoughtful, God-loving daughters. So on some levels I feel like I have planted the seeds of faith in them, but I am feeling that it is now my time to plant those seeds within me. It’s a delicate balancing act to help guide another’s faith formation and be a role model while grappling with my own struggles. I know God will lead me in the right direction but sometimes it’s hard when you don’t know where you’re going.
- Nicole T. Walters
  April 20, 2017 at 9:53 pm
  Oh, that’s such a hard balance! It’s like being on an airplane in distress. You have to take care of yourself first before you can help your kids but it’s so easy to pour into them instead, isn’t it? Ps 32.8 – “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.” His loving eye is on you, momma! It’s hard to remember that sometimes. Press on!
sgibsonneve .
May 22, 2017 at 10:19 am
Thank you for sharing this! I resonate with it so much. I try to speak boldly and courageously, especially since friends of colour have told me that my white skin automatically make my words have a different impact than their own. I struggle, though, in finding ways to make my words more than words. It’s easy in my little corner – I’m a teacher and I found a place for the Muslim DECE with whom I work to pray without her asking and her gratitude made me see how these little things mean so much. On the other hand, no matter how much I post things on Facebook that support those being oppressed and call out the oppressors, does that really change anything? How can I fight for change across the world and outside what feels like my sphere of influence?