I follow a sweet gal named Tiffini on Instagram and she posted a really great quote over there on Friday. It read, “The more important a call or action is to our soul’s evolution, the more resistance we will feel toward pursuing it.”
It rolled up into my feed at the Perfect time.
I was still in bed, but I read it aloud to Kevin right after I had just watched him rushing nervously around the room:
Alarm. Shower. Closet. What am I going to say? Closet. What should I wear? Closet. Does this look okay? Bathroom. Blow dryer. I’m nervous. Bedside. Does my hair look okay? Bathroom. Water. Toothbrushing. Hair fixing. I need a haircut. I’m nervous, Hone!
Hone. It’s just one of the many pet names he calls me. It’s pronounced just how it looks, but it’s actually short for “Hone-y”…not to be confused with “Honey”. At some point along the way, it also morphed into “Oney”…pronounced “Own-y”, and not to be confused with “One-y”. 😀
Thankfully, the Insta-quote helped put things into perspective for him a little, but I knew he was still feeling intimidated about the conversation he was about to have. Intimidated about feeling vulnerable, and nervous about whether or not he could find the right words to articulate his story in a way that would help others. Shaky about sharing his heart in a very different way that day.
We never talked about whether or not I should go with him, which come to think of it, is really unusual. We go almost everywhere together, especially when one of us is nervous about where we’re going, but for some reason we had never discussed it that week.
I think we both must have subconsciously felt like this opportunity wasn’t about us being able to lean on each other. It was about leaning on the One who created it, and fully experiencing the peace that comes along with doing that.
Now I’m not saying Kev’s heart wasn’t racing as he drove up I-65 to Prattville.
And I’m not saying he knew exactly what to say when he got there…or even as he walked through the door.
I’m just saying that, in the end, the prayer he prayed inside our car somewhere along that interstate was Answered…and he definitely didn’t feel alone as he shared his testimony with our friends, Tommy and Billy, that day:
(email readers will have to click over to my blog to view the video above)
We squeezed hands tight between our chairs at church yesterday, as that video flashed up onto the screen in front of us. I think my heart was probably pounding just as hard as his was as we watched it alongside his parents and brother!
But like Tiffini’s Instagram quote said, he knows that it’s “important to his soul’s evolution” to Lean in these kinds of ways, and he’s hoping that sharing his experience will help encourage others who have found themselves in similar boats.
When we got home from church Kevin said, “If God gave me a talent, I want to add value. I don’t want to misuse it. I want to help create an environment where God shows up, and changes lives.” I wrote it down quick so I wouldn’t forget it. Hearing that was so important to my soul’s evolution, and my hope is that it makes your heart feel a little more Full today, too.
🙂
Awesome testimony, Kevin! May you both continue to find your purpose in your lives, individually and together as a family. God is nothing less tban amazing!
This post truly took my breath away. Thank you Kevin for sharing your heart and using your God-given talents to glorify Him. Hearing your testimony has been so good for my soul’s evolution… Blessings to you both!
Kevin and Layla,
Thank you for sharing this. I rededicated my life to Christ almost 16 years ago and this really blessed me. It’s always encouraging to hear others testimonies. You said it perfectly “we need to use the gifts for Him and not us”. I pray you discover more about yourself and your marriage through him. Keep Him in everything that you do and listen to Him and He will amaze you over and over.
That was beautiful. Wish you both the best.
What a beautiful testimony! I definitely felt the emotion in his words and the truth to what he said. You both are such a powerful influence for good to so many and are true disciples of Jesus Christ. May God continue to bless you and your growing family!
wonderful encouragement; enjoyed my time here; thank you!
What a wonderful testimony!!! And those words are truly inspirational to me….thank you so much!
Kevin and Layla, how did I miss this?? Wow, what a wonderful testimony, Kevin, I love that you shared your heart and your story. We all have one, don’t we? I’m so grateful that God brought you both into my life in 2008 and it’s been such a fun journey of seeing you both change and evolve into the special people you are. God is so good and he grows us up in Him in his own timing and I am so happy to call you both friends. This blog world has changed my life and meeting you both has been so wonderful. . It’s just amazing to me how He works in our lives, he’s done wonders for me too. Kevin and Layla, ya’ll both have a special purpose and you are living it! I can’t wait to see what’s next! xoxo Rhoda
Just when I thought I couldn’t love you two any more than I already do….
LOVE this!! Thanks so much for sharing!
It’s great to see both of you growing spiritually and how you’re allowing Christ to use your lives and spiritual gifts to reach others through your blog and at church. Kevin, thanks for being courageous and sitting down in front of the camera–I can’t wait to see what He has in store for you next!
I couldn’t help but cry hearing Kevin’s testimony!! You both are touching so many people with allowing God to work through your awesome talents!!
Hugs,
Angela
Wow!!! Spoken with such articulation and purpose. I have been following The Lettered Cottage for a while. I adore the blog but adore the two of you even more. I may not ever have the pleasure of meeting you guys but please know…you touch many lives and hearts with your willingness to share God’s love.
Thank you for putting your heart out on the line and sharing your testimony for us! It hit home.
God bless you and best wishes!
Siggie
Praise the Lord!! Im so happy for you both. I have a prodical son, and I just rejoice with your parents Kevin, who I am sure NEVER STOPPED PRAYING for YOU!! Now, standing before them, is an answer to their prayers….you truly came home!! I also have two adopted little girls from China, that the Lord called us to adopt at 43 & 48!! My walk with the Lord has been the ride of my life!
Thank-you for sharing your story…and your talent. God Bless you and your sweet wife. from, Oklahoma.