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.
🙂
Jadyn
Thanks so much for sharing this! It really touched my heart and gave me chills. What an amazing God we serve, listening to your story makes me hungry for more of Him in my life. And the idea of creating a space where God shows up and changes life, that is beautiful. Definitely the best ind of interior decorating. 😉
Kim
GOOSEBUMPS! =)
cheri
I have read your blog for several years … I remember a turning point…. where you started being more vulnerable, sharing your heart, sharing your faith. I sensed God working in your lives and have loved watching your faith journey even more than your blog journey. God spoke through you in the video … thanks for putting yourself out there!
stacia
I don’t even know what to say except Kevin was able to describe & define for me what this crazy, empty ache I’ve been struggling with is. His words were beautiful, genuine, & perfect……exactly what I needed to hear when I needed it most. Thank you so much.
Sarah Venn
Thank you so much for posting this! I was crying the whole time, not because I was sad, but because I can totally relate to all that you said. I kept nodding my head, saying, “yes, yes!” I know that feeling, and it is amazing. I feel like out of all of the moments we encounter in our lives, the moment God comes into your life is something you will never forget. I love the relationship that you guys have, and I hope that someday my husband and i will share that. He believes in God, but doesn’t really have a relationship with him. I pray every night that we will someday be able to share that together. Keep the posts coming. You guys are such an inspiration to so many people. I remember stumbling across your blog to look at a picture and I have been reading ever since. Now, your blog is so much more than DIY and design inspiration! Love you guys!
Nicki Wong
What a powerful testimony. It is amazing how wonderful God works in our lives when we allow Him to take control. Nicki
Sherri
One word…WOW!!!!
Allison
Oh Kevin! I teared up with your message. God is so good and so faithful. The incredible part is, we don’t have to pray that He will be, He just is. Its who He is, not what He does. He shines brightly through the two of you, and I am blessed so much by your story and the whole influence of The Lettered Cottage. Thank you for stepping out in Holy boldness. When we do things in His name, for His purpose, thankfully the outcome is up to Him, which is always perfect and timely. You both are a blessing and an inspiration to many of us to let our light shine!
Aunt Chriss
*hug* Kevin, you are so brave. It is wonderful to see the strength of your belief and how it has given meaning to your life on your face as you tell your story. How AWESOME is it that you and Layla were able to come to such a strong faith at the same time? You are both truly blessed by your love of eachother and the Lord and I am just as blessed to know and love you. Love, lOve, loVe, lovE to you both…
Sarah Nutter
This is my favorite post you have ever written. I was nearly in tears during Kevin’s testimony. What a beautiful, beautiful story of God’s redemptive love!! The way He pursued you both and drew you unto Himself. wow. He is an amazing God. And it’s so fun to be able to celebrate with you, even though I don’t know you–but we are the Body of Christ, brothers and sisters living out the same Story. 🙂 Love you guys.
Lorraine
Please tell Kevin THANK YOU!!! God is so good and Kevin did SUCH a great job!! His testimony is beautiful and is a huge encouragement!! My oldest son, who is 22, has walked away from God, lost his purpose and the purpose of life and I have to continue to kneel and lift him to the Cross and trust that God will intersect his life when its time. Not my time, but His perfect, glorious time <3
Shellie
<3 <3 <3 Thanks so much for sharing!
Julie Burkett
Brought me to tears….. Isn’t God amazing and sooo GOOD?!! 🙂 Just another “comment”….we’ve been in your waiting for your family/adoption “shoes”…we have four “waited for” children and pray for your journey as it unfolds. You are an amazing couple and I enjoy reading your blog and praying for your family. Hang on tight to the ONLY ONE who gives us HOPE 🙂
Katie
So encouraged and thankful!!
Amy Youngstrom
So beautiful! God’s timing is perfect. Rejoicing with you in your new found faith.
Kim G
What an amazing testimony. Layla, you and Kevin continue to inspire me, your words always hit home in so many ways and though we don’t know each other, I feel like a little piece of me does. God is truly amazing and it is so cool to hear and read how He blesses y’all.
Shannon
Wow, what a profound quote Kev had that helped my soul’s evolution. I’m floundering about a business idea, but I’m scared to move forward. I’ve been telling my family and friends that I want to create an environment wher God is there, encouraging employees to grow their talents, and work as a team building greater moments. This is just what I needed to hear and read today. Thank you both! I can’t wait to meet y’all at the Chapel. We are driving over from TX that weekend for our anniversary. Can’t think of a better trip, well except for Tybee. Which I owe the discovery of that place to you and Kev also. Keep up the great work!
Shannon ~ bohemianjunktion.com
Beverly
Beautiful! I to am on a similar journey. I’ve had God in my life for a long time, but now I’m letting God have me! (as in ALL of me) Thanking you for sharing this.
Donna
Loved Kevin’s testimony!! You guys are a special couple.
Karen
Hi Kevin & Layla! Thanks so much for sharing your testimony. You both are such an inspiration. It is very easy to see Him in you both. May God continue to bless you both in huge ways.
Lauren
“I used to sing about being lost and now I sing about being found.” Amen! Thank you so much for sharing this!!!
Nicki
That is so awesome! It brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing!
Kristin S
God has a unique story for each and every person. I love hearing them all and especially Kevin’s!
Tammy
Oh Kevin and Layla, I’ve been reading your website for so long I can’t even remember. My heart literally just jumped with joy. So proud of the work GOD does in our lives, so happy you’ve found a church home. The journey to walk with God is filled with so many twists and bumps – buckle up!
Judy
Thank you so much for sharing your testimony. It made my heart full!
Jeannie
WoW! That was amazing! Thanks for sharing, God bless you! We could all use a lot mor God in our lives!
Tamra
Layla, I’ve been following your blog for quite awhile now (and LOVE it, BTW), but have never felt compelled to leave a comment until today. I’m sitting here with tears streaming down my face after watching Kevin’s video. They are tears of happiness. For, I too, have been “found”. Isn’t God’s grace so amazing? Not to mention utterly life-changing! What a blessed hope we have in Him. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this. Just think of how many lives you and Kevin are touching – and in a marvelous, positive way. I know it might not be the popular thing to do, (and you might get some flak for this), but please don’t ever hesitate to share your testimonies.
Allie
LOVE THIS! “I used to sing about being lost and now I sing about being found.” Praise Jesus!! My favorite quote:) God is so good!!
Janine
Wow~
So well said
To God be the Glory!!!
Thanks for sharing this with us to encourage our faith
~reader from Minnesota
Cathy Johnson
Absolutely beautiful! Thank you so much for sharing.
hello haha harf
kevin’s testimony gave me chills and brought tears to my eyes.
thanks for sharing.
Melissa
I normally don’t comment but had to rejoice with you at what a great story God is writing with your lives. Thank you for your courage in sharing this with your readers.
Mindy M.
I never comment but I’ve followed for a few years now. I fell in love with you guys instantly and have been so blessed by you, your story, your posts…pretty much everything about you is amazing! I’m so inspired every time I click over! I have been so proud of you for your boldness in sharing little snippets of your faith here and there… And now I’m filled with JOY hearing Kevin give his testimony!! Thank you for being such a beautiful, positive light for the Lord!! And I love all the comments …who knew there were so many believers out there! 🙂
Thanks Kevin, for letting God use you in such a cool way and with such a unique platform via the blog. You have quite a following … God was given glory through your willingness to be used by Him. Who knows the eternal significance of your sharing this?!
Well done.
Jennifer K.
Thank you for sharing that with us. It spoke directly to my heart.
Melissa Parris
I’m at work. And it’s SUNDAY. I’m sad because I don’t get to go to church,my home.my comfort anymore.I knew or know you both are special people (Gods’ children)from the 1st time I started YOUR BLOG, You have a way of drawing me in,like a soft landing a good friend. I enjoy your Blog ;o) Kevin is supportive and kind man.You are a Blessed women. I have the same and know I am Blessed. I wish you the excitement and JOY of parenthood(soon I hope)and sharing your lives together.You are witnessing ;o)
P.S. have you ever thought about a Christian Lable? I love to listen to JOY fm here in Florida……just a thought?
Tiffany
I’ve been reading TLC for a couple of years now and LOVE you guys and your design style. (like, you guys are my favorite…) But these posts, the ones that really *mean* something…they’re my very favorite. You guys are great. Thanks Kev for sharing. 🙂
Layla
Thank you, Tiffany! I usually get a couple of comments/emails from folks who feel the opposite way when I publish these kinds of posts, so I really appreciate your kind and encouraging comment. I just follow my heart and go with my grin when it comes to adding pages to this thing, and I’m looking forward to sharing another extra-Special Kev-related post soon, too! 😉
Jenny
That was wonderful. Thank you for sharing. In a world where people don’t want to talk about faith, and how God changes lives, it is refreshing that you do. Blessings.
Linda Weisz
What a wonderful testimony!!! You have a great talent and it’s so good to hear that you want to use it for the Lord. Bless you and thanks for sharing.
Kelly - Talk of the House
Looks like I am 2 weeks and 200 comments late on this post. Better late than never! Kevin your testimony is beautiful. God has connected all the dots in your life to take you to this place of peace where you are today, and I love it!! Thank you so much for taking the courageous step of sharing your journey. THIS will certainly be something God will use to reach many. Yes, there is a purpose to your talent!
Christy
Wow. This is such a powerful testimony, Kevin. God is using your life in big ways to reach His people. It takes a strong spirit to let people in and humble yourself for His glory. Your words are encouraging to my spirit. I pray that He will continue to use you and you will continue to let Him work through you. This is just so beautiful.
1 Peter 5:6. Matthew 23:12.
Rebecca
I love the journey God has you two on! Blessings to you!
Dana Tucker
Loooooved this!!!! So inspiring to see you guys openly sharing your faith. I can’t wait to meet you at the Chapel Market tomorrow 🙂
Missy
Oh Kevin…You had no reason to be nervous or scared, your testimony is beautiful. I’m sitting here crying….you know, the runny nose kind of crying that makes you take a deep breath just so you can hold yourself together and not get into the blubbery stuff. 🙂 . I love you and Layla, and both your hearts. I have been in church since I was 7 years old, but sometimes you just start hearing words, and stop feeling the reason you are here. I love the Lord with all my heart, but I really needed to hear your fresh Christian heart to make me remember how my heart longs to feel again. I’m so glad you have found your true purpose in life. God gives us all talents, and I think we can use them for him, or squander them on a world that doesn’t really care…I’m glad you’ve chosen to use your precious talent for the one true King.
TJ and I would love to get together with you and Layla someday….he says he would love to jam to some Christian music with you. 🙂
Layla girl, I love you to pieces, and my heart is just swelling to see how you and Kevin are growing in him, and will soon be teaching HIS goodness to your new little one!!
xoxox
Missy
tasha roe
I love this!! Thanks so much for sharing your testimony, Kevin! Love your heart! Thanks for sharing it with us. 🙂
Dianne
When God works in our hearts, we may not know it at the time, but He made us so that He is the only One that can fill our voids and emptiness! The hard part is learning to trust that what He has is alway for our good because He is our Father. It’s quite a journey! Thanks for posing your testimony!
Debra
Beautiful. We actually find ourselves when we lose ourselves. So counterintuitive but so true.
Joy Jenkins
Thank you for sharing that! Every story has a name and Every story matters to God! HE has so much more for our lives than we can dream!
tricia @littlecottageonthepond
This is so beautiful. I find myself wanting to watch people’s realization of G-d and their relationship with Him, but mostly because it’s something I don’t have. I’m in awe of people who have that kind of faith and trust. He did a wonderful job telling his story 🙂
Beja
Thank you for sharing this journey! I am a worship leader in Fort Worth, Texas at Keystone Church, and I love seeing testimony videos to know who might be walking through the door any given Sunday.
It gives me hope for my friends who had a bad church experience earlier in life and walked out.
“So we are Christ’s ambassadors; God is making his appeal through us. We speak for Christ when we plead, “Come back to God!” 2 Corinthians 5:20
Samantha
Awesome testimony, Kevin! Following God can be scary at times, but He shows up. He doesn’t leave us hanging. He equips us to do what he calls us to do. Keep hearing his voice and leaning in and relying on his strength. You have so much to offer, so much to be used to his glory!