I’m continually amazed at the crazy things we do in an attempt to find approval and love from the people around us.
Some of you have jumped through some absurd hoops hoping to gain love and approval from your parents.
Some of you have worked your fingers to the bones, ignoring your family, hoping to get the approval of your boss.
Some of you gave yourself away sexually this weekend to someone you hardly knew hoping to gain the love of someone.
The reality is daily we turn to people around us to give us something no human being could ever give us.
Here’s the powerful story of Stephanie who was brave enough to share with us for our Empty Promises series this weekend at Cross Point. Stephanie sent me her story a couple weeks ago after reading this post and wanting to reach out to help this young lady.
I love it when people are willing to step out of the shadows and brave judgment, embarrassment and ridicule to tell us about how God met them in their darkest of moments.
Stephanie Paige Story from Cross Point Church on Vimeo.
Thank you for this.
Thank you Stephanie for sharing. Tears are rolling down my face.
I’m starting today by taking notice. Those things matter so much more than I ever thought before.
Stephanie’s story is so powerful and almost brought me to tears when I was watching it during the service yesterday.
This series has been so powerful. I’m thankful they end up online so I can guide people to them.
Wow, thank you for this. ANd thank you to stephanie for sharing.
I actually just wrote something very similar to this the other day & had yet to post it and it made me realize how guilty i am of this everyday, seeking approval from the world when it really doesn’t matter. I am already loved and approved and appreciated by the only One that truly matters. It, along with this post, has made me stop and think.
thank you
that was wonderful.
And that’s probably my favorite Sufjan song he’s ever written.
I cried my eyes out yesterday after Stephanie’s video, and your powerful message. During our large group discussion after the evening service I took a deep breath and raised my hand and shared part of my story with everyone. I’ve never been more scared and comfortable in my life. So thankful for the arms CP has embraced me with as we walk with Christ.
An amazing testimoy. Thank you, Stephanie, for your story. You are a brave woman.
On approval, Karen and I cringed at how often we’ve said to Cooper, “People won’t like you if you don’t share” (or whatever). And then I sit around wondering why people are so intent on seeking approval. It’s because their parents tell them to seek approval, that’s why! This was a real wakeup call. We need to point out that the reason we’re supposed to share is scriptural, not because it’s the way to get people to like us. It’s a hard thing to not do because telling a kid people won’t like him if he does such and such is such a strong motivator. After all, we all want people to like us. yuk.
Pete,
Thank you so much for posting this!
Stephanie,
Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I really needed to read/hear this today! Thank you both SO MUCH!!!
Thank you for this Stephanie, Pete and the team at Cross Point. We want to be pursued, fought for and loved deeply. We must get to a place where we really believe that’s what God has been doing all along, and that not only is His devotion and desire for to us enough, it is more than enough. It’s everything.
I am completely choked up from the post and video both.
Wow – this was touching and inspirational at the same time. It is strange how it touched me due to tragedies in my life. I wrote a post about how precious life is yesterday! God is amazing and life is his greatest gift to us!
Wow, powerful, it helps when we all have a story so much like that, and God so gently reminds us, your not alone. Life so often even with Him as our Father, can feel so empty, because we look for that fulfillment outside of Him. Thanks for sharing.
I cried like a baby through Stephanie’s whole video on Sunday. Thankful for her transparency. The whole sermon hit me like a ton of brinks. Thank you Pete and Stephanie!
very powerful. we don’t realize just how many people are walking wounded… often times we forget that being the only Jesus some see is not just a call to give people the plan of salvation sometimes it is a call to be an ear, or a shoulder, or the hand that wipes away the tears… “if we are the body, why aren’t our feet moving, why aren’t our hands healing”, why aren’t we?
(music quote, from “If We Are the Body” by Casting Crowns)
I shudder to think the decisions i would have made in my life before the age of 25 if i’d been in Stephanie’s shoes.
I worked in International Ministry for nearly 10 years-saw & heard some of the most unspeakable tragedies, evils & heartbreak. And yet Stephanie’s story is still one of the most incredible representations of beauty for ashes i’ve ever heard.
Thank you to Pete for sharing & especially Stephanie for her courage. And may God continue to bless you both abundantly.
Incredible that Stephanie has achieved so much with the life so stacked against her from the beginning. I wish I could give her a big hug. Stephanie you are beautiful, courageous and in Jesus you are a brand new woman–the old things have passed away.
you will be an awesome mom you can give to your child what you didn’t get. Love, time, interest, attention, safety and security. Your amazing thank you sweet beautiful girl. May God totally heal your emotions and heart.
Wow Pete and Stephanie – thank you for making yourself so vulnerable. Stephanie, sharing your story will change the heart of many, bringing hope where previously there was none. I love what you said at the end about our Father – He does know our favourite colour, what we’ll be like as a parent, and so on. How awesome is that & there is so much more He wants to share with us, so long as we continue to Draw Near to Him.
Thank you once again. Be blessed…Ian
I too cried during the service Sunday. I have been an approval junkie my whole life and didn’t even know it. Every wrong turn and bad decision was fueled by the approval of those around me. I knew I was probably wrong but when someone you care about approves it is hard to stand your ground and do what you think you should. Thanks to Stephanie for sharing her struggles and to you for such a pwoerful wake up call!
I seek approval like a drug – it really is an addiction I have had my whole life. I am trying to hold steadfast in the love that God has for me and hold onto His promises. Thanks for the post, Pete.
Pete-
Thank you so much for sharing Stephanie’s story and thank you Stephanie for being willing to share it. My heart breaks for what you had to go through. I pray that God will bless you and continue each day to show you how much He truly loves you.
Powerful.
Hello, everyone!
This is Stefani from the video (accidentally spelled ‘Stephanie’ oops!)
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your sweet and encouraging words. MY life is beautiful and blessed, and really was the whole way along. Jesus carried me around in His hand, keeping me safe from all of the madness.
I’m proud to share this with such an incredible people at such an incredible church.
Love to you all!
Stefani
Thank you for posting this and especially to Stefani for speaking. God uses people to show you want you can’t see about yourself and He definitely just did that through her for me. He revealed something about myself that I had hidden so well, even from me.
Living three hours away and only listening to podcasts and reading blogs, I have to say God has used CrossPoint in my life in such a way I never thought possible. Thank you all!