I Am Second is the first job I’ve had where I’ve been able to write from my own viewpoint, and it’s been more rewarding and fulfilling than I would have ever expected. When I joined the I Am Second family almost two years ago, I had no idea the ways that God would grow me, teach me and use me. Through blog posts and emails, I’ve shared struggles and victories, lessons and hope as God has revealed them to me.
But I want to use this blog to talk about you. Yes, you reading this right now. As someone who wrote marketing copy for corporate companies, I’m not used to receiving feedback about what I write. I’m used to writing copy, going through the internal editing process and sending it out into the world, never to be heard from again. Well, that’s not the case at I Am Second. Friend, our team reads every response you send in. Every note of encouragement, every prayer request, every joyful celebration of renewed hope – we see them all.
This is a new experience for me, and let me tell you – it’s humbling. First and foremost, if anything that I’ve written has made an impact on you, we all know it’s God at work, not me. I’m the tool he uses to get that message to you. But I’m also a sponge. I soak in the feedback you send us and pray for you because I know we’re all going through a lot. God uses your stories to touch my heart and shape my writing.
We’ve had people share their stories with us that bring tears to our eyes. So many are struggling with depression, hopelessness, finances, career disappointment, old and new relationships, mental health, addiction, PTSD, divorce, loneliness, community and feeling trapped in unhealthy habits. Thank you for being open and vulnerable to share your hearts with us. We’ve also received messages of hope, encouragement and answered prayers – and we love getting to celebrate those too!
I wish that life had an easy button – a way to erase the heartbreak that so many of you are feeling. But better than that, we have prayer and a God who loves us deeply. I know some of you feel like you’re barely able to tread water right now, and some of you are in a season of peace. I praise God for both situations, because for those in trials, I know God is going to show up in a big way. He’s going to provide for you, sustain you and make a way where there seems to be no way. And when he does, there will be no doubt as to where your help has come from. For those enjoying a season of peace – enjoy it! Rest is a gift from God and he can and will continue to use you to encourage others.
Thank you for sharing all of the ways that I Am Second has had an impact on your life and the lives of others. Please keep sharing your stories with us – we love to hear them and pray over you.