Never In A Million Years

I shared my testimony with the whole senior class today. LOL WHAT. Literally, never in a million years would I have ever imagined myself doing what I did today. A little over a year ago no one knew anything about my life. I used to be one of the most closed off people ever, not even playing, I didn’t have the courage to let people into the darker parts of my life. But, today I told 30 high school seniors. Basically, how all this started was with this authority dude at the school who came and told Chloe and Hannah that they needed to go to the seniors class because their literature teacher didn’t show up. So Han and Chlo were all like “omg, what should we do.” And then Chloe goes “omg, I have an idea. Alyssa, you’re gonna share your testimony. I said “lol no, Chlo.” (and just a little background knowledge.. before today, I wasn’t really a huge fan of vulnerability, so I wasn’t feeling this whole sharing my life to a bunch of seniors thing). But Chloe ended up dropping some straight truth on me. So, I went on down to the seniors class and shared my testimony. It was honestly one of the most nerve-wracking things I’ve ever done. These kids were so respectful while I was sharing this with them. The only time they’d talk was when they would try and help each other understand what I was saying, other than that they gave me their undivided attention. So today,  I was able to share with them about my parents divorce and how that affected me, my struggle with depression, quitting softball, my struggle with pornography (omg can’t believe I just said that) and we also talked about my relationship with the Lord and when I really started running after Him. Literally one of the coolest things ever. Afterwards, 2 of the kids wrote on a piece of paper saying that I’m brave and that I inspire them and just that they appreciate me sharing my testimony with them. Like, oh my word. That’s incredible.

Also, previously this week I was able to share my testimony with one of the senior girls who the Lord has laid on my heart. And because of that I was able to share it with the senior boy who was translating for the two of us and also with a couple other students who were sitting around. Let’s back track real quick.. So when we were in Baños last month, our team was chillin’ at Arte Café (literally they have the best crepes and piña jugo!!) anyways, we did vision casts for each other, which is basically asking God what He says about someone and speaking that over them, and one of the things my team said to me was that I was going to be able to share my testimony with multiple people and that it would set people free. This came true this week. I was able to share huge parts of my life with these kids, and because of that I was able to relate to them on a whole other level.

 

So back on the whole thing that happened today. After I shared my life with the students, I came to realize that I am vulnerable. Vulnerability is part of who I am. Which was really cool because I’ve really been trying to figure out what my identity is. Also, I was able to have another really good conversation with this senior girl I was talking about earlier. We just talked about life and Jesus. This girl is probably one of the coolest. Then I got to end the day worshipping our incredible God on the roof of our ministry, watching the thunderstorm roll in, with my incredible teammates and great squad leader, Kacie. Today was the raddest.

I had an epiphany. I am vulnerable.

 

Dueces, homies.

-Lyss

 

P.S. My home girl Chlo Chlo is about $4,000 short of being fully funded. If you feel led, please go to her blog chloegreen.theworldrace.org and donate so she can keep chillin’ with me over the next 7 months. Thanks y’all.