My Favourite Show of 2017

We were asked to pick our favorite shows of 2017. And oh, this was hard!

There were so many great ones. I felt so motivated by Jully Black. And so moved by the courage of Eryn-Faye Frans. I resolved to be more giving after seeing so many beautiful stories of philanthropy by our guests. And Kimberley always sweetens my Fridays with her honest and sunny outlook from Nashville.

But if I have to pick just one show, I’d have to say it was when Holley Gerth stopped by the studio to talk about her newest book, Fiercehearted. Her story so resonates with me.

Holley talked to the co-hosts about dropping the mask and sharing our stories – our real stories – stories of brokenness and hurt. On the show, she shared a bit about her own journey with depression and infertility and adoption that she talks about more in her book.

She talked about how hard we are on ourselves and spoke about a friend who had passed through a hard season and was feeling someone discounted by God. Sounding somewhat resigned, her friend told her, “This is who I am now.

And Holley said, “No. These are your circumstances, not your identity.”

Gerth explained her views. “I’m someone who struggles with depression. I’m someone who struggles with infertility. I’ve had other struggles. I will all my life. That is not who I am. That is not who the women watching [See Hear Love] are. We are beloved daughters of God, called and chosen by the King, anointed and placed here for such a time as this. And nothing can change that.“

It still gives me chills when she says that. Because how many times do we feel defeated and that victory has slipped from our grasp?

But it hasn’t. It never does. Victory is the one thing of which we have assurance.

Gerth continues:  “Telling the truth about all parts of our story gives God glory. There is that verse that says “And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony.” [Revelation 12:11] And those things are part of my testimony.”

Yes.

We show God’s greatness though our stories of overcoming. And we build community by sharing those stories with each other and listening to each other without judgment. And we build each other up for the glory of God when we remind each other that we will be victorious and that everything will be redeemed.

Holley’s show reminded me of that.

I hope your 2017 was a beautiful one. I hope it was filled with joy and adventure and love.

But if it was not, I encourage you to re-watch this show and to say to yourself “This is not who I am.

You will overcome your circumstances.

You are guaranteed of victory.

You are seen, you are heard, and you are so loved by God.

This year starts your redemption.