You may or may not remember that nearly two years ago I posted a YouTube video about Cardboard Testimonies, even sharing my own cardboard testimony if it were me on that stage.
Yesterday, I got to be on that stage.
Can you believe it?? What a blessing!! I was just so incredibly humbled and excited when I got the email asking if I would participate. See, God reads my blog, doesn’t He??
What an incredible service it was. Our pastor has been doing a series on hope and this was ideal for that series. There was a video testimony earlier in the service from a couple who lost their little girl in a car accident a couple of years ago. Yes, tough to watch. Then the cardboard testimonies. There was not a dry eye in the room and by the end, everyone was standing and clapping and crying and singing.
What was so amazing about having this event in your own church was knowing the people on that stage – knowing them, knowing their testimonies, having the opportunity to know them more – it just makes it that much more powerful. Knowing that some were hanging on to hope in that very moment as they held their sign – hanging on with everything they had – was more powerful than I can describe in words on a mere blog. Knowing how far some of these precious people have come is just incredible. Seeing victory before my very eyes is joy unimaginable.
Wanna see? Of course you do.
Chets Cardboard Testimonies – May 16, 2010 from Tim Trinkle on Vimeo.
It was a truly memorable service! Started crying as soon as Glenn came out and held up that first sign & was a weeping mess by the end. Such an amazing visual to go along w/ powerful music. Even my youngest son (11 yrs old) was moved to tears by it- he said he held it together ’til Preacher came out and then he lost it! My older kids were in the youth service and so I showed them the video last night- of course they were moved by it as well.
What was so cool was knowing some of the folks up there and then seeing some I didn’t know well in a whole new light. It just goes to show that everyone has a story. What a wonderful thing to see God’s transforming power in the lives our church family. Thank you Tara for your willingness to share with all of us your story. Such a beautiful story of pain and despair, love and mercy, victory and triumph- by the power of our Great and Glorious God!
Oh, and how did you get God to read your blog?!? I totally want Him to read mine too… Maybe I should suggest an RSS feed?
Wonderful to see you up there – first time I have come across this idea, but so powerful and moving.
Thanks for sharing
Oh Tara!! YOu made me do the hiccup cry/breathe. Isn’t God’s freedom so amazing?
I cried all the way through. I don’t know your church family, but God does, and to see all the testimonies of God’s grace, mercy and redemption makes my heart love Him even more. Such beautiful faces of testimony.