I gave my first Open Talk at Troy, Woodside Bible Church in front of a large group of people. This talk was a testimony of my storms, with and without Christ. It was very scary to say the least, as I looked out and saw faces that I thought were there to judge me. I closed my eyes, I asked Christ to come into my heart; to give me the words I needed to say, and as always he did. As I talked about my sin, and how through that sin I have caused a lot of hurt, I found it to be very healing. I spoke of me and my participation, and my character defects. Christ was working though me because out of my mouth came love and forgiveness, not anger and resentment. This was so refreshing.
At the end of the talk, which was about 45 minutes (that’s a new one for me); people all gathered around me to pray and let me know how surprised they were that I didn’t play the victim role. Two of those people in the crowd were therapists. After breaking away into our men’s group, the two male therapists shared how angry and mad they were at for me for the things that they had read and heard; admitting that they have their faults and sins as well, and who are they to hold those resentments. But because of Christ and his love, and teaching of forgiveness, they were able to look at me in a different way. I am so grateful to my friends at Woodside Bible, Larry, Gail, Tony, Mark, for allowing me to come in and openly confess my hurts, habits, and hang-ups. I love Christ; I love Celebrate Recovery, my love to all of you.
Blessings your way,
Mark Burchell.