Featured #TellHisStory Writer: Stacey Thacker (And a Book Giveaway)
Story has the power to change the world, one paragraph at a time. I share this space, once a week, with some great storytellers I’ve met during my years of writing. This week’s featured storyteller is author Stacy Thacker. I’m so happy to have met Stacy in the past year through blogging. You will love her. Be sure to come back Wednesday to link your own stories or photos with us in the #TellHisStory community. I’ll be honest with you. Surrender is not easy. I don’t much like the word or its fancy synonyms: Sur-ren-der: to yield to the power, control, or possession of another. Synonyms: Cede, deliver, relinquish, render I like to be in control. I want to be the go-to girl with all the answers. Does that girl yield or render? Not too long ago, in a defining moment, God asked me one question and it changed everything I thought about surrender. You see I had a story to tell. It was filled with hope and I knew exactly how it was all going to play out. I had a plan with a super ending written by my own hand. But God leaned in and whispered to me: “Do you trust me?” This question echoed from above and landed with a thud in my heart. I tried my best to persuade Him. My story was penned and ready to be launched. I had waited already. This surely was the right time to move forward. And still, He said, “Wait. Give it to me. Surrender your story to me.” I wrestled for days. I cried. I loosened my grip on my story. He was slowly moving me from how I felt to what was actually true with His one question. With my hands now empty I was free to grab ahold of His. He was preparing me to receive something infinitely better and more amazing than I could imagine. I am slowly learning in my not OK times to lean into His plan. It is so much better that way because He has written the Word of Hope on every page. When I wait on Him, who sees the beginning from the end, I get to experience His transforming presence in my life. I had to remember this: I was not just letting it go. I was giving it to God. (Click to tweet) I was relinquishing my small story into the hands of a personal God who has already breathed this truth for my weary heart: “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord, “they are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). His plan ended up being one only His hand could pen. It was beautiful. I just couldn’t see it from my limited point of view. How did I ever doubt Him? Oh but I did. When He asked me, “Do you trust me?” I slowly said, “Yes.” Because when I stacked up what I knew about Him and His faithfulness, it far outweighed my own feelings on the matter. As it turned out, He was right all along. Q. My sweet friend, have you found yourself wrestling with God lately? Is He asking you to surrender something, possibly your story for His glory?Are you willing, right now to lean into His plan? How can I encourage you today? I’d love to pray for you!
Stacey is Mike’s wife and the mother of four vibrant girls. She is a writer and speaker who loves God’s Word and a good cup of coffee. Her passion is to connect with women and encourage them in their walks with God. Stacey is the owner of Mothers of Daughters, a monthly e-zine for moms, the co-author of“Hope for the Weary Mom,” and the author of “Being OK with Where You Are.” You can find her blogging at 29 Lincoln Avenue or hanging out on Twitter @staceythacker. Stacey is giving away two copies of her book, Being OK with Where You Are#TellHisStory Storytellers Series
Surrendering Your Story
by Stacey Thacker
Book Giveaway Details
To enter, you can answer one of her questions, above. Or simply tell us that you’d like a copy of the book.
I will draw two winners, randomly, on Friday at noon. The winners will be notified by email.
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I was wresting with God when my mother was sick. he did not make sense to me at all! But I find that when we give up, and just trust Him, THEN it will make sense! God wanted to take my mom home, and He did eventually, when we all could give her up, knowing that she was going to the one who loves her best!!! patsy
Patsy — my dad has been battling cancer for about 5 years. I understand how hard trust can be when it means surrendering someone you dearly love. He walks with us, I know this full well! Thank you for sharing and I’m praying for you!
Hi Stacey,
When I surrendered to telling my story I never felt more free! They are stories for His glory for sure! In fact, I’ve called them Glory Stories for years and I have a section on my blog that is all about our Glory Stories and others Glory Stories. I love how he connects the dots of His love through His children like this! May your book bless many!
Heather
40YearWanderer
“Stories for His glory” I love that!
Amen!
Never would I have thought that I would have to surrender my perfectly perceived story of my sweet son’s life into the hands of my loving God. Being diagnosed on the autism spectrum has left me surrendered to the truth of Jeremiah 29:11 for my son. Learning to trust is a journey I’m faced with every single day. I would love to have a copy of this book!
Praying Jeremiah 29:11 for both you and your son Laurie!
Over the last 3 years, I have been in a perpetual season of learning to surrender. It’s been painful at times, but beautiful too. I have come to know God in a way I never had, and by His grace I am so much more willing these day to just let it go–He has shown me how gently and tenderly He cares for me. I look forward to hear more of your story, Stacy. Thanks for sharing this here. ((hugs))
I have been there Kris in a perpetual season of surrender. Covering you in prayer!
I’ve been wrestling with giving up my very small part-time job. When I got the job, it was an amazing answer to prayer. But over the past few months, God has been stretching me, asking me to trust Him financially AND give more! However, I’ve realized that the peace I feel when I obey the nudging of the Holy Spirit is priceless. {Would love a copy of your book!} 😉
I am trying to give up the inordinate amount of time I spend on Facebook. It has taken me away from the Word and I need to spend time in God’s Word! I would also love a copy of your book!
Oh i would so love this book!!
Struggling with giving God control right now and so I needed to read this. I think I will print it out and put it in my journal.
There is hope today Allison! Especially on the days we are holding tightly to our version of our story. He is so patient, and I’m asking Him to stir your hope and remind you today, how much He loves you!
Stacey- oh how right you are sister, surrender is a toughie!! I too am a need-for-control kinda gal, and so far it really hasn’t gotten me any benefit – not from God’s point of view anyway. I’m thankful for your words today, though a harsh truth, still a truth from God’s Word that we can count on never changing!
I love your statement–“I was not just letting it go, I was giving it to God.” There are some things that I am struggling to let go. Giving them to God and allowing His will in these areas is exactly what I needed to hear. Empty my hands to take hold of His.
Thanks you for sharing your heart with us.
Surrender to His love and power really shouldn’t be this hard, should it? What a journey he puts us all on! Would love to hear your thoughts in this new book!
Love you Stacey! Thank you for sharing your story!
Such powerful, yet “hard to do” truth! In the last two years especially, God has asked me to surrender my story in place of His, and quite honestly, it’s been the hardest thing I’ve ever done. Three months after losing my 62 y/o dad to early onset Alzheimer’s, I lost my 18 y/o daughter to the world. Halfway through her Sr. Year in HS she walked out, never looking back, and leaving us standing in the wake of her ashes. It’s been so painful, as we’ve walked through one tragic trial after another with her since she left home, and time and time again, our sweet Heavenly Father has had to remind me that His ways (his will) is better than mine. And so, I surrender my story, along with the heartache, the tears, and the pain.
I’d love, love, LOVE a copy of your book, Stacey!
Praying you can lean into Him Patty with all that you have. Asking God to strengthen you by His grace and to cover your daughter with His wings.
Ugh, surrender!! I usually like to fight God on that one and then when I finally do cry “uncle”, it is so incredibly beautiful. You’d think I’d catch on more quickly. 😉 But I do know this – remembering who He is makes it so much easier. I’m so thankful you shared this today.
I’ve been fighting (ignoring, disobeying…sinning), God’s call for me to die to myself. To give up control and just lay it all back at His feet. I do lay at His feet, but I quick grab it back, as if I don’t believe God will really take care of all that I need. Especially in the way that I think that I need it. Oh, help my unbelief! Janna
That is so easy to do, and I know many times in my life I have done the same thing. I’m praying for you!
Stacy,
I could relate to what you wrote as I had to surrender my Soul Care Manifesto so many times, up until the time I released it to my blog subscribers this past Monday…and “Trust” was my 2013 word, but I still need it daily 🙂 Congrats on your book 🙂
Surrender is a constant lesson I know God is teaching me. God’s nudging my heart in big ways lately. It’s both exciting and terrifying but I know it’s going to be worth it. I realized I idolized Productivity. Talk about needing to surrender something “good” for something greater. Thanks for your words here. Your book has been on my Amazon wish list for awhile now. 🙂
That is such a great description Kristin – exciting and terrifying. I so get that!
My word for 2014 is Trust. Change is occurring this month with our daughter and granddaughter moving into our former empty nest. I am clinging to God and trusting that this new season is His plan and will work for His glory. Thank you for the opportunity to win a copy of Stacey’s book! Blessings.
I’d love a copy of this book 🙂
My word this year is revelation…and so many things have already been revealed. I know what you mean about letting go. God told me to open my hand.
I can’t see His plan for me, and I want to be willing to lean in and wait for its revelation.
Mary Beth – I’m praying for you, that as you read God’s Word and listen, you will see Him leading you. A great place to start a journey of listening to the Lord is Psalms. David spent years waiting and listening. His heart and words will encourage you!
I am leaning into His plan. I would love to read this book! Thanks for the chance! Blessings
I think I know His plan but feel He has more for me. I am trying and Praying for patience to follow Him and not try to run ahead of Him. Thank you for your words and a chance to read your book.
Hey, Stacey! I loved the part about hands now empty so you can hold His. Oh yes, I need to surrender. My word for the year is accept. Accept God’s plan for my life. Accept others as they are and accept myself as He’s made me. Lots of surrendering!
Thanks Jenny! That is a great and challenging word friend! Praying for you!
I would love to have a copy. Thank you. Happy Friday!