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"When you know how much God loves you, it changes everything ... you also stop comparing yourself to others, because you know how special God made YOU." - Tasha Layton *Trigger Warning: Content discussion mental health, self-harm, and suicide* During this Halloween season, some will wear masks to become their favorite superhero or animal, for an evening of Trick or Treat, or festivities, but some of us wear masks all year long, hiding behind, hiding who we really are. We wear a mask to hide our insecurity or to cover up our past mistakes because we feel so imperfect. There was a time when I believed that if people only knew about my mistakes, my brokenness, my sin, there’s no way that they would like me, no way that they would accept me, want me, or love me. And so, we wear a mask to hide, but trying to be someone we are not is exhausting, and it’s also a dark and lonely place to be, a place where the father of all lies, Satan, can really mess with us. Like so many of our stories, this was the story of Tasha Layton. She’s beautiful, she has a beautiful voice, she was on American Idol, she was Katy Perry’s backup singer – she had it all, right? No, she too was searching for her identity, her purpose in life. As a teenager, Tasha faced a painful experience that led her to question her identity. At 16, someone at her church spread false rumors about her. The incident deeply wounded Tasha, causing her to doubt herself. Later, she distanced herself from church and gave up music. Tasha wandered for a long time, trying to seek other religions in search of peace and wholeness. Still carrying emotional scars, Tasha tried other things too, but fell into depression. Isolating herself, she reached a breaking point and attempted suicide. In all honesty, just like Tasha Layton, I too kept comparing myself to others, ending up feeling less than. How do you know if the people who you think have the perfect life aren't also wearing a mask? Perhaps they’re covering up past mistakes and hurts too. In the below video, Tasha Layton shares her testimony of attempting suicide, only to be rescued by God. She shares how she had sought fulfillment in all the wrong places until one day, she encountered Jesus. I hope you find the same encouragement in her story as I did. With love, A VP Lady
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Have you heard of the TV series, "The Chosen"? The Chosen is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ and His disciples, and it is the largest crowdfunded media project in history to date (not just for faith-based projects, but ever!). With acclaim from both critics and audiences, we get to see Jesus through the eyes of those that met Him. Sometimes Jesus is portrayed or understood as distant from us normal humans, smugly holy and self-righteous, but in The Chosen, Jesus and his disciples are down-to-earth and relatable, with believable emotional weight, humor, and authenticity. Being both God and man while on earth, how could Jesus not have been? As an update to when we first recommended The Chosen back in November 2022:
One the most impactful scenes is from Season 1, Episode 1 - Jesus meeting Mary Magdalene. As He calls her by name, He calls each of us by name, inviting us into relationship, freedom, redemption, and purpose. Please consider taking a few minutes to watch: We also want to share a truly authentic, vulnerable, and raw documentary that was produced in connection with The Chosen, this one entitled, Unfiltered: Gen-Z Reacts to The Chosen. If you don't want to watch the introduction, the documentary starts at 27:17. “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." - Isaiah 43:1b - You are loved, valued, and purposed, friend. Please reach out anytime for prayer, if you have any questions, or just need a listening ear.
Text/Call: 414-858-8554 Email: [email protected] Thanks for exploring and considering! |
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