ROOTED RENEGADE

I used to think taking a self defense class was just going in and throwing some kicks and punches and that was it. One or two classes and you were done. Maybe be around some women and possibly a man and cool….no problem. Boy I was in a for a real treat! You know the Lord will use the seemingly innocent things to some to break chains off those of us who are completely unsuspecting! I happen to be one of those unsuspecting ones.

Last Sunday I attended my first self defense class since being divorced out of an abusive marriage, being rescued from human trafficking and prostitution, and so many other things in my life. I have endured much abuse and thought well, I guess now is as good a time as any to learn some real self defense. I should put a disclaimer here….I know how to semi-defend myself because I can throw a mean left and right hook. But real self defense is not about the punches you can throw, or how well you can knock someone out. It is about how you protect yourself from harm when someone outweighs you, has a gun, is overpowering you, trying to rape you, etc. The things I was never able to protect myself from, and also the things I thought I was never worth being protected from.

So, I walked into class knowing there would be one male instructor….not two. But okay…I know God is with me wherever I go and these men won’t hurt me because I know them. So it’s cool. We attend the same church and it’s all good. But the enemy also has his crew lurking wherever I go also and I knew that too. So my spirit was already stirring. We started with simple moves like chokeholds and such and as we were practicing the pastor asked if he could show me. Now let me say this…I have not been put in a chokehold hold in a long long time – 5 1/2 years to be exact. But I agreed. Why? Because for the first time in 5 1/2 years I felt safe. I felt like I knew this was just practice and I was not going to get hurt. There was no malice intent involved and I knew the Lord with with the pastor and with me also. I knew the Holy Spirit was present and I was about to break some strongholds off my life in that moment that needed to be broken. Guess what?! I didn’t hit the pastor!!!! Praise Jesus! He didn’t know it but I was so proud of myself for not freaking out and hitting him! I am still proud of myself now. I had no fear of him or what he might do. Which was amazing! I am still not scared – I have been scared my whole life of what men might do to me. But I wasn’t then and I am learning that not all men are bad men.

So what is your testimony? Where can God heal you? Where can you let him?

There is more to the story….there is more healing…but for now..this is my testimony of the goodness of God. What is yours?

I can’t wait to hear all about it and I know God is smiling and signing over you as you testify!

Faythe