*NOTE*
You get three for the cost(or time) of one in today’s post.
You get a free PDF of a more awesome version of the post you’d read below…
You get the post itself…
And you get a video of my speaking on the story God wanted me to share.
Yes, what I didn’t mention last week when I introduced the share your story series was the fact that after my conversation with God on sharing my story in the book, He opened doors for me to speak at a sister’s conference, topic He gave me was “On Purpose: God can use you despite your imperfections” using my life as an example.
The organizer of the conference called me and guess what they wanted me to speak on?
“Testimony by Frances.”
She said come and share your story with us, inspire us.
When I heard the topic, Â I just said “God”.
So I went to the conference with lots of prayers (thanks Princess!), praying for grace to obey and God delivered.
We had ladies just set free from their own weight of sin, burden and condemnation.
I have uploaded the video of me speaking at the conference on my youtube channel and you can watch it below.
I have no doubt that God will speak to your heart too.
The words I will be sharing below are just as they were when God gave it to me for the book.
Remember that I am currently working on my book – “10Steps to Walking In Purpose” and this share your story is a part of it.
The book will be out in September 2015 and I give details about it, along with how you can get your hard copy in the PDF you can download below.
The PDF also contains words that I didn’t add to the post below so you’d do well to download it below.
And now, let’s get into my story:
Step 6
Share Your Story; Own Your Brokenness.
Now this is one step in this book that took me a lot of tears, prayers and trepidation to write about.
Why?
Because I am also going to share my story, as I am instructed to do so by God.
I know that God called me out of my imperfections and He intends to use them for Him â to shine forth the light to others; but what He has asked me to share in this step is too deep.
I have told Him that I will definitely not find a husband after sharing this deep dark story in a book that will be read by lots of people but He has told me that thatâs okay â I am not supposed to find him anyway, he will bring the husband to me.
I have asked Him what people will think, what will my parents think?
And His only response to me was that He intends to use my imperfections for Him. He has asked me to share my story, let Him heal me and heal the scars of others through this too.
And if He wants me to share my story in this book, then who am I to say no?
Never mind that I knew that I would share this story openly but wanted to wait till I was married with kids.
But if He says now, then I say yes Lord.
Remember the relationship I talked about in a bit of my walk in purpose up there?
I committed two abortions while I was in it.
I was a novice at the sex deal and knew nothing about birth control. And so after eating the forbidden fruit for a few months, I got pregnant â of course thatâs what you get when you have unprotected sex (and just so we know, any form of sex, protected or not is frowned on by God outside marriage).
The obvious answer was to abort it because I could not imagine my parents knowing about it; neither could I imagine my fellowship at school getting wind of it.
To my young mind, there wasnât really a choice to be made â just take it off.
And the next time I got pregnant again, the answer was again simple â just take it off.
Most people will tell you about the medical procedure but no one tells you about the psychological procedure involved in letting it all go.
Even after giving my life to Christ and becoming a tongue speaking lover of Christ, I still cowered under the weight of condemnation and scars gotten not from the abortion instruments used by the doctor â but scars deeply etched into my soul.
I carried them around for years till God addressed my issue in a meeting I attended while I was at Law School.
The preacher suddenly veered off into talking about the weight of condemnation arising from past sins of abortion and I remember crying my heart and eyes out as I prayed to God.
And that was it.
One sincere heart to heart talk with God and everything was taken away.
I remember speaking to my elder brother, the only person who knew that I had committed an abortion, and telling Him that God just addressed my issue in the meeting I just attended.
That meeting happened in 2013.
This is 2015 and I can without doubt say that the weight of condemnation is all gone from my soul.
I do not know how God did it, but a sense of wholeness overwhelmed me from that day.
I finally believed like His Word says that He has washed me of all sins I committed before I came to Him and I am now a new creation in Christ.
As I type this right now, I am thinking of how God has taken my life and washed it clean one step at a time.
So many dark stories â so many dark crevices â He took them all and let His light shine through them all.
This girl in Christ would not be here today without those dark years.
But God has turned those dark years into light.
Who am I?
Who is this flawed imperfect girl with a shady past that He loves this much? And then He still calls this broken flawed girl beautiful.
He not only brought light to my life through the dark years, He wants to bring light to others through my own past darkness.
I remember sharing this story in a conference I was opportune to speak at and the number of ladies that were just set free from the sins they were struggling with.
What kind of God turns that which men believe should be hidden into testimonies for Him?
Why would He want me to put something the world calls so shameful into a book â to be read by lots of people?
I mean, I used to be so ashamed of my past.
I used to cover up in disgust at some of the things that I did in the past.
But He has made me see; how can I not share my story about how God saved me from myself with others?
Someone else’s light can be lighted through God’s light in me and it would be a shame to miss out on bringing another life to God’s light.
Now, I believe that you understand why I feel an aching pain in my heart to spread forth the truth that young girls should live purposeful lives.
I was once like them â drifting along with no idea that God has created me to be more and do more.
No one told me then that God has a unique niche for me to fill on earth. I had to grow into that knowledge as God revealed it to me and that’s exactly what I don’t want to be repeated in the lives of these young girls.
Someone has to tell them not to repeat the same mistakes that I made and if it has to be me, then by all means, let it be me.
God knows that I have been there before so I know how it all works.
So what did He do with my experience?
He set it all up as a part of my purpose in Him.
And I believe that God wants us to understand this truth too.
Our past experiences weren’t given to us for us to sweep them under the carpet; they are all used in the good works that God has prepared for us before the beginning of time.
Every experience (painful or not) that has ever happened in our lives lead us up to just one thing – God’s purpose for us.
Godâs light to shine through our past darkness.
Romans 8:28
âAnd we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.â
The past we feel like hiding?
It all culminates in God’s purpose for our lives.
We have got to look deep down into the experiences we have had in our lives. More often than not, God will also use that to point us towards what our purpose on earth.
We are always drawn towards people going through what we have gone through in time past.
But the thing is, we usually don’t like to look back into the past, some of us just want to bury the terrible experiences and sometimes, I want to do that too.
My family situation was rough for a better part of my young life and I do not like to remember the years when we always had my parents fighting in our home, but when I see a girl crying about her family situation, I know that I must tell her my story and let her know that God restores homes.
And it should be the same for us too.
Our past experiences are lamp stands that point us towards who God wants us to be and what He wants us to do on earth for Him.
Don’t hide the pain, let the pain of past experiences be healed by God and when He makes you whole again, use those experiences to bless the lives in front of you.
God works out everything in our lives for good â He uses the good and the bad to bring out His good purposes in our lives.
Don’t beat yourself up about your past, give it all to God and let Him wrought purpose in you through it.
He will mold that sad tale â that story that you are tempted to sweep under the carpet and use it to bless lives for Him.
Pay close attention to your past (and present) life experiences.
Everything that has ever happened in our lives leads us right back to walking in purpose for God while on earth.
Let God mold you and bring you forth as fine gold for Him – usable for every good work.
Please share your story.
Please own your brokenness.
A life out there needs to hear it.
*******************************
So that’s it.
It seems easy to say that’s it now but even though I had spoken about it in a conference before, I still prayed not to chicken out from posting it on the blog today.
Again, If you have been blessed by the words above, then you would probably also be blessed by the words God gave me to share on my story at a sister’s conference recently.
God met us in mighty ways at the meeting.
I experienced the fruit of obedience first hand as we had people literally experiencing freedom from the guilt of past sins and letting God come in to make them anew.
You can watch the video here on my YouTube Channel (Just click on the highlighted text to watch) or watch the video below.
I am certain that it would bless you mightily.
The âShare Your Story Seriesâ also continues on the blog every Monday in the month of August 2015 (might spill over into September) and it would highlight real life stories of people who have been changed by God.
I hope you follow the real life stories and be encouraged to know that you aren’t alone in your “seeming mess”.
God can and will pull you out of darkness into the light too.. If you let Him like I pray you will.
Finally, it would be appreciated by me if you would allow yourself to be used as a vessel to let other lives see the light.
You can please share this post (and the PDF) to friends via mail, Bluetooth, flash share, etc⦠share it to any and every one you know will be blessed to have it.
And share it via the social media channels below.
Thank you very much.
If you would love to know about the book this my story stems from and on plans to get a copy for yourself, click below to download the PDF where I spell out all the details.
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31 Comments
gabby
August 17, 2015 at 8:47 amThis is encouraging Frances and I have been praying about sharing my story too. Thanks to God for the strength he has given you to be a light unto others.. I can’t find the YouTube video..
Frances Okoro
August 17, 2015 at 12:07 pmHello Gabby…His grace is enough…. and your story will help others see the light…I pray for grace to be obedient on you in Jesus name, amen.
And just little issues with the you tube video, will be up soon
Henry
August 17, 2015 at 12:57 pmThank you Frances for yielding to share your brokenness! I imagine how many would be blessed by your story.
Don’t seem to see the video though.
Frances Okoro
August 18, 2015 at 1:13 pmThank you Henry..when Baba says, we obey… His grace oh, not mine.
The video will be up soon oh, it didn’t upload then, it’s over 3gig so I guess that’s the issue… soon..
Onyinye
August 17, 2015 at 12:59 pmWow! I can imagine how difficult it must’ve been to share this. Thanks for being so open and transparent. I pray God will continue to give you grace and strength.
Frances Okoro
August 18, 2015 at 1:19 pmOnyinye…twas all God, not me..the spirit of boldness..its so real, I have experienced it.
Amen and amen to your prayers.
keke
August 17, 2015 at 1:51 pmThank you for sharing your testimony. God can indeed take and use anything one, no matter the brokenness or secrets. His grace abounds.
Much love Sis
Frances Okoro
August 18, 2015 at 1:22 pmThat’s exactly what He is doing Keke..showing that He can take nothing and make them something and I am mighty grateful!
mateyscott
August 17, 2015 at 4:44 pmFrances hon, God bless you for sharing your story. It will even lift weight off you personally.
And God is a giver of redeeming love. It doesn’t matter what your past is. All he cares about is your now and the future you can have with it. Indeed, your story is a big part of your testimony and really, if those experiences didn’t happen, you might not understand how important your purpose to shed the light of God, especially to young children is.
May God give you strength for the journey ahead. I don’t know why that’s my particular prayer point for you, but it’s one I feel strongly in my heart. God will give you strenght for the journey ahead in Jesus name. Amen! Much love hon?
Frances Okoro
August 18, 2015 at 1:29 pmMayowa…let me know go into the deep thinking your prayer point led me on…lol. what I will stick to is God’s grace is enough.
Thank you so much Mayowa, you are amazing..so someday we will meet and I can say that in person…
Mobolaji
August 17, 2015 at 8:59 pmEver heard of Jimi Tewe’s wife?
She shares her story like yours too! And when she thought she didn’t deserve God’s blessings, He not only gave her a fine man, but a man who was a virgin!
Your life is in God’s hands babes.
I love you! Thanks
Frances Okoro
August 18, 2015 at 1:49 pmHah Bolaji!
Trust God to do what humans can’t do, giving the new creation with a shady past to one who’s “squeaky clean”.
Blowing our minds through and through.
Will search for his wife, I have only heard of Jim tewe…
Always, much love my sister(you have moved beyond blog reader), I lovvvve you and mega appreciate you.
Toby Nwazor
August 18, 2015 at 7:22 amHello Frances,
I had my heart beating frantically as I read your testimony. I applaud your courage. Your story makes me remember 2Corinth 1vs4.
Keep up the good work you are doing here.
Remain blessed
Frances Okoro
August 18, 2015 at 3:37 pm2cor 1:4 has been a constant so many times in my life and I will let it to continue to be so by God’s grace.
Thank you Toby.
E'
August 18, 2015 at 10:14 pmAll I could repeat was HALLELUJAH
.
HALLELUJAH!!!!!
Frances Okoro
August 19, 2015 at 12:53 amGlory!
Graciemama
August 18, 2015 at 10:26 pmGOD BLESS YOU FRANCES.
Reading this, I was like wow! God bless this babe for sharing. I have not even done up to 5% of this and i condemn myself for my lil mistakes. God’s love for me stays regardless.
I pray that God will continually use you as a vessel unto His Honor.
Frances Okoro
August 19, 2015 at 1:17 amThank God the message has been passed to you now Gracie…God’s love goes nowhere! it stays, whatever maybe, it stays!
Amen and amen! Thankkkks so much
Princess Okechukwu
August 20, 2015 at 11:13 pmI’m so speechless reading this, hun! Theirs just something different about reading this here. [ I can’t explain]
God is just too amazing. How He transforms who He has called is no child’s play.
I know telling your story is not pleasing to your flesh; but I celebrate you for being subject to the Spirit..
Much love, always! [Im still speechless now, but will definitely speak through inbox]
Keep soaring!
Princess Okechukwu
August 20, 2015 at 11:14 pm*there’s
Frances Okoro
August 21, 2015 at 8:30 amPrincess…*subject to the flesh…your prayers sure helped, your words of encouragement, priceless!
I appreciate you sis, can’t say that enough.
Thank you very much…
I pray we will always let the Spirit control and take charge, not our own mindsets in Jesus name, amen.
Distinguished
August 22, 2015 at 6:36 pmI am moved and blessed by your courage and Testimonies Frances. All I see is a young lady radiating God’s Glory because she is (you are) willing to obey God against all odds.
Obedience is better than sacrifice and I am certain more testimonies will roll from this tough obedience.
God bless you always ma’am. I can’t comment often but I can pray to walk in purpose like you do and I can share the gospel you’re preaching as much as I can.
Frances Okoro
August 26, 2015 at 7:28 amAmen and amen Distinguished… that we all will go out on God’s path and purpose for our lives with the grace that He gives, amen!
Thank you so much
Tosin
August 22, 2015 at 7:10 pmThank you girl for baring your soul. Still reminding you, God is taking you places. I see a Deborah in you. Can’t say much now cos am greatly moved.
Blessings
Frances Okoro
August 24, 2015 at 2:40 pmHey girl! Thank you so much for your kind words, as God desires to use me, I am open to His desires…
Hope you are fine sha Tosin?
Oga and fam? Stay thriving!
Jessie
August 25, 2015 at 12:18 pmGod bless you Frances!
You can’t imagine how God has blessed me through this post. I pray that He will also give me the boldness to share my story if it’s His will
Frances Okoro
August 29, 2015 at 7:36 amThank you Jessie..when it’s the right time to share your story, you’d know.
Just yield and obey then.* hugs and ehugs*
Bee
December 3, 2015 at 12:49 amThis story almost moved me to tears.
I am so proud of you. Believe me to be open about things like this isn’t easy. I hardly admit it to myself and dread the conversation on my past with whoever God brings my way for marriage.
Not to talk of saying it in public with my identity revealed.
The truth is I lived a messed up life before I became born again.
I almost fainted the day one overzealous pastor told my dad(a Muslim) that one of his daughters has committed abortion before but needs to ask for forgiveness. I almost cursed the man. Abi which kain Alakoba be that? Lol. After eight/ten years oh. I was born again then so I couldn’t lie or pretend it wasn’t me because my dad would think it was my sister. We are just two girls.
That was how I confessed oh. Chai! See acceptance, no condemnation. I will forever love him for that.
I no get heart to say I had done more than one. In fact nobody on earth knows how many abortions or men I have slept with except God and me
In fact make I stop. I go mail you.
So proud of you. My prayer is that you make heaven. Cos that’s the greatest reward I can think of. That all your labour for his glory will not be in vain in Jesus name.
Amen
Frances Okoro
December 8, 2015 at 5:57 amAmen Bee…amen! amen!
Cuz all this is for God..to please Him not man..to rest in Gis bosom at the end of it all…
Your comment…
all I can see is the lives that will be transformed when it’s finally time for God to allow you share your story and when you yield to Him and see the light in you now, not the past..the past girl is dead and gone.. dead and gone..only this girl alive in Christ lives now..
And the only thing the past if great for is to bring glory to Christ through lives that will be transformed through it.
The spouse God will bring to you is one who understand the truth and will be blown away by God’s grace because of you – his wife.
That God can wash you from scratch and mold you and give you to him..he will be forever grateful for that.
Much love Bee
andrew ifeatu
February 25, 2016 at 11:35 amYour story has just showed me how human and flawed I have been. God is using you greatly…keep the good work going. God bless you
Frances Okoro
February 25, 2016 at 12:22 pmAmen and amen Andrew…thank you!
I pray you make changes as the Holy Spirit gives you grace to do so… and welcome to the blog! First comment here yes? Welcome