Come As You Are: You Are Enough

What an honor and joy it was to participate in Family Camp at Camp Spalding this year alongside some of our amazing 1st Pres families! We spent the greater part of last week enjoying time together, participating in fun activities, drawing closer to God and embracing our true identity as His beloved children.

Throughout our time, we explored the transformation that happens when we truly embrace the gift of GRACE and the 

Kierstie Renninger

identity of Christ in Us. We don’t have to perform for God to please Him. He loves us no more or less than He ever could … today, tomorrow, and always. God asks us to simply TRUST. God loves us exactly as He created us and, yet, we so often have a hard time embracing our authentic selves. What we often view as our own limitations or shortcomings, God has intricately designed to be opportunities to grow, connect, and to be supported by others. I know I am so often my biggest critic and my inner dialogue consists of things I would never say to a cherished friend. So why do we do that to ourselves? Isn’t it so special when we receive affirmation from those around us? Look for a friend to encourage and uplift this week. 

From the garden to now, we cover up, self-doubt, and try to hide our shame, but shame dies when stories are shared in safe spaces. What is holding you back from living in your authentic identity in Christ? Who can you connect with to share your stories in a safe space where you will be embraced and affirmed with no judgment? Friends, we have so many opportunities at 1st Pres to connect with others, my encouragement is to jump in. As fall approaches, we can look forward to the return of many of our small groups, fun events for all ages, and many opportunities to connect with others … so, come as you are … get plugged in; we were not meant to walk through this life alone!

In His Name, Kierstie