OneVOICE Babble

Holiday Survival 101, part 12

(reblog from Christmas week 2010)

Make room.

I write to you as I sit in the upper room of my parents’ home, looking down at the infant boy sleeping next to me. The beauty of my son astounds me. And I am not a “baby person” if you know what I mean. But that piece doesn’t come into play when you have had this precious one forming inside of your womb for nine months.

I will never forget when one of my best friends shared with me her confidence that God knew what He was doing to have us carry our children inside of us for so long: in that time He was teaching us to love this child, helping us to get to know him, giving us time to grow together in anticipation for the grand arrival. I love that.

I’ll be honest, though. I hate being pregnant. Ask any of my closest friends and they will tell you, along with stories that probably shouldn’t be shared. It’s painful, annoying, makes me feel gross and it always feels like it will never end. Thats just the tip of the iceberg for me. I will spare you graphic detail. But inasmuch as I hate it, I know what comes out of this season of discomfort… I’ve done it twice now… I will do it again… (hopefully not anytime soon though) because what results is beauty beyond measure, love unspeakable and an incredible life story beginning to be written.

But, without the pregnancy, no life results. Someone has to make room inside.

I reflect on how Mary and Joseph must have felt as they were awaiting the birth of their newborn son, Jesus Christ. The One whose life story would rewrite history. His every word, every move, God-breathed. His life… recorded for you and me.

I reflect on the fact that it is only because of this story of His life, death and resurrection that my life has any meaning at all. It is only because of Jesus that I can truly heal, find hope, freedom, be forgiven and in turn forgive. It is only because of Jesus that I begin to understand love. It is only because of Jesus that I can testify that the most rotten evil intended to break, destroy and devour you and me can instead be turned into something beautiful and glorious, turning darkness to light and setting captives free.

Oh, the birth of Jesus… He came so that our lives would have new meaning. But like Mary, we have to make room for Him inside of us. Like the animals in the manger, we have to make room for Him in our homes. And if we want to experience His healing, His transforming power and His love in such a way that our hurts and hangups become rewritten, we have to make room for Jesus to walk with us on our healing path, too.

“Everyone walks through the fire of adversity, but whatever your experiences - joys or sorrows - our amazing God can use every bit of your life to produce the most unexpected results.” -Jason Crabb

This is a process… His work in our hearts and lives and relationships takes time. Just as He started out as tiny SweetBabyJesus, so does our personal healing journey and our ministry to others begin small and, with time, room and perseverence, grow. We will experience pain, hurt, confusion, exhaustion and the like. But because of Jesus, we do not lose hope. Something greater is coming from all this!

“All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us from within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, anymore than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.” Romans 8:22-25 (The Message)

So do not be discouraged if this journey seems long. Do not lose hope if you are experiencing pain or frustration along the way. Do not be letdown if the road before you seems dimly lit. God is always at work. He is always guiding us and growing us. Preparation takes time and takes development and requires us to give it more room. Christ’s coming is proof of that and His return will be the final say. Until then, let yourself be enlarged, allow God to grow you, develop you and mold you during this waiting period. He holds your hand during the painful parts and carries you when you feel too heavy to walk. He will do a bigger work in you and through you than you can even imagine right now. But we must make room for Him.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices!

A Healing Journey: breaking the silence surrounding childhood sexual abuse

New interview and article sharing my story on LifeSiteNews.

Little Secret, Big Message

Article from Nicole Bromley’s 2012 visit to Charleston Southern University

Nicole Bromley has been telling her story to high school and college students for more than a decade. Each time she shares her experience, without fail, someone comes forward to break his or her personal silence for the first time.

“Every time it feels less and less like my story,” said Bromley. “I think there’s a lot of power in going second. Me sharing my story, if anything, my hope is it gives empowerment to someone else to say, ‘me too.’”

Bromley is a victim of childhood sexual abuse. She was molested by her step-father as a teenager.

Bromley was 15 years old when she first told her story to a public audience. One year after she confessed to her mother, Bromley, without prompting, stepped in front of hundreds of teenage summer campers and shared her testimony. She said she doesn’t even remember walking up to the microphone; in fact, most of it is a blur now, except what she told the nameless faces staring back at her. Bromley told her story, each event more painful than the last.

In the days and weeks after summer camp, Bromley saw her awkward, painful memory undergo a transformation. She started receiving letters from fellow campers sharing their personal stories of abuse.

“As hard as it was to tell my story, if it helped someone else tell theirs, it was worth it,” said Bromley. “I felt called to be a voice to the voiceless.”

A voice to the voiceless, it was a phrase that Bromley “packed away” in her head throughout high school. In college, Bromley began serving in areas where people were hurting and “struggling with the brokenness of life.” Her story, combined with her college experiences led what we know today as One Voice Enterprises, Bromley’s organized message of hope.

Bromley credits God’s grace for her circumstances. When she looks back on the last 15 years of her life she is blown away. Bromley married, has two children and a worldwide ministry.

“Life without God is an equation,” she said. “But with God there are endless possibilities. He can take the worst stories and turn them into something great. Healing is a life-long journey. I still have to deal with my abuse, but it’s not my identity.”

Now more than ever Bromley knows she is not alone. Her one time little secret is out. Bromley asked CSU students to “help me break the silence of sexual abuse … make an important decision to share your story with someone here,” she said. “For sure there is someone here who has been through a similar experience. It cuts across every boundary … I am a statistic; I hate statistics.”

Bromley’s first book, Hush, was released in 2007. She also released a second book in 2009 titled Breathe. For more information, visit OneVOICEenterprises.com

Holiday Survival: Day 12

(reblog from Christmas week 2010)

Make room.

I write to you as I sit in the upper room of my parents’ home, looking down at the infant boy sleeping next to me. The beauty of my son astounds me. And I am not a “baby person” if you know what I mean. But that piece doesn’t come into play when you have had this precious one forming inside of your womb for nine months.

I will never forget when one of my best friends shared with me her confidence that God knew what He was doing to have us carry our children inside of us for so long: in that time He was teaching us to love this child, helping us to get to know him, giving us time to grow together in anticipation for the grand arrival. I love that.

I’ll be honest, though. I hate being pregnant. Ask any of my closest friends and they will tell you, along with stories that probably shouldn’t be shared. It’s painful, annoying, makes me feel gross and it always feels like it will never end. Thats just the tip of the iceberg for me. I will spare you graphic detail. But inasmuch as I hate it, I know what comes out of this season of discomfort… I’ve done it twice now… I will do it again… (hopefully not anytime soon though) because what results is beauty beyond measure, love unspeakable and an incredible life story beginning to be written.

But, without the pregnancy, no life results. Someone has to make room inside.

I reflect on how Mary and Joseph must have felt as they were awaiting the birth of their newborn son, Jesus Christ. The One whose life story would rewrite history. His every word, every move, God-breathed. His life… recorded for you and me.

I reflect on the fact that it is only because of this story of His life, death and resurrection that my life has any meaning at all. It is only because of Jesus that I can truly heal, find hope, freedom, be forgiven and in turn forgive. It is only because of Jesus that I begin to understand love. It is only because of Jesus that I can testify that the most rotten evil intended to break, destroy and devour you and me can instead be turned into something beautiful and glorious, turning darkness to light and setting captives free.

Oh, the birth of Jesus… He came so that our lives would have new meaning. But like Mary, we have to make room for Him inside of us. Like the animals in the manger, we have to make room for Him in our homes. And if we want to experience His healing, His transforming power and His love in such a way that our hurts and hangups become rewritten, we have to make room for Jesus to walk with us on our healing path, too.

“Everyone walks through the fire of adversity, but whatever your experiences - joys or sorrows - our amazing God can use every bit of your life to produce the most unexpected results.” -Jason Crabb

This is a process… His work in our hearts and lives and relationships takes time. Just as He started out as tiny SweetBabyJesus, so does our personal healing journey and our ministry to others begin small and, with time, room and perseverence, grow. We will experience pain, hurt, confusion, exhaustion and the like. But because of Jesus, we do not lose hope. Something greater is coming from all this!

“All around us we observe a pregnant creation. The difficult times of pain throughout the world are simply birth pangs. But it’s not only around us; it’s within us. The Spirit of God is arousing us from within. We’re also feeling the birth pangs. These sterile and barren bodies of ours are yearning for full deliverance. That is why waiting does not diminish us, anymore than waiting diminishes a pregnant mother. We are enlarged in the waiting. We, of course, don’t see what is enlarging us. But the longer we wait, the larger we become, and the more joyful our expectancy.” Romans 8:22-25 (The Message)

So do not be discouraged if this journey seems long. Do not lose hope if you are experiencing pain or frustration along the way. Do not be letdown if the road before you seems dimly lit. God is always at work. He is always guiding us and growing us. Preparation takes time and takes development and requires us to give it more room. Christ’s coming is proof of that and His return will be the final say. Until then, let yourself be enlarged, allow God to grow you, develop you and mold you during this waiting period. He holds your hand during the painful parts and carries you when you feel too heavy to walk. He will do a bigger work in you and through you than you can even imagine right now. But we must make room for Him.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices!

Holiday Survival: Day 3

Be patient with yourself.

If you have had an abusive or traumatic past, its gonna take time to change your negative associations to the holidays into positive ones. Don’t expect too much change too quickly. People often quote me as saying: “Healing is a lifelong journey.” Be encouraged that part of that journey may include reworking and recreating holiday associations and traditions… that takes time… find some peace in that.

As you begin to restructure what the holidays look like for you, pay attention to your heart and your overall health. If you haven’t done so already, consider making some plans to NOT have any plans. Schedule in time each week for your own rest, reflection and replenishing.

Oftentimes it isn’t the actual holiday that is most stressful and difficult, but the weeks leading up to it. Be patient with yourself by not pressuring yourself to perform or be perfect. Make a commitment to not overdo it. Today would be a good day to look at your schedule and postpone some items that can wait until after the holidays. Personal quiet time is vital this week.

I pray you encounter peace and joy as you patiently and lovingly care for yourself and your schedule this holiday season.

Life is change. Growth is optional. Choose wisely.

I’ve noticed a recurring theme lately among my friends. For most of my friends, it began as a gentle tug on the heart; for me, however, it felt more like a YANK!

Matt and I have heard people say that among the most stressful life-changing events are: 1) having a child, 2) moving/building a new home and 3) changing jobs. Hmmph! We nailed ‘em all in less than a year! (We like a good challenge.) And though it may sound like a crazy busy life, I’ve actually slowed my roll in some distinct ways this year. Or maybe I should say that God slowed my roll, pulling me back in stride with Him. When we roll with Him in humble faith, we are always embarking on something exciting; but it doesnt always feel like it, does it? Sometimes it feels straight slow, scary and painful.

Frederick Buechner wrote: “The place God calls you to is the place where your deep gladness and the world’s deep hunger meet.” I would’ve always assumed that, for me, that place would take me constantly to the ends of the earth, preaching awareness, healing, restoration and freedom for those held captive by the chains of childhood sexual abuse or trafficking. Not only is it among my life’s calling and passion, but it meets a great need in the world. It seems to make human sense that I would continue speaking to as many audiences as possible, like a freight train powering around the globe. Though I am still called to pour myself out in that arena, I am learning that every freight train must make time to refuel. If we pass up the opportunity presented at the filling station, we may never make it to our ultimate destination.

Life, work and relationships all have a way of causing any of us to become worn and break down over time. Hence the reason our Fuel Attendant, God, beckons us into His station, drawing us into a deeper intimacy with Him. It is there that I came to truly understand and clearly see my dire need for some deep cleaning, refueling and renovation. It is there that God graciously and mercifully offers us the opportunity to become better in order to travel on the track that lies ahead. (Let’s face it: only He knows what that track looks like…and only He can prepare us for it!)

So, what does “becoming better” look like in 2010? I don’t think it always means working overtime or expanding through bigger projects, more staff, and better use of technology. These don’t seem to be His primary method of choice. He is not confined by trends of current society, time or space; His ideas are bigger and better. We can’t fit God into a box, just as we can’t fit our calling and healing journey into a box. Our BIG GOD makes our lives, hearts and purposes BIGGER by doing the unexpected: making us SMALLER.

This is where I’ve been tested. It’s also where I am seeing God at work more than ever before. Sometimes God calls us to something we never would have chosen for ourselves, yet He alone knows what’s best for His kids. Dont get me wrong: I have big plans, lofty goals, and I will not back down from playing my role in accomplishing them. But at the same time, my prayer for the past few months has been: “Lord, show me what it looks like to love and serve you…TODAY.”

I, like most of you, dont particularly enjoy change, especially not the painful kind; but, with each change in life comes opportunity, an opportunity for growth and to become better. While we should always keep an eye on the big things a bit further up the tracks, we must take time to invest in what lies in our immediate path. So what is it, more specifically, that has become a recurring theme among my friends? The call to “home”: a desire…no, an urgency…to evaluate ourselves, seek healing and pour into our marriages, our children, our friends, our church and our city. These are the things sitting directly before me on the track I travel.

Rest assured, I am still fulfilling my call as a voice for the voiceless, still speaking out, writing, breaking down walls and shedding light into the darkness surrounding issues like sexual abuse and human trafficking. However, If I were to continue at my typical freight train speed, I would rush on to the “bigger plans,” and carelessly flatten my husband, sons, friends and community, while en route. And that would be my worst nightmare.

So, many months ago, I pulled into the Filling Station. During my stay, the kind Attendant opened my eyes to so much…so much of my own brokenness, sin and depravity…so much more of my husband’s incredible character and leadership…so much of my kids’ beauty and wonder…so much of the radiant treasure I hold in my circle of friends and mentors…so much of God’s merciful heart, healing hand, forgiveness and lovingkindness…and He also gave me a bigger glimpse into all the work yet to be accomplished throughout the world.

I’m passionate to make my mark! At the same time I also realize I’ve been speaking and ministering internationally for over 8 years now (and will continue for as many more years as the good Lord gives me!); I would be a fool to assume that the One who sent me out in the first place would never call me deeper—into a place that would require a little “refueling.” So that’s where I’ve been hanging out: the “Filling Station.” If God is calling you in, don’t be afraid. It’s well worth your time. I’ve met some great people there, too…played some ping-pong, some poker, some PIG, and what-not…)

In this time of refueling I have learned something else worth sharing today: great leaders are not those who hang onto power, prestige or perfection; they are the ones who can, in humility, acknowledge their weaknesses and screw-ups; they understand who they are and who they are not; they do not take credit for any good work, but instead give all glory to the One who gifted them and uses them—in spite of themselves. Our goal is to be invisible & reveal God as visible; our goal is to be small & make God big; our goal is His glory, not our own.

I want to be a solid leader and I confess I am a huge-piece-of-work-in-progress, therefore I humbly commit to you and to my Creator that I will pull into the Filling Station again and again for the Lord’s up-keep and fine-tuning, whenever the His GPS leads me there.

And well, I’ll be honest: It gets radically fun upon release from the Filling Station, because Jesus becomes the Engineer…and with Him there is NO SPEED LIMIT!!

Choo-choo! NICOLE’S NEXT STOP: November 29th, Greenville College, Illinois

*Have you ever been beckoned into the Filling Station for some refuel or renovation?