While we’d connected briefly online through The Influence Network and Instagram, it wasn’t until I was shuffling into her van in a parking lot in Charlotte, North Carolina, that I realized just what a treasure she was.
She’s fun, feisty and wise beyond her years, and has a knack for making everything she touches beautiful.
Meet Lyndsye…
WHAT’S YOUR STORY, MORNING GLORY?
Oh have mercy! I suppose I’ll start with what you’d see now. I’m happily married to my favorite human Kurt for the last 14 years, and we have three wonderful sons. Hudson Kurtis, Everett Rafe, and Jude Arthur. I get to work with a sweet friend in the interior design field as a home stylist, and I have a podcast with same said friend where our hope is to encourage you in your home and your soul.
For the last 6 years we’ve been in full time ministry in NWI at Calvary Church in Valparaiso, where Kurt is the Worship Director extraordinaire. We’ve moved countries, (as we’re Canadian) and have had many ups and downs, hits and misses, successes and failures.
I, like most of you, have a broken story. A story about never feeling like I was enough. A story marked by scars and struggle, but in hindsight full of God’s unwavering grace and faithfulness. I was sexually abused as a young girl, so I was full of shame and embarrassment which led to not knowing or fully acknowledging who I was created to be. I thought I didn’t deserve saving. Sure, I said the right words… I was a good girl, but the shame manifested itself deep into my soul. I starved my body, I lied to hide the shame. I pretended everyday on the outside that I had it all together, when inside, I was spiraling out of control. After each baby boy I delivered, I sank lower into the dark, despairing fog of major depression. But, one day 4 years ago, while I was really wanting to truly grow in my faith, God convicted me and made it pretty obvious that if I really wanted to live a surrendered life – a life where I could truly be used by Him, I had to deal with some ugly parts, and leave them at the cross. It was my rock bottom. It was not pretty. I was a suicidal mess of tears and fear. I had to lay down my pride, humble myself, and ask for help. It truly was God’s grace to me.
WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER ABOUT YOURSELF DURING THIS TIME?
That I wasn’t in control. Not even a little bit. That I was missing out on so much of God’s purpose for my life. That I had to let people truly know me and help me.
WHAT DID YOU DISCOVER ABOUT GOD’S CHARACTER IN THE PROCESS?
I discovered that He truly is abounding in love for us. That He could be trusted, no matter what my fears and feelings told me. That He really has made a way, “In this world you will have trouble, but TAKE HEART!! I have overcome the world!” John 16:33
WHAT HELPED YOU OR SERVED YOU MOST PRACTICALLY IN THIS SEASON?
God’s word. I couldn’t read during this time though. My brain literally couldn’t make out sentences, so I would listen to it. Worship was also a comfort. To get my eye’s off myself, and onto the One who could sustain me. I had friends bring meals to my family, bless them!! I also had a supportive, loving husband who showed me the gospel by his unconditional love. How people, true friends are a means of grace. How you need to have community in your life. Those friends who can speak truth lovingly to you. These people were praying for specific needs only God could fill in my life. They would send me worship songs to listen to, read scripture to me, bring food to my family because I couldn’t take care of anyone. I went to a biblical counselor to help me work through the hurt and see Christ in all of it.
HOW DID THIS EXPERIENCE SHAPE YOUR PASSION TODAY?
I get so fired up about this!! lol!! I want everyone I come in contact with to know how deeply loved they are. That they are made on purpose for a purpose by a God who loves them more than they can understand. That they are seen, and that God doesn’t waste anything. ANYTHING!! He can redeem all!!
HOW DID IT IMPACT OR CLARIFY YOUR MISSION AND PURPOSE?
After I “broke” and started on the road to healing, I didn’t want to pretend anymore. I had a platform, influence in whatever capacity I was in because of my husband’s job, and I wanted to serve alongside truthfully. I could be a voice letting other women who have silently suffered through abuse and depression know that there is hope, and that they aren’t alone.
IF YOU COULD SUM UP YOUR EXPERIENCE IN A SINGLE SENTENCE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Keep persevering. Reach out to a trusted friend if you’re struggling. If you don’t have one, pray for one. God does see and know, you aren’t alone.
IS THERE A FAVORITE SCRIPTURE YOU’VE CLUNG TO?
I love that verse in John from earlier… and the book of Ephesians. I have sat and read it out loud to myself many times. Yes, out loud. Reminding myself who and whom’s I am.
WHAT ROLE DOES MENTORSHIP PLAY IN YOUR LIFE, AND HOW HAS IT IMPACTED YOU?
This has been so life giving to me. I have a few women who are ahead of me in life stage, wisdom, and maturity who I have asked to speak truth into my life. I can’t tell you how much I love and respect them! It’s one way we’re called to grow, and I’m the first to say that I don’t know everything about anything!! This has been so loving of God to have placed these women in my life!
WHAT ARE TWO THINGS YOU’RE LOVING RIGHT NOW?
Only two!!? lol I’m reading Ann Voskamp’s latest book “The Broken Way” and I’m just loving it so much!!! So full of truth, God has used that woman’s words in my life many times!!
Something else I’m loving right now that I’m being a total geek over is Gilmore Girls. I’ve jumped on the bandwagon and am loving it! I’m only in season 4, but team Jess all the way! 😉
THANKS SO MUCH, LYN, WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE FOR READERS TO FIND YOU ONLINE?
You can find me at www.bydesignpodcast.com and read more of my story at www.lyndsyefelsman.com
On social media, I’d love to connect with you on instagram! I’m @lynfelsman!!
