Hey Gardeners! I hope all is well! When I started writing this series, I did not know what would open up for me, and I was the first to admit that I was not ready. Part III may have been delayed, but it was never denied. Let’s get started.

As I went through the list of people from the Bible I could talk about, my mind started rolling. I couldn’t write fast enough. I told myself that I did not want to focus solely on the women of the Bible but wanted to be inclusive because there are so many things we can learn from everyone.

So today, I want to talk about Paul.

📞 ☎️ 🤔

The Lawman

When we first encounter Paul in the Bible, his name is Saul, and he does not play. He was a persecutor of Christians, and he was proud of it. You see, Paul was an educated man, and with his education, he used it to fuel what he thought was his “duty.” Paul’s identity was wrapped up in the notion that he had to persecute those he did not understand.

An Encounter

While on the road to Damascus, Paul encountered the Lord. He lost his sight and had to depend on God to “see him through.” This journey changed him, his name, and his identity. He went from Saul to Paul, from a persecutor of Christ to a defender of Christ and his word.

What Defines An Identity?

When I think about Paul, he probably thought he had it all figured out. He believed strongly in what he was doing, and I feel it fueled his desire to continue, but God flipped his life upside down. He leaned in, and that is the beauty of identity.

It’s easy for humans to put ourselves and others in a box and leave it at that, but God has taught me that He can do anything. He can soften any heart and any situation. I believe Paul is a beautiful example of what God can do when you open your heart.

Paul used his encounter with God to become a “fervent follower” of Christ. He used his education to teach and do his part in advancing God’s kingdom, even while suffering through various trials and tribulations.

A Legacy That Lives

Paul’s writings make up a significant portion of the New Testament, and his life, testimony, and work live on today. His initial identity was not his final stop, and this is true for us. We do not have to be confined to what we knew when we were younger or what we thought in our 20s. We are allowed to change—in fact, we are encouraged to change. Submit yourself and your heart to God, and He will create a path for which only He can take credit.

📞 ☎️ 💭

The Follow Up

When I had my mind on astrology and tarot, I felt it was right. I felt like I was justified in “doing my own thing.” But then, I had an encounter with God, and he met me at my lowest point. I couldn’t “see,” and he guided me through that. He met me on that road and loved me back to him. 🥹 He showed me that my identity didn’t stop there—that He didn’t stop there. So now, that’s where I am: learning to become the woman God called me to be and accepting that my journey to Him was necessary for the advancement. Yes, I have trials and tribulations. Sometimes, I am sad, but I am so grateful to be alive, physically and spiritually.

I want all of us to be confident in our Christ-given identity and to let the people of the Bible, their stories, lives, and legacies, be the guides we need to truly experience and encounter the beauty of a relationship with God. Love you!

Take care,

ToriB💕🌻