Don’t you love it when you pick up a book and suddenly you’re in that book. It’s speaking to you, and you feel like you and the author are sitting across from each other. That’s what happened when I started reading, She’s Still There, written by Chrystal Evans Hurst.
Today Chrystal joins me to share what to do when you feel like you’ve lost a piece of yourself. She is also offering a giveaway of her new book, She’s Still There! ~ Suzie
Do you ever wonder where you’ve put yourself?
You know, that woman who had dreams. That woman who wasn’t afraid to take a risk. That woman who loved Jesus and wanted nothing more than to follow his lead?
My friend, Chrystal, came to a crossroads in her twenties. She was driving down a highway to a job she didn’t like, living a life that was vastly different than what she had hoped. As she drove, she thought:
Whatever I thought my life was going to be, this isn’t it.
Maybe you know Chrystal Evans Hurst as a Bible teacher, a speaker, a bestselling author, or maybe you know her because she and her extended family have ministered to many. Yet God doesn’t see her as a role or title. He just sees her.
Just as he sees you.
He sees how he created you. He sees your potential. He sees all the things that make your stand out from any other person.
Chrystal’s book took me back to that time when I was trying to figure it all out. It reminded me of how far God has brought me in this area. It was also a powerful reminder that we can all get a little lost — and there’s a way to reclaim that woman God says we can be.
[bctt tweet=”Owning your own story is an act of strength. @chrystalevanshurst #vlog #giveaway #ShesStillThere https://wp.me/p4jbdw-4gf” username=”suzanneeller”]
I really loved this book, but I also loved spending time with Chrystal. Normally my conversations on this blog are about 7 to 12 minutes long, but Chrystal (just like in the book) is easy to talk with. It’s about 19 minutes long, but it’s worth the listen. Honestly, I wish I had spent another hour on this topic because I love nothing more than watching a woman discover a life lived to her full potential.
Not superwoman. Not a perfect life. Not a life without challenges. Rather, a life that feels like like it’s made for you.
Four takeaways from this conversation
- When you hit a crossroads, take the road that moves you closer to Jesus.
- When we own our own story, God can do something spectacular with it (even the hard parts).
- Look for clues that help you discover or rediscover who you are.
- You have a choice in who influences your heart. Choose people who will move forward with you.
Suzie
Meet Chrystal Evans Hurst
Connect with Chrystal on her blog. You can also connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.
Find out more about this great book, She’s Still There
Printable
Download the beautiful printable shown here. It’s your free gift from Chrystal!
Those is just the book I need right now during this season in m6 life. I would love the opportunity to win a copy.
I would love to read this book! I feel like my life is vastly different than God wants it to be. Prayers please, for the strength to change.
I am super excited about this book and the p31 study! I would love to win a copy! Thank you for your post today!
I’m excited to watch the video and read this book. I have been put in a position in my life where things have completely changed, against my will. It’s only been recently that I’ve been able to gather myself and start to remember the dreams and plans I had that were put in my heart by God. I feel like I keep saying, “Hang on, self, this isn’t forever. I know you’re still there.” What an encouragement this book will be!
God is good, even in difficult times.
Amen. Yes He is JT.
here I am 77 yrs old..married for 58years..and a Christ follower ..since age 33..Christ became my ONLY option since
I was an addict..it took the 12 step program..and manyBible Studies to get me to where I am today..
with many years of recovery on all levels.. body, soul, & spirit..
however..it is just recently.. I’ve ‘found out ‘she’s till there..that girl God created me to be..”
instead of trying to ‘be like ..Linda.. or Sally..or Nancy.. all soft-spoken Christ-filled ladies..
I didn’t have to even try to ‘be like Jesus’.. do you know how many WWjD ? bracelets I wore..and wore out
with no permanent ‘walk with Jesus’ evident…???
I ..finally found the ‘real..Joy Ce……….and this study will just enhance my new found friend.. ‘the little
gal within.. the real me..thanks..Joy Ce
Joy Ce~love your words. Put a smile on my face. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. ❤️
Thank you for this devotion,video,and writing the book which shares your story. Also thanks for the print out cards – the verses are great and very comforting. I made 2 copies to send to my family and friends in Houston and the surrounding areas. In all the close to 60 years that I lived there I never experienced anything like this. Please pray for everyone in Houston and the surrounding areas and all of southeast Texas,Rockport, Corpus Christi, and all other areas that were effected by hurricane Harvey in Texas and in LA Thanks for all of the prayers that you have been praying for all of them.”To God be the glory.” Thank You, Lord!
Wow! This is me! Thank you Suzie for bringing Chrystal and her book to your blog! I am fighting back tears as I realize I need to find me after being rejected by all 3 of my sisters. I’ve been mourning the loss of those relationships and having trouble understanding why they don’t want to share life with me. The situation has pushed me closer to Jesus and I’m starting to understand that I need to let go and find the right people to support me in moving forward. I can’t wait to read She’s Still There!
Thank you so much for this video today!! Sent from God!
I’m loving this book. Just on chapter 3, but WOW! Taking it with me on a trip this weekend.
Love your story Chrystal and can’t wait to spend more time with you the next six weeks.
Thanks sweet Suzie for sharing with us today.
It’s a good one. I am reading it still and underlining much of what is said between the pages.
I am LOVING this book. I was happy to hear Chrystal at She Speaks 2017, and I was happy to review her book last week on my blog. Excited to start the online Bible study next week at Proverbs 31! If I win a copy, I’ll give it away to one of my readers. Blessings to you both, Chrystal and Suzie!
Right now I don’t know who I really am and I am struggling bad. I am taking care of my youngest child who is very sick with 2 diagnosis of JIA, EOE and autism, dealing with my older children and their children, helping my elderly parents who have demenita plus my sister who is 55 she has down syndrome and now dementia, my birth father who is getting worse every day and giving up, my 81 yr old elderly aunt. I go from planning birthday parties one minute to making funeral arrangements and wills. I used to be a little girl with big dreams – I know I am doing what God wants me to do because He is the one holding me up. Congratulations on your new book and hopefully I will win it so I can read it.
Father, I lift up Lara today who is caring for many. I pray that you’ll also help her to nurture herself spiritually, mentally, physically, and emotionally in this hard place. Hold her close. Wrap around her, I pray. In Jesus’ name.
I’ll be back to watch this video! I heard Chrystal on the Happy Hour podcast, and it was so great to hear her story.
Oh my goodness! I love this topic. It’s so exciting to me because it helps me reflect back on my own journey to discovering “She’s Still There.” God just does amazing things with our lives when we persevere through the process it takes for Him to get us ready to be all we were meant to be. And then once we get to that place? It’s not easy. It still takes perseverance and the proper focus and perspective, but oh the joy of being real and knowing God uses it for good to encourage and help others! I was so held back by feeling like I had to have it all figured out to move forward. I was so scared to open up and really share my story. But I would not go back and change a single bit of that difficult journey. I simply can’t wait to read this book and view the video. Chrystal, thank you for the lovely printable and Suzie, thank you for hosting Chrystal today!
It was a delight to speak with Chrystal. I love her honesty and her desire to help other women rediscover that “she’s still there.”
I’m in the middle of reading this book and really enjoying it. Look forward to coming back to watch the video and digging deeper through the P31 study!
I have not read the book but I know God is taking me through that season now. I’ve been trying to find myself after having a couple tough heart surgeries, a new position at work and new ministry work. I hit a breaking point and God is starting to bring me out of it now. I’m very thankful for that. I didn’t like where I was but I needed that training for something new. I don’t really have a question but a prayer request. That God would continue to show me the gift(s) he has given to me and how to use them for his glory. Thank you. Have a wonderful day!
What a beautiful realization, Joan. God is so faithful and good. — Father, thank you for caring for Joan and nurturing her through this hard season. Continue to show her the fruits you are growing in her. Show her how to use those for your glory and for her good. Help her to trust you in each moment, and to walk alongside you in each step. Give her strength for today and let her rejoice knowing that you ARE good and you are for her, building new things even in the hard places. In Jesus’ name, Amen. xoxoxo
Suzie, I had been struggling with whether to read this book or not because, honestly, I wasn’t sure if I was ever there but I did order it. I am very glad I did-Sunday, during our Pastors message, God set me free of a very heavy burden and now my question has been “Whst now Jesus, what will you have me do?”. This 61 year old woman is excited to see what Jesus is calling her to do!! I love how Crystal and you discussed different seasons and how each is marked by different likes, needs and wants. I also love how Crystal shared we need to be intentional with the people we choose to come along side us. Powerful!!
Love this, Nancy! Cheering you on, friend.
Wow! Well that was unexpected. I sat down to listen basically just to hear what the book is about and to know how to respond to others in their prayer requests. I had no idea the conversation would reach into the depths of my soul, striking just about every painful cord in me with perfect precision! Thank you, Jesus! And thank you, Crystal, for writing a book I think so many of us desperately need. What a great interview! I can’t wait to share this, and to share and read the book!
Thank you, both of you, for your hearts to follow after Jesus and to take others with you! I haven’t read this book yet, but it might need to appear at the top of my reading list. I’m still searching for who Tammy is, beyond the expectations and impositions of the people around me. I catch glimpses of her more and more, but it is a long and difficult process, as you know. I’m encouraged by this video, and I look forward to reading the book!
Oh Tammy, I love the person that you are, so if God takes you deeper and helps you live even more free, then watch out world!
Thank you very much for the video! It sounded so encouraging. I think courage is exactly what I am missing right now. I Definitely feel that ‘this cannot be it’ but then I am not sure if this is where God wants me to be despite what my heart desires, so there is a thin line to dare to change something in your life I think.
Thank you very much for the valid people about making an effort of surrounding ourselves with the right people. I have not thought of it this way before. In the last few hard seasons of life I was actually surprise how people i thought should be there for me actually were not either because they did not think it was their ‘job’ or did not think I needed them. So I do appreciate the pointers that we should either directly tell me that we need them or surround us with new people who will support us. This is something that I definitely will need to try.
It inspired me in many of the same ways, Marisha. Praying the Spirit will bring you the clarity and courage to follow where the Lord is leading. xoxoxo
I feel like I’ve lost myself during my 11 year motherhood journey. The one thing that defined who I was pre kids is no longer a part of my life and I am trying to find a way to get back to making that part of me a daily part of my life again. Music was my life and was what I turned to in good, bad, stressful, happy, sad, etc. times. Yes, I share music with my kids, but I don’t play my flute hardly at all anymore. This book is one that I need to read to help me find that part of me.
Oh I can relate! Motherhood is very hard. But it’s such a gift, too. A season of pouring ourselves out to our little ones so they can grow and learn. Mine are 11 and 10 now – and God is showing me a new season. A season for me and realizing who I am again, and who I never knew I was. I will pray you take out that flute, dust it off, and play it with joy and hope and faith that God is working wonderful, new things in your life. xoxoxo I can’t wait to read this book too!
Hi Jen – Boy do I relate! I’m on the other end of motherhood now & I’m wondering just WHAT WAS IT that “floated my boat”😃 20 yrs ago AND, in spite of all the reminders from very wise & sweet people thru those yrs telling me to treasure every day, how did the last 20 yrs of motherhood fly by? On both ends, it’s an individual transition, that’s for sure. There r so many wonderful experiences & truths about life (all thru the different stages of their development), that u’ll want to knit into your children’s lives. When u get into the mother-swing, u’ll soon b enjoying the VERY MOST IMPORTANT being in your life. A bit of practical advice 1) take time out for yourself to do what gives U enjoyment & peace – this doesn’t include attempting to earn volunteer of the year award😃 2) join some other moms & children in whatever settings u enjoy & as often as u both enjoy. That will help u & your children develop positive relationships & share experiences, ideas & concerns w/ people who r experiencing a similar season as u. The grass CAN BE EVER-SO-GREEN right in your own backyard. Have Fun! 😃
Debra
Owning my story today! My goodness, I spent so many years disappointed in the life that “had become.” I’m still learning to balance what God is asking me to surrender to, and what I need to take into my hands and change.
This is such an incredibly good topic! Thank you, Crystal and Suzie!
I believe this was the most powerful part of the book for me — it’s easy to look at what others are doing, or to stay stuck for any number of reasons, but as we own our part in our story, we hold that up to God and we learn from it, and grow through it. I love that, even if it’s hard.
Love the concept of this book because in this season I feel like God is revealing to my heart that under all the pain and baggage that I carry from years of abuse verbal and emotional that I am still His, Worthy, Clean, and full of purpose, even if I can’t always see that. I am often struggling against the lies that I am a burden. I’m currently waiting on God to sever family connections and I’m really wondering what that looks like for my future. I’m having a hard time seeing beyond where I am to what He has planned. Especially since I live with family and don’t work out of obedience to the Lord. I know that this is not the life I was meant to live. I know that God has great plans for my future. I just don’t exactly know how to get from here to there. So for now God is doing a healing work in my emotions.
Deanna~when I read your post Jeremiah 29:11 popped in my mind. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” He loves you. He sees you. He wants the very best for you. Hugs, friend.
Father, continue this work in Deanna’s heart and thoughts as she waits on you. While we can’t change anyone else, we hold up our hearts to you and surrender every part of who we are, and offer to be changed whether anyone else signs up or not. Lead her. Guide her. Show her areas where she can take a small step. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Deanna, you are the winner of Chrystal Evans Hurst’s new book, She’s Still There. I’ll email you personally to get your mailing information. <3
Oh my!
I am the twenty-something woman asking those very same questions right now. It’s been a season of struggle not to get bitter about circumstances and not to get discouraged because I can’t see the future. I am trying to continually place my trust in the Lord and know that He has a good plan… It just takes time sometimes. I love the advice that these feelings are indicators. I need to do some digging!
I REALLY want to read this book and loved getting to listen to this conversations! Thanks Chrystal and Susie!!
I’m so glad you did. Father, thank you for your hand over Kaitlin’s life. Lead her into the path you have for her, one of purpose and direction, and where she draws others to you no matter where she is. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thanks for giving us a opportunity to win.i been wanting to do this study but no job at moment and can’t afford the book .
“We can all get a little lost…” in any kind of role, ministry or otherwise – just getting dinner on the table and clean underwear in the drawer (or out of the dryer) – lovely – pinned!
I am in a struggle right now. 20 years stuck in “God’s waiting room” I have prayed, begged, pleaded, cried, praised and waited. It seems the harder I try to serve the Lord the worse things get. I don’t know what I am doing wrong. I no longer have hopes & dreams. I’m out of reasons to get out of bed each morning. I know God is there. I know He hears me. I just don’t understand
Lord, show Teresa her worth. Scoop her up today and let her feel your tangible love. Lead her out of waiting, Father. I stand with my sister today and hold her arms up, knowing who you are and what you can do. May she take one small step today, as you meet her there, into the new you have for her. In the name of Jesus.
My husband died ten years ago and I have been finishing raising four children. I just dropped the youngest off at college this week! Who knows what God has for me now and who I am by myself in a situation I never expected to be in or would have chosen?! I figure God will reveal those things in His time. I love the idea at a crossroad of choosing the road that leads closer to Him. Great advice! Thanks Suzie and Chrystal for this book and interview!
Suzie/Chrystal- what a great video! That crossroad, I’ve been there too. I lost myself in the midst of diapers, cleaning and doing for everyone else. I’m slowly unwrapping who God made me to be! I’m going to order the book!
Thank you for this beautiful reminder! I’m at a huge crossroads, as many of us are, and am asking the Lord for peace as only He can give while I rest in Him and trust He will lead me in the way I should go!!
God is so good. Not only does He ALWAYS provide everything we could ever need,
but He adds more. Not only does He NEVER leave us, but He carries us when we can no longer walk. If we would ALWAYS remember who we are and NEVER forget Whose we are, then we will be able to move forward with confidence that we won’t lose our way. How could we when we are following the guidance of the Spirit Who leads us into all truth. Thank you Lord Jesus!
At this time in my life I am struggling financially & I have several complicated life-threatening illnesses. I am a 7 year cancer overcomer….Survivor! PRAISE HIM! He brought me through. I struggle now mainly because of the treatment of cancer. What kills the cancer, kills the body. I pray God uses this body so that medical science can learn what not to do….just kiddiing…sort of.in have recently moved to the middle of nowhere….unknown territory…to try to get closer to ,you doctors in Little Rock, Arkansas. I STILL do not have transportation to my doctors and am really really needing a car so I can get to my doctor’s 1 hr. away. I am pra Ying for God to make a way. I had an emergency surgery in January when I acquired some kind of hole in my back that goes to my spine. I recently was in the hospital with an infection related to this. I am supposed to be going to my wound care doctor and my hip surgeon right now and have no way. I see my Oncologist every month. I am behind on seeing my neurosurgeon, GI surgeon, urologist, gastroenterologist, dentist, cataract surgeon, etc…….I think you probably get 5he picture. They want to do Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy to promote healing. I have no transportation. Pray with me for my MIRACLE CAR! Thank You Father God that You hear our prayers. In Jesus Name
I love the counsel to “take the road that leads me closer to Jesus!”
Boy do I need this book. I am working a job that never in a million years I thought I’d be doing, my marriage a mess, I’ve seemed to lost everything that I ever enjoyed to do, and I feel I am just existing day to day. I constantly pray and ask God for help, encouragement a change of perspective anything. I can’t seem to hear Him. All is silent. I sure do need something before I sink too low that I’m afraid I won’t be able to get out.
God is good, even when life isn’t. A simple way to say something that is meant for a lot. In Heaven we will worship him because he loves us, God is always with you.
Cyrstal’s book sounds amazing! While I was reading the above, these words just jumped off the page at me, “He sees your potential. He sees all the things that make your stand out from any other person.” Wow. It is almost hard to take this in. Jesus sees our potential and the things that make you stand out. We can be so hard on ourselves and sometimes we don’t feel worthy, but the Lord always sees us as worthy, His creation, His beloved. Thank you for this beautiful reminder. I am sure your book will touch and bless so many Cyrstal! I can’t wait to read it! Blessings to you and Suzie!!