In Episode 5, Lauren introduces listeners to Gold Six, a camouflage leadership ranger who shifts her perspective on failure.
Transforming the world, one stranger at a time.
On a quest to eliminate loneliness and isolation, writer and podcaster Lauren Hansen is on a mission to encourage every person to meet someone new every day. This podcast shares inspirational stories of her interactions with strangers across the world. Be inspired through her stories to create new stories of your own.
W – WonderWe all mess up sometimes. Think of a recent “failure” in your life. What did you learn from it? Write your thoughts.
A – Activate
The best way to overcome the shame or guilt that can seep in when we fail is to forgive – ourselves and others. Invite God to show you if you have forgiven yourself for your past failures. Invite him to show you if there are others you haven’t forgiven. Forgiveness is one of the greatest keys to mental and emotional wholeness. It is an act of the will and not necessarily a feeling. Often when we make the decision to forgive, feelings will follow. Take a few deep breaths and ask God if there is anyone he is inviting you to forgive today (including you!)
Who is God inviting me to forgive today?
Y – YieldI invite you to pray this prayer with me: God, thank you for your grace and mercy and love. I choose today to forgive myself and to forgive those who have hurt me. I ask for your forgiveness for my failures and I receive it with gratitude. Thank you for the grace to help me let go of the past. I choose to bless myself and the people who have hurt me (you may want to list them by name out loud). God, will you please show me how you see me and how you see those who have hurt me? (Pause – he may show you an image in your imagination or give you a song or point you to a scripture). God, would you please remove shame and heal my heart? Thank you God that your mercies are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Lauren L. Hansen, M.Ed., is a natural storyteller who believes that love + words can set people free. She is an author, editor, and Chief Encouragement Officer who partners with Jesus to connect people to him, their sense of self, and others. You can find her leading workshops, speaking at events and helping to pioneer Fusion USA, a ministry that equips churches to welcome and disciple college students. She is the author of Strangers on The Way: Finding God Through the People We Meet. When she’s not writing or speaking, Lauren enjoys having impromptu living room dance parties with her large extended family in Chicago. Visit her online at laurenhansencreative.com.