I used to know it all, but now…

I used to think I knew it all.
But now I know few things for sure.

I used to believe faith was about facts.
But now mystery is essential to my beliefs.

I used to think tradition was musty and irrelevant.
But now I find beauty in liturgy and rootedness in ancient prayers.

I used to think bigger was better.
But now I crave only humility and space for doubt.

I used to argue with skeptics.
But now I listen to their stories.

I used to read my Bible to fulfill a sense of duty.
But now I sit down hungry, feasting on promises and poetry.

I used to wonder if Jesus was disappointed in me.
But now I rest in his grace upon grace (upon grace upon grace…).

I used to want to run away from the church, from the hurt.
But now…now…I find myself out of sorts, and my story unfinished.

Out of Sorts - Sarah Bessey

_______________

This post was inspired by Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey, a beautiful new book that explores what happens when you suddenly realize you don’t quite have it all figured out. As a recovering know-it-all, it felt good to read through Sarah’s story of making peace with her evolving faith. With vulnerability and grace, she lays it all on the table, giving us permission to talk about the messy stuff. Sarah gives me hope for my journey by bravely sharing her own.

Out of Sorts by Sarah Bessey

Grab a copy of the book by clicking here.

Out of Sorts - Free Prints

Then Grab these four FREE printables with quotes from the book by clicking here.

_________

Are you a recovering know-it-all?

Leave a comment and fill in the blanks — “I used to think ______, but know I think _____.”

 

Thanks for reading! If you like this post, use the social buttons above to share it with your friends. I'm grateful for your support!

  • Ashley F November 5, 2015 at 3:05 pm

    I used to think I knew everything , but now I think there is so much more for me to learn.

  • ryan guard November 5, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    So good.

  • Jennifer Camp November 5, 2015 at 5:03 pm

    Hi Alysa, I love your words, your heart, your honesty. These lines, in particular, are ones I am going to savor:

    “I used to believe faith was about facts.
    But now mystery is essential to my beliefs.”

    I used to think the church wasn’t safe; it was people all cleaned up and perfect – and thereby close to God. But now I think the church is people broken and yet whole – the beautifully imperfect and free.

    Thank you so much, dear sister!

  • Traci@tracesoffaith November 15, 2015 at 8:57 pm

    Alysa, A lot of punch in few words here. It’s amazing where this faith walk takes us, isn’t it? I especially liked this line: “I used to argue with skeptics; But now I listen to their stories.”

  • Sarah Bessey November 26, 2015 at 6:26 pm

    This is so beautiful, Alysa. Reads like poetry and sings freedom. xoxo