About Teresa lynn

In the Old Testament, God often changed people's names. God changed Sarai to Sarah when he promised her a child. God added,  "ah", like the breath of God, to her name.  The reason for God changing the name of a person was significant Biblically.   In a Bible study,  a woman said to us that God had called her to be a watchman in her marketplace.  The woman explained how God had strategically placed her in the marketplace she was in.  Her story caused me to pray and ask God what he called me.  I was in college, earning my bachelor's in religion at the time.   The answer I received was Qoheleth.  God sure does have a sense of humor with me.  I had to do a lot of studying to understand that I was being called to be a communicator. You could say I am a scribe, a typist, a speaker, a connection maker, and a gatherer. 

One afternoon, While washing dishes, was the first time God gave me words that had to be written down and shared. The material kept coming.

It seemed almost every time I opened the Bible, I would see things like "Write the Vision," "According to their writing," "Gather," "Written in the book," and on and on." God was speaking through his word.  This was long before I knew the word, "qoheleth". 

The only problem with being called to write was that I needed to learn how to write a book. I was terrible in the beginning. The better my writing becomes, the more I see the need for improvement. Thankfully, God is perfect, so I do not have to be. God days say he will qualify the called. 

I realized that I was called to write in 2005. God doesn't require perfection, but the Bible does say to study and show yourself approved. Since recognizing my calling, I obtained a bachelor's degree in religious studies and a master's in ministry, and I will be Dr. Sheppard soon. (Lord willing.) 

Keeping it real, I learned more about Jesus from my mentors and reading the Bible, than I did at school. My education does help me to better understand those who do not share an Evangelical Christian Worldview. Education taught me to look at things differently. Before college, I viewed the world from a narrow lens.  Jesus is bigger than a denominational covenant. 

It is a beautiful and wonderfully frustrating journey. Lately, I have been perturbed at my lack of ability to grasp the concept of building a platform to share the words God gave me.  Did I understand the assignment? There are so many people providing tons of content, plus there are churches full of knowledgeable, wise people.  Why would God call me to do this?  I don't know the answer, but God I know God calls me Qoheleth. 

   A dear soul who happens to be a professional in the book industry said,  

       "Stop worrying.  It is about sharing what you have to offer with the world. You are not selling. You are sharing. You are providing a way for like-minded people to connect."

That resonated with me. As a communicator, my job is to write, speak, teach, and communicate in whatever way makes sense. As a gatherer, my job is to connect people. My job is to share the good news of the gospel of Christ." Teresa Lynn Sheppard