By Linda Evans Shepherd
A few weeks ago, I was keynoting the Blue Lake Christian Writers Conference, reflecting on a remarkable revival sweeping through writers across our country.
There have been nine known revivals at Asbury University in Kentucky, and they’ve all started the same way—with one person confessing on stage, then fire sweeping through the crowd as others begin to confess as well.
My small band of writers experienced this firsthand on August 2, 2022. That evening, we stood on the Hughes Auditorium stage and confessed our burdens, our struggles, our shame.
The Holy Spirit swept through our hearts. Not only did we feel His sweetness, we felt renewed. Then, on March 1, 2023, a larger revival hit the Asbury student body and spread nationally. The writers’ revival didn’t stop either—it most recently ignited at Blue Lake a few weeks ago.
What Renewal Really Means
As Christians walk through life, we pick up stones from the road—stones of regret, shame, sin, burdens, and fear.
Some are small pebbles we step on and pull from our shoes. Others are heavy rocks and boulders we stub our toes on. Before long, we’re carrying an enormous load, ashamed and embarrassed, convinced everyone else has perfect lives where nothing ever goes wrong.
When someone finally admits to a burden they’re carrying, it gives others permission to say, “Me too.”
The Three-Minute Revival
But here’s the truth: Everyone is carrying burdens.
When someone finally admits to one, it gives others permission to say, “Me too.” And when we confess our sin, struggles, and shame to other sojourners, through the power of the Holy Spirit, we’re able to lay our burdens down and walk in freedom and renewal—with the people around us and with the Lord. That’s where the three-minute revival begins.
Don’t wait for the next big conference. It can happen anywhere—your small group, your church, your circle of friends. All it takes is one person brave enough to confess. When that person steps forward, something holy shifts. Shame loses its grip. Freedom rushes in.
As you read this issue of Leading Hearts, prepare your heart to be honest, to confess, to pray with others, and to discover the fire of God’s presence in your own life.
Love, Linda
