Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

I read a heart-rending story over at Rachel Held Evans’ blog which I feel so compelled to link up to, as I’m sure the story resonates with many who have been through/going through an addiction, eating disorder, or mental health problems, yet have felt so alone in the midst of their faith community:

Church stories: Facing my brother’s addiction.

An excerpt:

“I’m not sure when my brother died.

It’s tricky because while in some ways he’s very much alive – he breathes, eats, sleeps and has temporal mass –in others he is a walking ghost.

For at least the last decade and arguably several years longer, my baby brother has been an addict. Alcohol, women, opiates – he dabbles in many vices. All of them destructive. All of them expensive in myriads of ways. All of them symptoms of larger problems no professional can seem to accurately assess, diagnose or cure…

We are not a periphery family. My parents were close friends with much of our pastoral staff at the church I grew up in. In the past decade I have been a youth worker at several churches, worked at various faith-based nonprofits, served as a missionary and was a seminary student. The faith community is central to the bedrock of our family.

And yet people of faith have routinely sucked.

I have been told his addiction is my fault, my parent’s fault, Satan’s fault. I have been told I am simply not praying hard enough or I simply do not have enough faith. I have been told my life is too stressful for someone to be in community with me. I have been accused of being a bad youth worker since I couldn’t even keep my brother out of trouble. I have been told this is God’s plan for our family and if we just keep persevering, God’s glory will be known and it will all be worth it. I have been told that my suffering at my brother’s choice is simply “my cross to bear.”

None of that was helpful.

None of that was loving.

None of it was the correct response”.

Do click on the link above and check it out.

Shalom!

Quite a while ago I was enormously moved by a TV programme on body image, presented by ‘How To Look Good Naked’ stylist Gok Wan.   He specifically focused on UK youth and how they perceive their bodies, self-worth and identity.  Particularly memorable was a teenage girl who spent two hours DAILY editing photos of herself, inspired by pro-anorexia websites and dangerous ideals about what body shape/look is perceived as beautiful.  The case of this young lady is not an unusual one, but one example of the body hate that is widespread amongst our youth and which often remains long into adulthood (and which breaks my heart).

Whilst some say that we shouldn’t be overly concerned by low self-esteem (“just get over it!” sound familiar?), feelings of inadequacy actually affect’s someone’s spirit, self-belief and motivation.  It can destroy relationships and friendships through fear, comparison and jealousy.  If someone doesn’t feel empowered and comfortable with themselves, it affects that person’s mindset and what they think they will be able to achieve, and eventually what they will/will not achieve. When I thought less of myself than I should, I shrunk away from doing things (having fun, meeting people, participating in community groups), from expressing myself (I always believed I had no voice & no relevance, which opened the door for people to walk all over me), and therefore from making an imprint on the world around me.  What’s the big deal with low self-esteem? It is all-consuming and eats away at a person, eventually stopping them from achieving their goals and aspirations.  And in actuality, the issue is harmful because some people take their life because they don’t feel good enough/accepted/like they belong.

How do we break free from the cage of low self-esteem, comparison and harmful beauty standards?  It’s a lifelong commitment and vow to reject evil messages about ourselves and to challenge the ones from the world around us (from the magazines, the TV, from music lyrics & videos, from our peers).   It’s a conscious, day-by-day effort to think positively and wonderfully about what you look like and who you are, and to celebrate what your gifts and talents are.  For example, when I observed someone editing a photo of me I refused to let the incident go without challenging the mindset behind the editing.  Of course, the photo was to be uploaded onto a social media networking site, so the idea was that those freckles and blemishes made the picture less attractive to all the eyes that would be viewing the picture.  But I’m not out to impress anybody by conforming to any airbrushed standard, or to win the approval of all the people who will be seeing the photograph, or to be determined by the number of positive comments that would spring from such an airbrushed photo (in fact I get annoyed when someone clicks “like” when the photo of me is clearly airbrushed – “it’s not actually me!”).  So even if my friends or those close to me say otherwise, I am able to confidently say, as I did in the above example, in love and gentleness: “no, this isn’t right. God in His infinite wisdom and mystery created me like this.  I won’t be demeaned or made to feel inadequate.  I know my worth”.

Nobody has it all-together for all of the time.  We have bad days and let the world and remarks get us down, angry, hurt and upset.  I had to chastise myself the other day as my husband reminded me that I wasn’t practicing what I’m preaching, so to speak.  I was consumed with self-doubt, picking at what seemed to be my every flaw.  I even had a dream in which I was criticising my appearance!  But that isn’t a free life.  Nor is it the truth.  The Bible constantly reminds us to set ourselves apart, to not conform ourselves to the world, to fix our eyes on Him, to pursue righteousness rather than worldly pleasures.  This morning I was convicted of those very statutes.

It’s perhaps a cliché, but the truth is that inside each of us there is invaluable worth and on the outside of every one of us is beauty.  By changing the way we think and by purposefully abstaining from and challenging the messages around us which say otherwise – whether through the internet, mags, newspapers, or even our closest loved ones – we can see that God-given beauty in ourselves and in others.

I’m sorry this post wasn’t supported by more Bible verses.  I just wanted to encourage someone today through my own daily thoughts.  Perhaps here are a few appropriate verses to finish with:

• Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will (Romans 12:12).
• Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:6-7).
• Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:2).
• Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in them.  For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17).

Admittedly, the title of this post seems a bit self-indulgent…and perhaps seemingly a little bizarre, because at 24 years of age I’m presently not actually a great deal older. But in the intervening years, I’ve learned a heap of stuff and God has worked His wonders in my life immensely.  In the journey of life, I’ve also benefitted enormously from those who cared to tell me their experiences to build me up.  And so I write the core things that I would tell my anguished, 18 year-old, struggling-with-an-eating-disorder self, in the hope that someone reading this (who is going through the same) may feel encouraged, or look to the future with greater hope.

• Stop killing yourself.  There are some pretty awesome things waiting there for you in your future: your husband, your daughter, a university degree, abundant joy, lots of travelling and meeting so many interesting people.  You wouldn’t want to miss out on all that.
• Having said some of the great things that are coming your way, don’t for a minute place all your hope in any earthly relationship/activity, or think that anybody else/anything can make you make you happy, or make you complete.  It is only God and His presence that satisfies, fulfils and brings a deep joy.  Your mama, your spouse, your children, your education, your friends, your career, money, acceptance etc. cannot please you always.  After all is said and done, you will lay your head on the pillow at night and will still be left with an emptiness within that gnaws at you.  It’s only the Holy Spirit’s presence and your walk with God that can fill that.  Seek God.  Read His Word.  Pray always.  Just be quiet and wait for Him to move. You’ll find everything you need there, I promise.
• Honour your parents, even when they don’t deserve it or you don’t understand why they are behaving in a certain way.  Your best interest is usually at the forefront of their minds.  Also don’t forget that for them, seeing you emaciated, unhealthy and on the verge of a self-inflicted death is upsetting and hurtful; so be patient when they get angry.  Honouring your parents will also teach you the kind of humility that Jesus lived out himself.
• The approval of society is, in fact, not worth an iota.  Acceptance from men and women is temporary and changes with the wind.  Don’t compromise the unique beauty in you to please somebody else.  There’s something special about you that nobody else has, so don’t lose it in a bid to please society. EMBRACE what makes you different (inside and out).
• You don’t actually have to ‘fit in’.  You don’t.  And why would you want to? It’s kind of boring to act, think, be, and dress like everyone else.  So hold your head up high, be bold and confident.
• Affirm yourself daily and constantly.  Whenever you’ve a bad hair day or feeling pretty bad about yourself, choose to reject evil thoughts about yourself.  Instead of saying “I look ugly today”, immediately rebuke those thoughts which tear you down and appreciate God’s glorious handwork in you, build yourself up: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made. My body is amazing and beautiful for it was the Lord who crafted it. Thank you God, for making my eyes/hair/mouth/belly/thighs/legs…so beautiful!”
• Happiness is a choice.  You don’t need to let anyone take away the joy that is rightfully yours through their actions or words.  Do you want to be happy? Joy is there! You just have to be ready to take it, to choose it, to live it out.
• True love is not a feeling; it’s a lifelong commitment and a choice to stick with someone through thick and thin (whether a family member, a friend, or a spouse).  True love is selfless, kind, and does not rejoice in evil.  Express this kind of love always, with God’s help.  It will be pleasing to God and it will make your relationships healthier and stronger.  It will make you happier, too.
• Treat others how you want to be treated.  Even if someone disrespects or offends you, clothe yourself nevertheless with dignity and respect.  And don’t lose your faith in humanity; there are some people out there who are selfless even to the point of death.  Or selfless enough to drop everything for you, just to help you at your hour of need.
• Look at the children around you; you can usually learn a lot more from them than you can from any adult.  They embrace life and live it to the full.  They run, laugh, eat, and are merry.  They look at themselves in the mirror and smile, even revel in their reflection.  Don’t let life’s circumstances make you jaded.  Learn from the little children!
• You should not tolerate being defined, treated, demeaned, judged, or limited according to your appearance.  For anybody that is more interested in dissecting your body, your clothes, your make-up, and your hairstyle rather than simply hanging out with you and enjoying your company, you may want to re-think whether you want them in your life.
• Don’t let comparison steal your joy (okay, I stole this from an unknown source, but it rings true).
• You’re amazing and beautiful, Rebekah. Inside and out.

Now to you guys, are there any nuggets of encouragement or life lessons that you would tell your younger self if you could? What has this journey taught you that you would pass onto your children/younger ones?  Drop a comment if you feel led to do so.

Peace unto you always, beautiful people.

P.S. You can find us on Twitter at: @Psalm_139_14   and our Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/FearfullyWonderfully

“Women’s bodies are not our own but society’s”

~ Naomi Wolf.

Boy, I know the meaning and full depth of this quote.  All our lives, since birth into this world, society think it owns our bodies.  Society thinks it has a licence to dictate who fits its standard of beauty and who doesn’t; who qualifies to “fit in” according to their looks, and who doesn’t.  As we grow up, the pressure mounts (for both males and females) to look a certain way and to stay youthful and enduringly beautiful (whatever beautiful means anyway).  We’re encouraged to use whatever “add-ons” necessary (whether fake hair, fake tan, cosmetics, anti-acne cream, hair dye, bleaching lotions, jewellery, designer clothes, the list goes on…) in order to go one step further, to look that little bit more “attractive” or to achieve what fits the fashion bill at the time.

A few years back, appearance was a major obsession of mine – to an emotionally unhealthy degree.  I wouldn’t leave the house without having using all sorts of lotions and beauty products, which would result in a face full of piled-on make-up and excessively straightened hair.  I believed my popularity, self-worth and acceptance from others were all shaped by how I looked, so I took the appropriate steps to maintain some sort of feminine ideal.

However, for the past year or so I’ve been on an “au natural” campaign which involves using no lotions at all, no beauty products, no make-up, no hair styling, no clothes shopping, no visits to the hairdresser…NADA.  It’s not something I manage to keep up every single day in all honesty, but overall I think I’ve become pretty successful in it and I have just a little way to go until I can let go of old habits and obsessive behaviours.   And actually, by not being held down by consumerism and all things superficial, by asking God to pour out His love on me, by asking Him to show me how beautiful I am to Him, I feel liberated.  Finally.

But it doesn’t stop people from commenting on what they think I should change: “but the way you dress isn’t sexy”, “why don’t you do your hair like this?”, “you need to do x, y and z otherwise your husband will start looking elsewhere…”  This post isn’t meant to be a lament or life story, but to encourage anyone who thinks their success or place in life is measured by their outer appearance.   To lift up anyone who constantly compares themselves to a magazine index of beauty or to the pictures of models airbrushed to the hilt or even to their own peers.  For anyone who is being held back in achieving their dreams because of crippling low self-esteem.

Don’t let the evil and lies of this world hold you back or take your joy.  Don’t beat yourself up about how everyone else sees you because God has told us through Psalm 139 that we are fearfully and wonderfully made.  His ways are also higher than our ways and His thoughts higher than our thoughts.  That person rejected by society because of how he/she looks is still beautiful in the eyes of God the Creator and a glorious reflection of His handiwork.

But God doesn’t actually look at appearance, He looks at our hearts.  What is more important is the impact we are making in this world. In Chronicles 4, Jabez stood out amongst a LONG list of unmemorable names because he was more honourable than his brothers, because he prayed for God to be close to Him and because he cried out to God to enlarge his influence. The imprint we make on this world through our actions and how we impact the lives of others is something that will endure forever, but there’s nobody in this life that can hang onto the beauty of their outer appearance; we are living in a perishing world and every one of us is getting old.  What the LORD really requires of us is “to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8). 

Don’t allow low self-esteem or insecurity stop you from making your impact on the world or stop you from living a joy-filled, abundant life.  When people reject or put you down, ask God to renew, fill and satisfy you with His love. Ask Him to help you reject the lies that the world/people feed you and to give you strength and wisdom to walk according to His truth.

For anyone struggling in this area, I furthermore encourage you to read the poem I posted a couple of posts ago called “His image, His likeness” by Ayo Oduniyi. Try browsing the categories at the top of the page. Also, fill out the contact form and be in touch.

“Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised” (Proverbs 31:30). 

I was reading the book of Ephesians the other day and a certain verse really struck a chord with me: “Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).  As I read it I remembered those dark, fearful, hopeless days when I did not know Jesus; when I put my trust, hope and energy into other things.  But those things never did bring me joy, peace or security. I was without hope and without God.  I looked back at those times and how God intervened in my life and saved me from destruction (even though I didn’t even ask Him into my life or know much about Him at all).  And I was overwhelmed by his mercy and love.

It could be addiction, fear, anxiety, paranoia, depression, insomnia, low self-esteem, lust, a difficult marriage, financial insecurity, worry about the kids, or any other thing that afflicts you daily and steals your peace.  Whatever you are burdened by, there’s nothing and no-one else in this world that will ever wholly release you from troubling thoughts other than Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27).

From what I know and my testimony, there’s nothing that can fill the emptiness of the soul but Jesus.  No-one that can give perfect love like Jesus does.  No-one that can bring comfort in times of anguish like Jesus does.  No-one who has a name as powerful as Jesus.  No-one who can bring a fragmented life back together like Jesus can.  His is the sweetest name you could ever know.

I’d like to share this song with you.  It’s really simple, yet really powerful.  This song has strengthened me through some tough times and I hope it will bless you too.

Peace!

“Everywhere you look you see people searching for love… but they’re looking in the wrong places. God is love, and they will never find what they’re looking for until they find Him” (xxxChurch).

“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson wasn’t wrong in the above quote.  Society constantly sends out the message that being yourself just isn’t good enough.   It teaches us to continually compare ourselves with one another.  Even to compete.  Turn the pages of any secular magazine, browse the internet, walk along any high street, and there’s probably something there that will tell you how to fight the signs of ageing, how to stay slim and sexy, how to achieve someone else’s ‘look’, or more crudely a list which tells you who is hot and who is not.  Hey, quite a few corporations make big money through making you believe that the God-ordained, natural “you” just isn’t good enough to get along in this world!

Child of the Most High God, you are a wonderful work of the Creator of all things.  The One who brought the universe and all of creation into being also made you, and He made you fearfully and wonderfully.  “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well” (Psalm 139:14).  You were not destined to constantly demean yourself (or to allow anyone else to demean you).  Nope. It wasn’t part of His great, good and wonderful plan for you to live in a perpetual cycle of self-hatred, insecurity or comparison to others.  It wasn’t His intention for you to be judged and treated in a certain way on account of your outer self.  The Almighty uniquely and wonderfully knit you together in your mother’s womb! He crafted all of your features because that’s how He wanted you to be.  He doesn’t want you any other way.  He made you and saw that you were good...A marvellous work…One that glorifies His unfathomable handiwork.

Don’t feel alone, because the Lord your God has been with you since the beginning and He is still with you.  Don’t feel unaccepted, because He takes great delight in you.  Be comforted because He will calm all your storms and quiet the voice of insecurity with His love.  Be strengthened because your Father in Heaven rejoices over you with singing.  (“The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing” Zephaniah 3:17). 

Precious handiwork of the eternal Creator, apple of the Lord’s eye, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.  Don’t let anyone or anything convince you otherwise.

(I’ve posted this video before, but I don’t think we can tire of hearing the truth).

“No one is like you, O LORD; you are great, and your name is mighty in power” (Jeremiah 10:6). 

Today I heard a pastor recall the story of a German soldier who had witnessed and participated in many atrocities in the Second World War.  This soldier came home to his family at the end of the war traumatised and filled with bitterness.  Out of his anger, the soldier habitually beat his son black and blue and deprived him of the love that every child needs.  As his son grew up, he gradually came to depend on alcohol as a means to fill the emptiness in his life that had emanated from his loveless childhood.  His problem with alcohol eventually took his life, leaving his wife without a husband and his children without a father.  Though Hitler’s murderous reign ended over sixty years ago, the fallout from his regime is still causing destruction in people’s lives and families even today.  Even though he was only in power for twelve years, his actions and decisions have negatively impacted generation after generation.

However, the impact of Jesus Christ is greater than that of any other who has walked this earth.  He saves and redeems lives.  He builds up rather than tears down.  He gives hope to the hopeless and shines His light in the darkness.  He brings the lost from the pit of despair.  Perhaps the actions and decisions of someone else have caused you great pain, sown the seeds of bitterness within you, or pushed you to find solace in one addiction or the other.  The Lord cares about that (“You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle” Psalm 56:8), but He doesn’t want you to remain a captive of your situation.  Jesus invites us to take all our burdens, cares and worries to Him and He will give us rest:  “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).  Nobody in this life escapes trials or tough times, but the God of all comfort is there to carry us through.  He is greater than the evil in the world and the problems we face: “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31).

Every day I am reminded that my priorities are wrong and that I keep putting my hope in things that will never bring me continual joy or peace.  The Lord keeps pulling me back to Him and showing me that he is the true source of eternal joy and the One who fulfils all my needs.  That he is the Author and Finisher of my faith. The I Am that I Am.  The Beginning and the End.  Who was, and is, and is to come.  The Creator of the ends of the earth.  The Living Hope.  “The LORD is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; my God is my rock, in whom I take refuge. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold” (Psalm 18:2).  There is none like the Lord.  None that satisfies or loves us as much as He does.

If you’ve not experienced the sweet love of the Lord or are looking to know more about the Bible, take a look at a few of the recommended links (ucb.co.uk is quite useful).

And for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or lost, take a listen to this calming song.

Peace!

God I look to you

I won’t be overwhelmed

Give me vision to see things like you do

God I look to you

You’re where my help comes from

Give me wisdom

You know just what to do

I will love You Lord my strength
And I will love you Lord my shield
And I will love You Lord my rock
Forever all my days I will love you God

Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Hallelujah our God reigns
Forever all my days Hallelujah

Firstly, I would like to issue a ‘health warning’ with today’s featured campaign.  Any of the material on Beauty Redefined’s website can be potentially triggering.   It has emotive and opinionated content, so approach this site with caution if you feel vulnerable.  However, this website is also rich and highly informative and can be of great encouragement to both women and men.

BEAUTY REDEFINED

http://www.beautyredefined.net/how-girls-and-women-can-take-back-beauty/

Beauty Redefined is all about rethinking our ideas of “beautiful” and healthy that we’ve likely learned from for-profit media that thrives off female insecurity.  Beauty Redefined states that the media is consistently linked to body hatred, disordered eating and an unhealthy focus on appearance.   Profit-driven media, hand in hand with the multi-billion-dollar beauty and weight loss industries, rely on us believing a lie. The lie tells us beauty comes in one form that anyone can attain with enough money, time and effort. It tells us that women who don’t fit the ideal are doomed to be undesirable and unhappy. Beauty Redefined is dedicated to taking back “beauty” for girls and women everywhere.

Beauty redefined offers some really good tips for rejecting media lies and enhancing self-esteem, for example:

• Go on a media fast
• Run from normalized pornography
• Take media into your own hands (Post links or start discussions on blogs and social networking sites to continuously spark conversation about dangerous ideals)
• Be an advocate (campaign against objectification etc.)
• Be a positive example (encourage others and don’t degrade yourself).

http://www.beautyredefined.net/how-girls-and-women-can-take-back-beauty/

So, if you feel ready, be encouraged by this website and gets some tips and awareness about your self-worth and what you can do to take back beauty for girls and women.

Peace!

Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:1-2).

An addiction, obsession or dependency on a particular ‘thing’ (whether it be alcohol, drugs, sex, food, size 0 figure etc.) can be provoked by numerous and diverse factors, such as stressful circumstances or a dissatisfaction with life.  What starts out as a one-off incident or emotion can snowball into a life-threatening addiction.  Though each individual experience is unique, many addictions begin because of hopelessness or depression, as a means of release from life and circumstances, or to avoid the root of the problem.

There is nothing in the world that will ever satisfy or give us hope and safety as God does.  A high-flying career may give you recognition and the income for a great standard of living, but it doesn’t guarantee immunity from feeling depression and emptiness.  A nice house and classy car could make you the envy of your neighbours and friends, but you will only continue wanting more possessions unless you know the ultimate meaning of your life.

Even when surrounded by our closest friends and family, we can still feel gnawing loneliness because in all sincerity, their love and company is not enough to satisfy our deepest needs.  The greatest blessings in life cannot compete with the sweet presence of God, which is why the Psalmist said: “Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing” (Psalm 16:1-2).  The times when I feel the greatest anguish are those when I feel God is silent, because God’s presence is the ultimate joy and without His love and direction, I’m lost.

Finding release or temporary satisfaction through certain substances or activities won’t remove a problem or negative feeling.  They become addictions and dependencies which only become like a living nightmare as you lose your grip of control and war rages in your mind.  No matter what trial or temptation you are facing, God’s presence is a refuge in which you can find rest and joy: “In your presence is fullness of joy; At your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11).

Though life doesn’t go according to your plan…though people hurt, reject, disappoint or don’t love you as much as you want to be loved…though you’ve just relapsed…don’t fear and don’t be dismayed.  God desires to carry and comfort you when you are weak, hopeless, angry or lonely: “those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint” (Isaiah 40:30-31). 

Here’s a lovely piece called Footprints which beautifully expresses God’s comfort and care:

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.  Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.  In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.  Sometimes there were two sets of footprints, other times there were one set of footprints.  This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life, when I was suffering from anguish, sorrow or defeat, I could see only one set of footprints.  So I said to the Lord, “You promised me Lord, that if I followed you, you would walk with me always.  But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life there have only been one set of footprints in the sand. Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?” The Lord replied, “The times when you have seen only one set of footprints, is when I carried you.”

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade” (1 Peter 1:3-4). 

I had so much to write in this post today, but I just couldn’t “put pen to paper”.  I was carrying a load and had nothing within me left to say.  So I’ll let this beautiful and simple song by Michael W. Smith say it all. Peace!

“I was lost when you found me here
You pulled me close and held me near
And I’m a fool but still you love
I’ll be your fool for the king of love

He gave me wings so I could fly
And gave me a song to color the sky
And all I have is all from you
And all I want is all of you

It’s grace, grace
I’m nothing without you
Grace, your grace
Shines on me

And there’ve been days when I’ve walked away
Too much to carry
Nothing left to say
Forgive me Lord when I’m weak and lost
You traded heaven for a wooden cross

And all these years you’ve carried me
You’ve been my eyes when I could not see
And beauty grows in the driving rain
Your oil of gladness in the times of pain

It’s grace, your grace
I’m nothing without you
Grace, your grace
Shines on me
Your grace, your grace
I’m nothing without you…”

(p.s. Thanks to my friend, Shirley, for first introducing me to this song!)

“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God” (Psalm 42:11).