DAY 15 FOR THE NEXT GENERATION

DAY 15 PRIDE, GUILT, SHAME, HOPE , CARE, LOVE

Luke 7:37:38

"37 When a certain immoral woman from that city heard he was eating there, she brought a beautiful alabaster jar filled with expensive perfume. 38 Then she knelt behind him at his feet, weeping. Her tears fell on his feet, and she wiped them off with her hair. Then she kept kissing his feet and putting perfume on them."

Yesterday I attempted to blog regarding the unconditional love of my mother. Let me try this again. In no way do I compare her story to the woman who washed Jesus' feet. My mother has served and loved the Lord with all her heart for all of her life.

I have felt her love for 48 years now. Always knowing that she would always take care of me or the kids. But after 48 years I discovered her "agape" love for me. That is, her unconditional, no strings attached, I will love you no matter what you've done.

This week, while being laid up in bed with all kind of drugs working on me I wrote about some scar tissue that I have dealt with. My mother read that blog. I didn't know how this would effect her. Would pride or guilt or shame come into play?

What came into play was a very gracious woman trying to understand what she could do for me, rather than worrying how it would make her look. And like most mothers, she knew way more than I gave her credit for.

We discussed the innocence robbed of a 7 year old boy and a teenage boy who was vulnerable because he carried shame. But somewhere in hte middle of our discussion in the hospital dining room, we broke our "alabaster jar" through the power of a Savior and healing starting taking place. Years of a loving relationship began to flow over into more honor and respect from me to her. Her beautiful eyes were the eyes that all need, the unconditional look of hope, care and love.

I realized that this look of forgiveness had been there all of my life. This is how it is with our Heavenly Daddy. His eyes NEVER leave us or forsake us. He cannot stand for His children to stumble, and sooths and waits patiently for us to "open up" and then tell us it's okay, I still love you no matter what you've done.

Think about this today if you deal with scars or know somebody who is:

1. You scars will never be bigger than the scars that Jesus endured for you.

2. There is no shame, or guilt for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans ch. 8)

3. Like the woman who washed Jesus' feet, don't let others make you feel unworthy. He DIED for what happened to you as a small child, a teenager or as a foolish adult. Your SIN, if you have asked for forgiveness, is STILL on that cross!!!!!!!!!!

4. Turn your shameful scars into "reminders" of the victories we have. I often say this but it is so true, WE CAN BE VICTORIOUS OR VICTIMS. I choose VICTORY OVER SHAME AND GUILT.

5. Ask Daddy to start a new walk in you.

Paul said to the church of Philippi while he was IN JAIL in Philippians 1:6

"being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ"

Daddy, continue to remove the scar tissue that we have. Thank you for the wonderful example of my mother. She exemplifies who you are, loving and so caring for us. Bless those who hurt today from the enormity of shame and guilt. Shower you freedom upon us.

Your son,

Jody