You got Older!

Just when I think I have figured out how not to look old, a child tells it like it is. I have the great pleasure of seeing children grow up and love re-connecting with them as they go from grade to grade.  Last week I stopped in to an after school program that many of my former students attend. Walking into the room I was greeted with warm hugs, delightful screams of "Mrs. Cobb" and millions of stories! I felt so loved! One of the students in the class turned and asked, "Do you remember me"? I always remember them, just not always their names! What he said next will forever be etched in my memory!

With his head tilted, one eye closed and soft voice he stated, "Mrs. Cobb you got older"! 

Wow~ Not exactly the response I expected! Honest yes, but not what I wanted to hear! 

Have you been here? 

The truth can be such a difficult thing for us to hear about ourselves. Sometimes I look into the mirror and think wow you look pretty good, then I see a picture of myself and the truth prevails!

God's word is like that.  When we examine ourselves in light of what the bible says we realize that we are not "looking good".  On the contrary we realize that we are lost without the saving grace of Jesus. 

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved." Acts 4:12

Let all the world look to me for salvation! For I am God; there is no other. Isaiah 45:22

The truth is hard, but following The way, The Truth and the Life is the best adventure I know!

The Invitation

My Grace Story part 2

Years had gone by since those first memories had flooded my mind. My life now had a rhythm, an order that was humming along. Kevin and I were now married, had 2 beautiful daughters, and were involved in an exciting ministry to high school students. Life was great! 

There had been moments of thinking about the past, but I felt that me and God were working on it. Moreover, Kevin and I spent many hours wading through the feelings of shame and fear that accompanied intimacy within our marriage.  All because of one man's actions early in my life. Still I felt hopeful that most of it was behind me. desperately trying to live the verse " Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, 14 I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus" Philippians 3:13-14. For the most part, I was OK. 

Then one day, my perfectly scripted life was rocked. An invitation came in the mail. Picking up the envelope I noticed the name in the corner and I began to shake. It was a wedding invitation for the sister of the man who had so many years ago stripped me of any sense of security and trust. A thousand questions bombarded my soul! 

Would he be there?
Could I face him?
He doesn't even know that I remember, do I confront him?
Should I even go?

Falling to my knees, I began to pray, "Lord, show me what to do. I am afraid, but I will follow you." Instantly, I knew that I was to go and attend the wedding. I was to remain quiet if I saw him but, I was to go and The Lord would do the rest. 

Weeks later the day arrived for the wedding and I was petrified. As each question pummeled me I fought them off with the knowledge that The Lord had me in His hand and that He going before me and would shelter me. Kevin and I walked into the wedding, past the man and sat down. I thought that the whole church could hear my body shaking. Then the Lord gave me an invitation that calmed my anxious thoughts. 

The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still. Exodus 14:14 " Thank you Lord", I whispered. 

On our way out the one who had hurt me, looked at me. In the years past had this occurred I would have ran and hid, but on this day, filled with the strength of The Lord, I returned the look and in the depth of my being acknowledged that he had no power over me. I will be forever grateful that on this day, The Lord had begun a new thing inside of me. 

My journey of freedom was not over, but the healing had most definitely begun.  My Grace Story part 3 will be shared with you soon.

Some questions for you
How is God revealing His plan for you?
What invitation has He extended to you?
Where is He giving you the strength to move forward and to let go of the past?
How can you be still and Let The Lord fight for you today?