December 17th, 2011
Ever have one of those days where you thought you were going to a normal, everyday event and Christ invades? That was me today. I went to watch one of my teacher-friends direct the K-4 grade Holiday program. I was planning on smiling at the cuteness on stage, watching the children who couldn’t stand still and looking out for any small children in glasses because I find them the most adorable.
My friend read cards to each of his soloist, publicly reminding them of who they are and how the make a difference in the world. Through words and high-fives these children walk away more confident than when they entered. Affirmation is such a gift and as my friend would say “Thanks for singing” I couldn’t help but think of Christ saying “Thanks for singing. Thanks for being.”
You see by ‘being’ we are expressing Christ. There is nothing more we need to do to express him. The visible of the invisible dwells in us. We can add nothing to it by our doing. We simply are able to be.
As a recovering ‘do-er’, I find being challenging. You see, my perfectionist tendencies coupled with my fear of failure stop me from ‘being’ in certain areas of life. I think if I keep going, keep trying, keep moving forward maybe I can make the good- promised-from-bad happen. So as my friend gave a high-five to the soloist her missed her lines and said “Good job” –it was yet another moment Christ invaded. It was that moment when I became that little girl who wasn’t perfect but still affirmed.
And I thought I was going to a simple Holiday program.
December 5th, 2011
This was shared last night with the Body here in Nashville. I thought I’d pass it on. It’s worth reading and re-reading and re-reading again.
Even before time began … and all throughout
I have been pursuing you.
Even when you rejected your own self worth
and had nothing to live for, and nowhere to turn
Even when there was nothing around you but emptiness and despair.
Yet I pursued you still . . .
Even when you were lonely and felt rejected
and were lost in an ocean of despair
Even when your mothers and fathers on earth let you down
and you felt hopeless and helpless
Yet I pursued you still . . .
Even when you believed these lies about yourself
and refused to accept who you really are.
Even when you were angry and resentful
and rejected Me over and over again
Yet I pursued you still . . .
Even when you felt wronged and condemned
and regret for your past life.
And even when you were frustrated at your own
lack of progress and your own behavior.
And even when you became sad and critical
of yourself and those around you.
Yet I pursued you still . . .
Yes, I pursued you high and low
and deep and wide … My Bride
For I have known you since before you were born.
That’s right, I knew you when you were still in My Father’s bosom.
And I know the truth about you, despite what you may think or feel.
You see, I know … what is real!
Why do you think I have pursued you?
I know who you really are
And I know what you are really worth.
You are My Pearl of Great Price …. My Lover, My Friend
You are the House that I live in … My kingdom without end.
You are My Body, My Temple, My holy retreat
You are the one that I died for, the death that was sweet.
You are My Purpose, My Passion, the Beauty I see
.
You are the One who completes Me, the fullness of Me.
You are without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing.
You are forever young, the Song that I sing.
You are righteous and holy and blameless, you see
For You are My All, My Life, My Everything