Most of us, at one time or another, have had to navigate the shadow of shame. Be it something we’ve done, or something that’s been done to us. Either way, it acts like a dark cloak around our soul hovering and haunting our thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.
Disappointment is an inevitable by-product of life. A burden that weighs heavy on our soul. In some instances, we feel as though people have failed us. Or worse yet, that God has failed us. As a result, we lose confidence and suffer a deep-seated pain that causes us to wrestle with our faith.
Finding (as if it were lost) our life purpose makes promises of an awaited significance and drives us to pursue unearthed potential. We want it. Crave it. Are desperate for it. And yet, for many of us, rooting out our purpose seems an exercise in futility.
1 Peter 3:15 But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have PRAYER Lord, I want to be faithful to you in the hard places in my life. Teach me to trust you. To … Read more
Relationship with God and with others gets messy. This is a reality we have to embrace. And because of this reality, the need for forgiveness and grace is staggering. Sometimes it’s too much. Our only hope is to live and love from a posture of purpose—one that has a sure footing in eternity.
Our verse this week is about spending ourselves on purpose. In light of this task, we will follow in the footsteps of Mary and her story of the alabaster box which is found in all four Gospel accounts. It contains a depth and richness that summons my full attention as it teaches us what it looks like to be bent with abandon.
Life is just flat-out complicated. We are constantly approached by seasons of change as opponents to be met in the ring, and undeniably someone or something is going down. Truthfully, this is where we so often land, don’t we? Toggling between competing emotions and begging to tap out! The big question is who will I be on the other side of this battle?
Life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns. When we adopt the missional mindset amid our mess, our life becomes daring, unique, and contains an uncommon beauty. We do this one step at a time. Intentional. Committed. Surrendered.
I think one of the greatest human desires is to be known. Fully known in spite of our faults. The kind of known that penetrates our deepest insecurities and satisfies our craving for authentic connection. But to unveil and step out of our emotionally compartmentalized lives begs an uncommon kind of bravery.
Conviction. It’s a tough word, isn’t it? It feels heavy. Even punitive. Yet, in the purest form, we heed such convictions to honor a Holy God who created us, redeemed us, and transforms us through the process of sanctification.