My sweet friend Julie told me about about a book she is reading, "Grace: More than we deserve, greater than we imagine" by Max Lucado. So I thought I would take a peek at it.
I have to admit there are so many sticky sweet books out there regarding the Christian walk that I had a bit of skepticism....But I must be honest with you and with myself. I only got a few pages in before I was suddenly taken (again) with the power of God's grace and how incredibly small I am. It touched so deep within my very soul that I had to stop reading it. You know why? 1. It scared me and 2. because Max Lucado gets it, its raw. He doesnt wrap up how hard it is to be human in this world (whether you are a believer or not) in a bunch of empty faith filled words. You know the kind, youve heard them before from well meaning friends even your pastor. But they leave you empty and hopeless feeling as though youve missed the mark yet again. Not this book. Its refreshing to know that we are all in the pressure cooker together, trying to navigate our way through life doing the best we can *and* we are all H.U.M.A.N.! God is big enough to deal with it all and more-so with each of us right where we are. We are enough, you are enough, I am enough. Say it to yourself, "I am enough". But it gets even better...God loves you right where you are. In the midst of your own personal storm. Ive been in one for months, like a boat on the ocean in the middle of a small craft warning, the waves are crashing over my head and Im bailing with a bucket that has holes. I used to have a boat and have been out during a small craft warning, its not pretty! But then again, in so many ways life isnt pretty. Its hard. Damn its hard. Ive always wanted to be bluntly honest about how I see things no matter how unpopular my take may be. Im finding that when I am honest its much better received than a candy smile. Do you remember those big wax lips from the early '70's? Thats is precisely the fake candy smile I mean!
Take heart precious ones, you matter and you are greatly loved.
XO