Hey! It’s a whole new world this morning. Sweat isn’t snaking down my back! The air conditioner is taking a well-earned break. Hallelujah it’s not 100 degrees outside anymore!
Awhile ago I mentioned an online "reflections" or "devotions" site for women. I want to mention it again. at first I politely listened (well, acted like I was listening) and nodded when my very-liturgical, Lutheran friend told me about this website created for women by women at her former church in Minneapolis. A bunch of suburban, Lutheran, midwestern women didn’t seem like my idea of on-fire God-chasers. I didn’t think this online "web connect" would have anything for me.
I repent! I acknowledge my pride and arrogance. Boy, was I wrong. I signed up to receive these daily missives and I’ve been surprised often by the personal sharing of these women. I thought it would be predictable, preachy, and guilting. Once in a rare while that happens (just so you’re not surprised). Most of the time i come away feeling like someone has encouraged me. Someone has spoken out of her real life into my real life. Someone has pulled back the covers on their own journey. I come away feeling less alone. Less like the only person on earth who exhibits my particular character flaws and peculiarities of personality.
Check out info@webwomenconnect.org and see if these women have something for you.
bless you all. Be encouraged. You are NOT alone. You aren’t, as the enemy of our souls accuses, stranded in your character flaws and peculiarities of personality. You ARE His bride – beloved. Treasured. Cherished (thank you for that word, Anne Grossenbach!). In His eyes you are flawless. And that’s not make-believe. It’s not divine positive thinking. It is TRUTH. He sees what IS, not what he wishes. Our bridegroom doesn’t whitewash reality or live in denial. Because of the blood and love of Jesus you really, truly, honestly, actually are flawless. You have been made good.
Think of a bride. We’ve all seen them – glowing and beautiful. Dignified and simply alive with being loved and being her sweetheart’s beloved. Now, think of yourself. You are the bride. YOU are the Bride.
Hold up your heads, beautiful ones. Stand tall. Speak, act, think out of this dignity. This beauty. This LIFE that your bridegroom has given you.
Whew! That spirit typhoon caught me by surprise! We must all need encouragement to see ourselves as The Bride!
Well, that’s it. gotta go. I’m taking my laptop out onto the breeze way to catch the cool air and soak in the blue sky.
Love to you all. The next time you enter a room, will you all say to yourselves, "Here comes the bride" please?
Blessed Thursday,
Julia