I just got home yesterday from a trip to Ft Lauderdale, FL with a girlfriend. It was such a wonderful time to just be away from the madness of life and work and relax. It was everything i hoped it would be. And more. You see, God had plans that didn't simply include time at the spa and in the sun.....
The friend i went with...isn't a really close friend. A seasoned traveler--therefore a great person to take a trip with. When we were boarding the plane, she asked something i did not expect. She asked: "Susan, do you think the plane is going to go down?" And she had this look of fear on her face as she asked. She was serious. I looked at her and said--"No, why would you think such a thing?" She replied," Susan, i think that God hates me. I mean, if you knew the things i have done in my past, you wouldn't want to be friends with me. You would probably hate me too. " My heart began to break a little bit for her. I started to tear up, and i told her that God loves her. Loves her with a crazy kind of all-encompassing love. That He wants amazing things for her life. Wants her to put down the guilt. Put down the shame. [Why would i say such things? Because they're true. They just are. I know it. Take it or leave it.] As we found our way to our seats, she told me more about her story. She's been through hell and back. Without a doubt. I will tell you that it didn't change my opinion of her one single bit.
Our conversations continued through the weekend. My prayer for her, and for you (thanks for reading) is that you would experience the Grace and Love of a Father that doesn't judge us for what we do. He simply loves us. Carries us. Through all of it. Through every mistake. Every tear. He continues to lead us on.
He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to His heart. Isaiah 40:11
It was Paradise. Every bit of it. Down to the real conversations. Actually...because of the conversations i had with my friend.
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