Into the Fire

One thing I've learned in my life's journey is this: You can't hide from life's markings. Life has a way of making its marks on you. Those marks can show up as scarring over the course of time. Some scars are minimal and some scars are over large parts of the body. Scars show up physically, emotionally, and/or spiritually. No matter how we try to cover or disguise them, they show.

We wear them like clothing. Some clothing speaks of light, of energy, of style, of joy. Some clothing blares darkness, a discord, a defiance, a depression. 

Our eyes can shine a welcome, a consideration, an attraction, an interest. Or eyes express a challenge, a glare, a repellant, a disdain. Or eyes declare loss, pain, surrender.

Our demeanor speaks in silent shouts. Are we gentle or are we hard? 

Multiple life lessons contribute to who we are. The only One who can refine life's experiences, no matter how hard or how horrendous, is the Lord God Almighty. He's the only One that can turn this fickle physical body and mind into someone who is redeemed and realizes what a great gift has been given to insure this reward. 

When I met Jesus Christ, I was empty. I'd done things I was drastically ashamed of, and life was finally settling down for me, but it was also winding up with feeling a deep void inside. After some time of realizing the gift of Christianity, I was putting on my makeup one morning and when I looked in the mirror, I was shocked to see the effects of knowing Jesus had changed my demeanor. No longer did a hard expression I'd acquired look back at me. In its place was a "new" face, one that held a softness. The thankfulness I felt at that moment was immeasurable. 

There is no cure for life's experiences. But there is a cure for sin. His Name is Jesus, and He grants real life to those who seek after Him, repent for their sins, and yield their lives to Him for a new and better direction that leads to an eternity in heaven. Knowing Jesus personally is different from merely "believing" in Him. When you know Him, He truly is "that friend that sticks closer than a brother." No one, nothing like Him. We're all desperate for Him, whether we know it or not.  

Father, please keep seeking after those whose hearts are willing. Please keep asking them to meet the Savior of their souls. Thank you is never enough. In the Name of Jesus, Amen.