Longing For . . .

 Ah, Fridays – the golden child of the week, the beacon of joy that signals the start of the weekend fiesta! Let's dive into why Fridays are the stuff of legends.

First off, let's talk about that intoxicating feeling of freedom that washes over you on a Friday morning. It's like your boss suddenly morphs into your fairy godmother - granting you a 48-hour pass to break free from the chains of work and adulting. You wake up with a grin that's so wide, it could rival the Cheshire Cat (or perhaps, Jim Carrey.)

But it's not just about escaping the grind; Fridays come bearing gifts of anticipation. 

Imagine that glorious moment when you're sipping your morning coffee, already making a mental checklist of all the epic plans you've lined up. 

Fridays whisper sweet promises of adventure in your ear, from cycling & kayaking to hiking escapades.

And let's not forget the dress code revolution that Fridays spark. Business casual? Pfft. 

On Fridays, the world transforms into a runway for casual chic, where your "I woke up like this" vibe is not only accepted but celebrated. (In truth, this was probably more of a reality during the Pandemic.) You strut into the 'virtual' office with a hoodie that says, "I'm ready for both spreadsheets and spontaneous praise dance-offs." 

Of course, the cherry on top is that Friday feeling that sweeps you up in its euphoric swell. It's like everyone's mood gets upgraded - your office turns into a mini carnival of high-fives, impromptu karaoke sessions, and the unmistakable waft of pizza lurking in the air.

But, for some of us  - Friday may elicit a desire to complete the weekend, capped in the presence of the Lord. 

Among and between the fun, laughter, and fellowship - between sips of coffee and clicks of the remote, between laundry and dinner and time with best friends; Friday sets the spiritual pace for Sundays - a day for spiritual resolution, of repentance, of unity - of coming to the knowledge that we need a Savior. 

Fridays are to connect and to have fun - yes. But Fridays are also about onboarding our soul in preparation for spiritual manna. 

So here's to Fridays - the onboarding day that leads us to the weekend, where we find rest in Him, where we find peace, and where we Sabbath.

May your Friday be filled with laughter, fun, and just a pinch of hopeful anticipation of what God will do on Sunday! 

Who Ate My Turtle?

Maybe he crawled out in search of a dead moth. 

Maybe he was just lonely. 

Maybe he was rehomed, given a new place to live - lifted under the cloak of night from the comfort of his shiny ceramic bowl!  

                                             

But maybe the ‘Perp’ was hungry and had nothing to eat and tried his newly acquired YouTube culinary skills with a seasoned pot of homemade Turtle Stew. 

 

                                                                          

Perhaps. 

 

But maybe my turtle had nothing to do with French cuisine or the lack thereof; it's possible the Perp just wanted something different to dine on. 

Isn’t this something we can all relate?

 

Enjoying the same foods routinely can bring a sense of comfort. Though If you’re like many, the food circulating your dinner plate is sometimes a little, I dare say, boring.

That said, the anticipation of "normal" albeit repeated meals, provides a palatal safety net. No crossed-up taste buds fighting to name the fungus or mash dancing inside your mouth!  

There is a basic structure planned into your daily/weekly nourishment even if it does repeat itself. 

Remember Meatloaf Thursday?  Or maybe Turtle Soup in this case?

Like listening to your favorite song on Spotify OVER AND OVER AGAIN, some foods just hit that 'sweet spot' and you just want to hit 'repeat' again and again. 

(*Hello NUUUUTELLLLLAAA!)

   

What our dearly departed turtle represents is our daily need for food - sustenance - the vital nutrients which keep our tanks full, and maintain our energy.  And for many, the joy of eating comes full circle not only in variety, but in the companionship of family, and friends. 

Could it be our innate desire to enjoy fellowship around a table is born from the very breath God gave us? Consider how many times Jesus spoke about food, fellowship, or dining among friends. 

                                                      

 

According to Strong’s concordance, there are forty-eight verses that mention the word ‘food’ in the bible. More specifically, one hundred and twelve are actual verses about food. 

 

The very word ‘dinner’ evokes feelings of warmth and connection, sending even the most hardened heart reminiscing - to a familial land where food and conversation are massaged like soft butter on a toasted baguette. It’s the cohesive centerpiece unifying hearts, where safety, conversation, and laughter are shared without judgment.

 

Maybe that’s why there are so many references to food, dining, or dinner in the bible. 

 

Perhaps Jesus knew just how important it was for people to 'change it up' - to dine with others, savoring tidbits of intimate conversations, a funny story, or a hearty belly laugh. He knew that between bowls of lentils, and flatbread, between Gefilte and fish sauce, daily and intentional camaraderie would be the backbone of strong friends and families.

 

Ecclesiastes 9:7, Psalm 107:9

 

Friends, whether you prefer quick food, vegan food, a great burger, or a full 6-course meal, be intentional sharing a meal with family, and new folks within your community or church family. 

 

You just never know; they may serve the most delish pot of homemade Turtle Soup!

 

 

 

                                                                             

 

 

Supply, Demand, Provision & Parenting

                                        

How often did you go without? Without the extras, the insignificant yet pertinent accouterments
which made your own life better, a little easier somehow? 

Tenacious budgeting kept you focused, defining need from desire - sustaining simple basic needs. 

 

How often did you forego so your kids could enjoy the last brownie, scoop of ice cream, or the last little bit of whatever you were hoping to save for yourself?  

Did they ever wonder from where the ‘extra’ came from for field trips, prescription medicine; the unexpected needs which popped up each and every month? 

Needs met by a caring parent without sharing details of unpaid medical bills, schoolbooks, tuition, or the need for new shoes; always shoes. 

 

How often did you need encouragement as a parent, juggling two jobs, a small home, and kids who needed your time and attention? 

 

From where did you draw your strength and grit? What source fed, blanketed, and nurtured your spirit? What breadcrumbs - the random acts of kindness, dotted your life, keeping you on track?

 

Could it be it was hidden? Could it be that “secret place” spoken of in His word where manna is gathered and gifted to the weary soul? Where hope envelops the spirit like woolen socks on a blistery cold day?

 

How often did you seemingly 'do life' – without the Father noticing your plight? 

Not often. Never in fact. I know this because His word is true. 

 

Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father? But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not, therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. 

                                                                        Matthew 6:29-31 KJV

 

Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered Fear not therefore; ye are of more value than many sparrows. 

                                                                            Luke 12:6-7 KJV

                                                                        

Unlike a few earthly fathers who may be absent, missing, uninvolved, or uncaring, your heavenly Father loves you more than you can imagine. 

He knows the number of hairs on your head and knows your needs before you even come to Him. Yet coming to him and asking, is what He wants most from you. 

                                For it is His pleasure to meet your needs.  Luke 12:32 KJV

 

Friend, if you’re struggling in life and would like encouragement regarding provision, take hope in the scriptures. Read them, study them, and trust God to work out your needs. 

He loves you more than you can possibly know - and always has your '6.' 

You can take that to the bank because . . . 

                                          

    You’re WAY more valuable to him than a flock of birds!

The Power of a Colon

                                                   

For some, reading the title of this essay may have piqued your interest.

 Is this article about health? 

Digestion? Fiber? On the contrary. 

The word colon - pronounced (co- lun,) encompasses more than one meaning. But for the sake of time and interest, allow me to share the impact one tiny punctuation mark can have.

The colon: 

Easily defined, the colon is a tiny punctuation mark in the English language. It typically precedes a list of items, a quotation, an expansion of thought, deed, or explanation. But before you stifle your next yawn and sign off to troll Facebook, IG, or social media, let’s unpack this bad boy and see how one little colon impacts and influences our natural and spiritual world. 

From January 2020 to the present, America has dealt with Covid Sars 2, or the Coronavirus Pandemic.  Beginning in Wuhan China and sweeping throughout the world, the US has had the highest infection rate, and remained the country with the most outbreaks at over 39 million, according to statistics on Reuters graphics. 

In spite of the vaccine modality in place, the Covid virus is much like a seasonal yearlong flu - except on steroids!  (PLEASE KNOW I’m not underplaying the severity or the dire consequences of any Pandemic, nor this virus, the point I’m making will be further understood as you continue reading.)

During our weekly connection, my sister Susan shared her concerns - and the constant anxiety bridling her throughout the Pandemic.  

A former service member and retired Staff Sergeant, she has seen her share of ‘ugly’ and knows all too well how to defend herself from an enemy. However, unlike her former days in Iraq where she monitored enemy whereabouts, this ‘enemy,’ Covid, is invisible. You can’t see it. One simply succumbs to its nasty fallout after it's infected your body. It continues to be the unknown variable that keeps her on edge. 

Even months after Americans stayed at home to ‘flatten-the-curve,’ people have continued to be fearful. A survey taken by a syndicated news outlet revealed the number one issue associated with the unraveling of families during Covid, and the confidence in the US economy is stress. 

Be it the burden of working from home with no childcare, homeschool issues, internet connectivity, unemployment / staying ahead of an eviction notice, or ongoing health issues from the fallout of Covid; all of it weighs heavily on a body’s natural ability to balance stress. 

Uncontrolled stress, anxiety, and fear are the opposite of trust - they’re byproducts of a life not rooted in God. 

Plainly said, it’s the antithesis of a faith-filled life.  

But before you cast a stone in my direction, please hear me out. 

I’m not saying we don’t experience stress, become fearful, or feel anxious from time to time. As a matter of fact, having a healthy sense of ‘fear’ may minimize its negative effects; fear can actually compel you to “run” during a dangerous situation - like when you see a bear approaching!

Jesus warns us in his Word that we’ll have trials, sorrow, persecution, and tribulation.  In the truest essence, viruses, diseases, and strange phenomena are not new. The Bible is not only a historical book, it’s prophetic – foretelling signs and events which will come to pass.

Consider the scripture Matthew 24:6 

And ye shall hear of wars, and rumors of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass . . . 

In this verse, nested between two thoughts, is a powerful little grammar mark – the colon. 

Jesus tells us, “See that ye be not troubled” – in simple English, “Don’t worry about it.” 

That one little colon in the middle of the sentence gives us pause and reminds us to take a breath, to look at the bigger picture; the end is not yet – it’s a sign that Jesus is coming back. 

This should encourage every believer!

Sadly, people who don’t have a relationship with God set their hopes on the things of this present world. They’re influenced heavily by media: what they watch, read, and listen to. These false protective barriers – i.e. security from fame on social media, wealth, education, or status, serve only to remind them how isolating and lonely life can be. 

In fact, the Pandemic of 2020 revealed just how Americans lived through a season of forced isolation. For many, it caused us to examine ourselves, the way we reacted to others, and how we responded: both our actions or inactions, as well as the climate of our current culture. 

Most telling was the SAH order, which revealed how resourceful and intentional we needed to be in staying connected to one another. 

That said, as the pandemic wanes, people have begun to realize where to find true value: in the love of family, friends, connections, and of faith. 

When we’re faced with fears, plagued by the news of a world spinning out of control, when we feel helpless over the future, when friends are few, and our finances are depleted, where is our strength? 

Where is our power to overcome? What is the answer? 

The answer lies in the word of God. 

In a story in the new testament, Jesus offers instruction to his disciples by telling them not to store up (save up) treasures on this earth, which will eventually decay and become moth-eaten. 

The number of followers, likes, fame, notoriety, or money in your bank account, will never gift you with inner peace. 

Only Jesus can give peace.  

He not only gives you peace, but he also gives you tools to defeat your enemy.

Jesus says, Behold, I give you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

Do you see the colon in the verse? 

The words directly following it declare God’s truth: 

Nothing shall by any means hurt you. 

Luke 10:19 KJV

What is this power? How can I get it to live a bold life? 

It’s found in his WORD! His word will anchor you. 

His word will bring peace and hope. 

His Word will give you power to overcome.  

Peter tells his audience about receiving ‘this power’:  

. . . but ye shall receive power, after that the holy ghost is come upon you 

Acts 1:8 KJV

 

Today, if you're worried about current events, overwhelmed by doubt and fear, you can experience true peace and power simply by putting your faith in God. 

But what does that even mean?  

What does “putting my faith in God” look like?

 Simply stated, putting your faith in God happens, by obeying the gospel. 

The Gospel is the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. 

When we repent of our sins and ask forgiveness, it’s a form of spiritual death.  

We then are ‘buried’ when we are baptized in Jesus' Name and resurrected, or ‘come to new life,’ 

when we receive the infilling of God’s spirit. 

(The Holy Spirit, or the Holy Ghost.)  

It is upon these pillars: death, burial, and resurrection- the gospel stands.

To that end – the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ 

is the irrefutable evidence of how salvation came to earth. 

Paul explains it simply : The Gospel brings salvation.

1 Corinthians 15: 1-4

Moreover brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I have preached unto you  . . . (verse 2) By which also ye are saved . . . How that Christ died for our sins, according to the scriptures, and that he was buried and that he rose again the third day.

Furthermore, the gospel brings with it the expectation of a better future, a hope that things will improve; it’s the comforting assurance of brighter days ahead. 

A world where people will smile again - without fear, without a mask. 

Where neighbors will greet each other with a handshake, and share stories over coffee in living rooms or kitchens - in 'Real time' not through Zoom or Facetime, 

knowing that our heavenly Father has it all under control

This is true power. 

For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance. 

1 Thessalonians 1:5

What we have on this earth, everything we own or even aspire to own, is temporary.

Fortunate and blessed are the people who realize what’s truly important: 

faith, family & heartfelt connections. 

Friend, if you’re struggling today, low in strength, or wish you had ‘power’ to overcome, I offer you the Gospel. It gives you everything you need to live a peaceful, joy-filled, overcoming life. 

Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, 

through the power of the Holy Ghost.

Romans 15:13 

This is the power behind one little colon: The Gospel.

It brings real hope.

From the Bottom Up

                                

They’re days when all you see 

are your own mistakes

emotional lows 

bottomed out

heart drop

disappointments

 ~ never get it right. 

Trials ebb and flow

like rolling waves 

tap the shore

then recede.

In the ‘tap-out’

we realize

the beauty 

of brokenness.

Independent heart

seeking 

surrenders

prioritizing, 

 

dependence 

on Him.

Oft needed occurrence

to balance life.

                                                         1 Samuel 30:6 

And David was greatly distressed; for the people spake of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters: but David encouraged himself in the Lord. 

                              

There are days when it doesn’t matter how much you ‘get it right,’ - mistakes are made, irreverent words are uttered, and our fleshly mindset drives us to react without thought. 

This is real life.

Sadly, when we enter adult life, we may not feel adequately educated, or trained to answer questions on our job. We may feel uneasy about a power point presentation, or -  heaven forbid, having to deal with a problem requiring technology beyond our knowledge base! 

Most of us may not have ‘role played’ as we grew into adulthood, asking ourselves questions in front of a full length mirror like a Jeopardy Host:  “How should l I handle myself when . . .? or, What should I say to that person after such a rude post? Should I say anything?” 

Even the best advice from a trusted source may not be ‘enough’ for the situation; it may not give you the edge you need to get through. And while it’s great to have a network of seasoned advisors – a safety net during difficult times, it’s equally important to know when to approach God in humble spirit and seek His wisdom and encouragement.  

David did. 

When the people were ready to stone him, David donned his ephod (a symbol of God) and received direction, strength and encouragement. 

The backstory of this verse (concisely paraphrased) comes on the heels of David wanting to partner in battle against the adversaries of King Achish, in Jezreel. Somehow in the translation of this partnership, the 3rd part of the fighting triad, the Philistines, don’t trust David. (With good reason, remember Goliath?) Although King Achish advises against it-the Philistines see David’s men as a threat and share their vehement distrust of him. 

Ultimately, King Achish tells David to return home to Ziklag, the city he gave him.  David listens to the king's counsel telling his men there’s been a change of plans, thus beginning a long – almost three day journey home.  

But as David and his men approach the city, he sees a faintly familiar habitation outlined by billowing smoke. It’s only then he realizes his entire camp has been pillaged, burned, and all the women and children taken captive. David’s heart sinks lower than the dust on the bottom of his feet. 

Within minutes of their arrival back to camp, his own men, the army who’d previously fought along-side, who marched with him from Jezreel To Ziklag, turn on him with accusatory remarks in mutiny like fashion. (Embellishment added for effect.)  

David knows just enough about men and ‘Alpha Male’ syndrome to nip the scenario in the bud and avoid a riotous stoning– but he’s greatly distressed knowing that he too has lost, his family –  everything. 

He didn’t have enough grace or strength to answer, console, or speak to his men.  He needed a word on what to do in his situation.  He digs deep, seeking strength for himself first, before he can answer or help his own men. David's mind had to be in a position to ‘receive’ and hear from God. 

David then goes to Abiathar the priest and asks for the ephod, a linen mantle worn only in the presence of God. Afterward, he dons the mantle, enters the presence of the Lord, and seeks solace and direction. 

*Notice he first encouraged himself in the Lord,  THEN he put on the linen ephod to seek God’s directive. 

He received his answer NOT by scrolling, or texting. But simply, by kneeling before God, asking, seeking, and waiting. 

Life will throw all kinds of difficulties at you, just like King David.  

Cruel situations happen, you'll want to ‘defend your rights’ and spout off ugly words.  Parents, co-workers, spouses, all can get so caught up in a web of distilled anger that our pleas to God are only for ‘rescue’ and ‘deliverance.' We miss the point of hearing what God has to say in the situation because we're wearing anger for ear muffs.

And while I am certain David had every right to plea and beg God for help and deliverance for his army and family; his posture for approaching God suggests that he first encouraged himself.  Then he went to the Lord humbly, seeking direction for his men.

Dear Reader, allow me to remind you of the goodness of God as you continue 'adulting' and remember that it's okay to encourage yourself. Offer God your life, job, your ministry, your family -  all the pain, and let go of any hurt blinding you to His goodness. 

May you experience renewed hope and peace, cloaked in the ephod of His presence. 

Seek Him, feel after Him. And like David, you’ll regain traction, direction, and encouragement.

God has sooo much more for you!

Ashes and Dust

Speak the phrase ‘ashes to ashes-dust to dust’ and most folks with a few decades of life staring back at them through the rearview mirror may recall the eulogy of a recently departed loved one.  

A eulogy evokes a serious mindset forcing an introspective look which is sometimes brief, but always sobering. Listening to a eulogy, some may sit stoically, cloaked in solipsism, while others moved by the meaning of dust and ash, breathe a solemn vow for change.  

Death is perhaps the most questioned event known to mankind; the unsolved mystery of life which dredges up fear and unbridled worry to many people. But – it’s through this unavoidable corridor, each person on earth will walk.  

I mulled the words ‘ashes to ashes’ when I researched Kerry Livgren’s lyrics Dust in the Wind from his album Point of No Return released in the late 70’s. Livgren’s musical hit performed by Kansas, climbed the charts back in the 70’s resonating with pop culture with its simple message: we are here briefly, and then gone. Hence, the title “Dust in the Wind.” 

While the song Dust in the Wind brought notoriety to Kansas and perhaps a remembrance of life’s brevity, the Apostle James coined some two thousand years earlier a similar phrase, when he asks the question . . . for what is your life? It is even a vapor that appeareth for a little while and then vanisheth away. 

(James 4:14 KJV) 

As a body of people in the 21st century we are planners, schedulers, managers of time to the nth degree. We map out goals yearly, beginning with January 1: our work week, our day, then each hour of our day. Each minute is accounted for until life quells the pre-midnight hour in an eddy of strained exhaustion. Often our hunt for the golden egg is viewed through the monocle of chronic stress and fatigue as we forge our way down the street marked “Getting Ahead,” “Staying Afloat,” or “Keeping Up with the Joneses.” 

Meanwhile the unspoken question weighing in the balance of our busy lives is: to what end?

Why is it that we plan and schedule all of life’s activities without regard to the most important one: Death? 

The earth is temporal, but the soul is eternal. 

Given this fact – the soul lives forever, should we not then plan for meaningful experiences which live beyond our own mortality? Should we not see beyond the tangible, touching what will outlive our current state? Should we not then strive to include others into our own personal sphere, investing in relationships, pouring ourselves out in love, building and loving humanity - as if each human were our blood descendent?  

Livegren’s last stanza in Dust in the Wind is poignantly sobering: 

Now, don't hang on, nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky

It slips away, and all your money won't another minute buy

The songwriter implies even after acquiring success and fame, in the end, when life is broken down, we are all just the same: we live, dream, struggle, hope. 

And we die.

Livegren’s words spoke to a generation aware of their smallness; by these lyrics one may conclude not much can or could be done to change the outcome. 

Conversely, Jesus used dust to make changes in the lives he touched, his sphere of influence went beyond his chosen twelve  - and out into the world. In the same manner, you and I were created to change the world around us using resources and gifts placed within our character and in our hands. 

Divinely designed, dust serves a purpose; we are but dust. (Genesis 2:7) The Old Testament reveals how God formed Man from the dust of the ground and breathed life into him. In the New Testament, Jesus mixed dust particles with moisture, producing a claylike substance, which when applied to the eyes of a blind man, wrought a miraculous healing.

The object lesson here? Dust in and of itself lies stagnant until it comes in contact with an element in nature, be it wind, water or chemical.  As human beings, our souls are spiritual dust which never truly enjoy or embrace complete satisfaction or fulfillment until we come in contact with the oil of His Spirit. 

For It is God who gives us breath and life and only He can satisfy our deepest longings.   (John 10:10) When the soul of man connects with eternity it is radically and forever changed. 

Are you feeling small, like a particle of dust being blown in the wind? Does your heart sense a void, emptiness, or the absence of true fulfillment? The Maker of the universe desires to live within you, to take the dust of an unfulfilled and meaningless life and mix it with Living Water, creating in you an eternal wellspring of life.  (John 3:5)                             

Essays like this are sobering but hit a mark few would dare to explore: eternity and the end of self. The journey to the grave removes our earthly vestures of prominence, title and rank. But, unlike life, in death, there's no pride, arrogance, position or status. We are but dust. 

(Genesis 2:7) 

My friend, whatever you’re struggling with in life right now, bring your ‘dust’ to Jesus. He will mix it with the water of His Spirit, and like the blind man, create everlasting change in your life.  

We have this treasure in earthen vessels. 2 Cor 4:7

A Look Inside ~ Love Yourself Again

It’s hard to watch you

h

u

r

t

  y

   o

     u

       r

         s

        e

       l

         f.

Bridled anger

                        s  i  m  m  e  r i n  g.

                                                             

                         A

                  bu

bb

   li

      ng 

                      ca

                         ul

                            dr

                               on  

                       harboring                       

                   un

                  f

                     o

                         r

                           g i

                                 v     e

                                  n e

                                    s

                                    s.

Looks can be deceiving. People hide all sorts of hate and unforgiveness cloaked in superficial niceties. In front of you they speak one thing and behind your back they spew loathing remarks, commiserating with friends who join them in their caustic bash. Sadly, the unknown hurt they cause is something to which they’re blind. Unforgiveness can drive a person to the brink of unbridled anger, accusations, and unwarranted behaviors. 

Ever been angry at yourself for screaming at the kids, forgetting something at work, arrived late or missed a deadline - and it ruined your entire mood – or day? 

Granting forgiveness allows the Holy Spirit to minister healing, however, many people struggle with self forgiveness. When we forgive ourselves for making a mistake, saying a harsh word, or rendering a careless act of selfishness, we experience God’s grace and humility.  

To this end, Jesus makes it easy for us to forgive one another and OURSELVES showing us ‘how to’ in the scriptures. 

1 John 1:9 “. . .  if we confess our faults (sins) he is faithful to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

When we tell the Lord “I messed up, made a mistake, I’m sorry.” He’s a just and loving God who instantly forgives us. He’s not some lofty deity sitting upon a heavenly throne wielding a big white bat- ready to beat out an apology from you, or have you grovel at his feet. 

Jesus Christ is the God of love, mercy and grace. He shows us how to forgive ourselves, for He is love. By experiencing grace and humility in light of His goodness we recognize our own shortcomings; it’s his tender nudging and redirection which moves us to change. 

John 10:10  “. . .  I am come that you may have life and have it more abundantly.” 

God’s love transforms, meaning, it changes us. He shows us how to let go, to do ‘hard things’ like forgive one another, to experience self-love, acceptance and healing. His love is the kind of love that, when we experience it, it's a healing salve, (the scripture says – the balm of Gilead.) 

His love heals and corrects us lovingly, NEVER in a shameful and debasing way.

The bible states in John 3:16, that God so LOVED the world that He gave . . . 

Jesus gave his life for you, the ultimate act of love. He also demonstrated forgiveness towards those who judged him, hurt him, and hung him on the cross. Forgiveness does not rubber stamp the wrongful indiscretions of others. But something happens in the heart of a person who freely forgives; they experience an overflowing abundance of mercy and peace. 

Jesus forgave others as an example to us of how we should forgive, even ourselves.

One of the saddest biblical examples of unforgiveness is Judas Iscariot, a disciple of Jesus. When he realizes the mistake of his own betrayal, of selling out his 'friend' Jesus, he takes his own life. And while the seriousness of suicide should never be taken lightly, we see the aftermath of situational hate and self-loathing driving Judas' thoughts and actions. 

These are truths we know: hopelessness fuels despair, and despair can often drive despondency to the point of no return. 

That said, Jesus came to earth to offer himself a one-time sacrifice so that we may experience freedom from despair, and the spirling influence of negative thoughts and behaviors. 

He came so that we could experience His forgiveness, to learn how to forgive others, and ourselves. 

Dear Reader, today is the day to receive God's Spirit and experience life, peace, and forgiveness. ~ Today is a day to let it go -  to forgive yourself: to love yourself again. 

*Author's note: This blog post was not written with malice, intent to harm, or undermine anyone who struggles with suicidal thoughts, or those closely familiar with the subject matter of suicide by association of any experience - whether family, work, or social dynamic.*