Hearts, Hurts and Hope
Proverbs 15:1 (New Living Translation)
1 A gentle answer deflects anger,...
She had built high walls of defence to keep out the hurt she'd had too much of in her young life. She had learned a lot so far--unfortunately mostly the wrong things--things that would best be unlearned. Some of the strategies worked--to a point--but they didn't get her what she really wanted--to love and be loved.
In her new home the staff on a Christian team charged with keeping her safe, bowed their heads to say grace over a meal, also thanking God for her and who he'd made her. She responded with anger, "God can just go to hell."
"Actually, he's already been there," said one of the team.
She looked shocked.
A few years ago, there was another young girl--heart hardened by different hurts--she was cynical and disillusioned. "You can flush your religion down the toilet," she had said to her mother, eyes flashing as cold as diamonds.
"You should see her now, in her uniform," said her mom.
The uniform--Salvation Army.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you melt hearts with your relentless love. I hold up to you some young hearts that on the surface, seem impervious to your love. As Brenda prayed at cell group on Tuesday--just as the Berlin wall was dismantled in such a miraculous way, you can take down the walls around hearts. You love to do the things that amaze us. Amaze us with this!
Proverbs 25:15 (New Living Translation)
15 Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (New Living Translation)
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
1 A gentle answer deflects anger,...
She had built high walls of defence to keep out the hurt she'd had too much of in her young life. She had learned a lot so far--unfortunately mostly the wrong things--things that would best be unlearned. Some of the strategies worked--to a point--but they didn't get her what she really wanted--to love and be loved.
In her new home the staff on a Christian team charged with keeping her safe, bowed their heads to say grace over a meal, also thanking God for her and who he'd made her. She responded with anger, "God can just go to hell."
"Actually, he's already been there," said one of the team.
She looked shocked.
A few years ago, there was another young girl--heart hardened by different hurts--she was cynical and disillusioned. "You can flush your religion down the toilet," she had said to her mother, eyes flashing as cold as diamonds.
"You should see her now, in her uniform," said her mom.
The uniform--Salvation Army.
Prayer: Dear Lord, you melt hearts with your relentless love. I hold up to you some young hearts that on the surface, seem impervious to your love. As Brenda prayed at cell group on Tuesday--just as the Berlin wall was dismantled in such a miraculous way, you can take down the walls around hearts. You love to do the things that amaze us. Amaze us with this!
Proverbs 25:15 (New Living Translation)
15 Patience can persuade a prince,
and soft speech can break bones.
2 Corinthians 3:18 (New Living Translation)
18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.
Comments