Tag: #christian

#TWO

We all have at least one thing. One thing we don’t want anyone else to know. One thing we wish would go away and never be talked about again. I’ve already told you about my one thing (see #7), but I didn’t talk about the depths of shame and guilt I felt because of it. We’ve all been there. We’ve all struggled with forgiving ourselves for the mistakes we’ve made in the past. The enemy wants us to keep our sins in the dark. To make us feel so ashamed that we drag them around in suitcases for the rest of our lives hoping that no one sees them. But people do see them. And the weight of carrying a suitcase stuffed with everything we are trying to hide will eventually become too heavy. And we will break. I almost did.

If I could go back and have a conversation with my 13-year-old self, I would tell her to get rid of the suitcase. She doesn’t need it. And there is no honor in carrying around a suitcase stuffed with sins. Once she confesses her sins, asks for forgiveness, and turns away from that sin – she is forgiven. And any attempt to convince her otherwise is a lie. A lie. I would tell her that Jesus Christ died on the cross for all her sins and she doesn’t have to carry them anymore. She is forgiven. It’s that simple. It really is.

Truth #2

YOU ARE FORGIVEN

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)

Karris

 

#THREE

I was in the third grade. I remember the conversation. “She’s not gifted, Mrs. Williams. I’ll test her, but I’m telling you…she’s not gifted.” That’s what the teacher told my mom when she demanded they test me for gifted classes. “I’m not going to do well on this test”, I said to myself as I sat listening to their conversation. I took the test and I wasn’t gifted. At least not according to the school’s standard. But my sister and brother were. It was tough growing up crammed between two gifted people. I always felt inferior. Not quite smart enough. If I wasn’t created to be gifted, what was I created for?

If I could go back and have a conversation with my 13-year-old self, I would tell her that she is created in the image of Christ Jesus to do good works. That she was born at this specific time in this specific place for a specific reason that aligns with God’s plan for humanity.  A plan that is for her good and for His Glory. I would tell her that God intentionally created her for a unique purpose. A purpose that only she can fulfill. I would tell her that she doesn’t have to be declared gifted by man, because she has already been declared gifted by God. And if she commits her life to following Christ, she will do the good works that God prepared beforehand for her to walk into. 

Truth #3

YOU WERE CREATED TO DO GOOD WORKS

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10 NASB)

Karris

#FOUR

I love you. I hate you. I love him. I hate him. We’re friends. We’re not friends. I’m happy. I’m sad. Life is great. Today is the worst day of my life. The daily swing of emotions I experienced going into my teenage years is something I’ll never forget. Although I tried, I never could get a grasp on them. Without rhyme or reason, they were always changing.

If I could go back and have a conversation with my 13-year-old self, I would tell her that everything in life changes. Especially her feelings. One day things are well and the very next day things are falling apart. It’s just how life goes. Change is inevitable. I would tell her not to focus on how she feels or her thoughts on a given day, but to focus on the one thing that is eternal and stands firm in the heavens, GOD’S WORD.

Truth #4

GOD’S WORD STANDS FIRM

“Your word, Lord, is eternal;
    it stands firm in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89 NIV)

Karris