Beauty from Ashes.

"Awake my soul to the hope you hold, your grace is all I need."

Do you ever wonder  about the people that have spent countless nights crying over you? Worrying about you? Loving you immensely in a way that you can’t reciprocate? Do you ever feel a heavy guilt about the way you have treated those people that have such a love for you? Is there a root of bitterness in your heart because of the guilt you carry around? Find that root, examine that root, and cut that tree down, because guilt is such a waste of thought; guilt is such a burden on your heart.

I find that the only time I ever feel guilty is when I know my actions had negative consequences on other people. Disappointing other people and hurting people should convict you, and should bring you to humility, but you can’t let those mistakes hold power over you. If you let it, guilt will drown you. I recently realized that I feel the most pain and guilt when I think about the undeserved forgiveness i’ve received. I have a difficult time accepting such love from someone who owes me nothing, who i’ve probably hurt, and most likely deceived. 

You’ve got to consider that the people you have hurt and disappointed are still in your life because of the love that they have for you. How beautiful is a love that is forgiving, and long suffering no matter how many times you’ve betrayed it. It may seem so difficult and silly sometimes to forgive someone that is constantly betraying, and disappointing you….but why wouldn’t you? You are called to fight the good fight, for anyone and for everyone; for those hurting, for those helpless, and for those who are broken. “Comfort those in trouble; with the comfort you have received from The Lord.” You are filled to be emptied again, so no matter how many times you must fill the cups of others; don’t stop, give them every ounce you have, in hopes that they will see The Lord for who he is. 

I serve a God that brings beauty from ashes, that picks me up and makes me clean seconds after I deny him; that pleads my cause and makes me WHOLE with his kindness. “Free of all her guilt, rid of all her shame, known by her true name." Your worth is not defined by what you have done, your past, your mistakes, your baggage, your worth was decided on the cross. You are so worthy that a man you may not even know; would die to know you, love you, and spend eternity with you. This is the Grace and Mercy that I so long for. Mercy is kind, mercy keeps no debt and that INCLUDES the debt you hold against yourself. Stop drowning in the misery of your guilt, and use it; be refined through the trials you have overcome, and live for a cause; for the cause.