I grew up in Pensacola – although most of my life I felt like a gypsy, this is where our feet always landed.
Five generations before me (on my moms side) grew up there as well. My mom was actually born in the hall of a home across from Seville Square – grandma couldn’t make it to the hospital in time, or maybe – she didn’t even try to go.
Not really sure, but we always knew the “hall” story.
My grandma was awesome. She was the rock – I could go to her anytime night or day – she would listen to my list of woes – always responding with love and grace.
She loved the Lord but never went to church. None of us really got involved like that. I can remember when my brother was in middle or high school – he would go and without question – let me tag along. I also had a friend, Cheryl – she went to church every time they had a service – so yes, I knew if I spent the night with her – I would get to go too.
My parents never really talked to me about God growing up. Once in a while, three or four times – my dad took me to church but we never made it to the end of the service. At some point – he would break down and cry, then grab me and out we went.
I wasn’t sure what that meant at the time – but today I do.
For you see – there’s nothing more cleansing than that glorious wonderful touch from Him above – we can let the tears flow as the years of guilt, shame and hurt peel right off of us.
It’s like an onion – layers upon layers are being slowly removed from our rough and tough exterior, in hope that one day – the tender bulb will be all that’s left. It can be a slow process – but oh so well worth it.
Sometimes – it takes us years to understand, we need to be peeled, and yes – we simply need to let Him all the way in. We can’t get up and walk out, no way – we have to root ourselves and be ready for the process – calling on Him every second we are in need, and friends – the one thing I can promise – He’ll be there for us every single time.
So today – on this wonderful Christmas Eve – as we rush around doing our last minute shopping – as we sit with our family and friends exchanging the gifts of love – let us take the time to thank Him for His gift of Love.
He is so smart – He started with two young people who listened from their hearts then traveled to a place where there was no room anywhere but a lowly stable – to birth our life line, Jesus Christ.
And He did all of this – simply to save us from our very own selves.
As I sit here this beautiful Christmas Eve morning – I am one grateful soul. I can’t help but to think about the lost, the found, the homeless, the cold, the warm, the imprisoned, their families, the sick, the oppressed and the depressed – May we all we take a moment and pray for each and every soul, including ourselves – to let it all go and let Him on in.
It’s not that hard, a little unsettling at times, however – the reward – it’s out of this world.
We are loved by love Himself. He loves us bit and He loves us strong, and yes – love wins period
“For God who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ” 2 Corinthians 4:6