Monday, August 4, 2008

Arm in Arm

Do you ever get overwhelmed with the amount of Godlessness that is all around? I do. It's scary out there. It is amazing to me that just a few years ago I was running around with the same mentality..doing whatever I wanted, trying to fill the God-sized void in my life with junk, and being numb to the poison that seeped in with each sin. Everyone else was doing it. I made so many mistakes, fell so many times, and I didn't let God catch me. I hit pavement time and time again, covered each scrape with some makeup and grimly marched on my own merry way, my drummer playing a death march. Alcohol, drugs, sex, all things I tried to find an escape from the harshness of the world. The emptiness, hangovers, and inevitable loneliness were my closest friends. I lost a baby I didn't know I was carrying when I was 23. That shook me up pretty badly, and I think that's when I finally allowed God to little by little start speaking to my heart. But it was still a good two years before I gave myself to him. I was pretty hard-headed and rebellious. So I know that road. I've been there, done that, not going back EVER. All around me, people are hurting. They act like life's ok, but I know better. I see them trying the same things I tried, having the same empty laughs and accumulating their scars. They are sinning, they are reaping the consequences. God is waiting for them, but how many will turn to Him? He is the only one who can patch us up. He wants to hold us and quiet us with his love, to show us the way. He is literally the light in this darkness, as if we are stumbling around blind in the pitch black, and here comes God with a flashlight to show us the way home, and what rocks to watch out for so that we don't fall. Jesus came so that we might have life. We have to choose, though! We can choose life! Precious God, soften the hearts of the people that they might cease stumbling in the dark and see your creation in your wonderful light, as you intended. Has God put a hurting person in your life? Do they need to see Jesus? How will you show Him to them? God wants to use you! You! Praise God who has shown up to take us arm in arm and lead us home.
Angela
P.S. My coworker and friend Amanda rededicated her life to Christ. She was 9 then, 22 now, and is gay, and struggling with how to change her life. Praise God that she wants to change! PLEASE pray for this sweet girl, that God would be her strength as she desires to follow him. Thank you.

6 comments:

Jennifer said...

Hi I just came across your blog. That was a beautiful post. You have an amazing heart for lost people! That's awesome!...I think God puts trials in our lives so that one day we can help people who struggle with those same hang ups. Keep on keepin' on!

~Jennifer

Kathy Schwanke said...

Angela, what wonderful news about Amanda!!

I will pray for her. Do you have your testimony on your blog? I was wondering if people invested in you to move you to the heart of God.

What brought you to the point of surrender?

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

Hi, first time here. I'm so glad your friend has a nonjudgmental friend like you who can lead her in ways back to Christ through a genuine friendship. I said that awkwardly, but I just wanted to say I think your decisions about life are great. I celebrate with you.

Kelly said...

Hi, thanks for stopping by my blog. You're right, we were on the same page of thought. The evil of the world. You really put it out there honestly and openly and I admire that.

You are strong & mature for a young'un. Keep the faith. You are lighting the way for those looking for the right path.

Edie said...

Did you have a hand in helping Amanda back to Christ? I wouldn't be suprised at all. Will be praying for her.

Kathy Schwanke said...

Hi Angela, I decided to ditch the tagging part and just post it. It's July 26th on my blog.

I just haven't made the time to finish, so for what it's worth...