Unusual Thankfulness

I’m thankful for the year 2024 but it might not be for the reasons you think…

I’m thankful to have experienced divorce. (That just caught someone’s attention;)

Why?

This is going to sound a little odd, but many years ago the topic of divorce was something I prayed about for a deeper understanding. At the time, I was married to my late husband and divorce wasn’t even on the table. But hearing the verse, “God hates divorce” (Malachi 2:16) tossed around loosely just never settled well with me. And apparently, God was pressing this topic on my heart for reasons. I saw the hopelessness and devastation those words caused to already hurting people. And it bothered me a lot. I’m certainly not blaming anyone for quoting that verse so let me emphasis my tender and respectful approach. But when it’s used to wield people to do what “we” believe God would want them to do, I think we need to examine the context in which we find that verse. I’m not going to get into all I’ve learned in this post, but I will be speaking further about this topic in our upcoming ministry’s retreat and our podcast.

Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” This comes from a passage of many that teaches us, God does not use shame or guilt to coerce us to do or not to do something, because anything defeating is not from his love. And I’ve learned if I try and guilt or shame others for a decision, they will assume this is how God views them. That breaks my heart like I can’t even describe. Our understanding of why people do what they do is limited. But our God knows exactly who and what has influenced us to shape our thoughts that lead to our actions, (Psalm 139:1-4). For that reason, he has endless compassion and infinite patience for each one of us – from the oppressed to the oppressor. I began to understand this more when I taught in the classroom many years ago and would hurt for those children who were wronged. But behind closed doors I would weep like a baby for the oppressors. Sounds crazy, I know. But I knew those children would experience a cycle of shame, guilt and regret at some point and I couldn’t bear that thought. Staying in that cycle fuels destruction, not only on other victims, but also on the attacker. “Feeling” guilty or shameful will be something we’ll all experience, but God’s victory reminds us to not stay in those feelings. All that to say, I pray for all of us to latch onto how God truly sees us, because I know personally how believing he is a good God and ALWAYS for us changes lives, including mine.

I’m also thankful for being judged.

Why?

I made some radical decisions this year that might’ve appeared counter to who people believe I am. The old me would’ve allowed those opinions to bother me so much that I would’ve felt like I should justify myself. I’ve done my share of silently and even expressively sharing my opinions on others without knowing their full story. But God has shown me for many years now there’s no way anyone else can know your full story that leads up to your actions, but him. He keeps calling me to join him in unorthodox situations, which have helped me learn more about who he is and who I am. These lessons have deepened my compassion and empathy on a significant level. I regret so many things I’ve said to others in the past, but I spoke, and will probably continue to say stupid things, out of ignorance. You just don’t know what you don’t know. How can I blame anyone for the very thing I’m guilty of doing also? I have had to give myself compassion as well, so I don’t linger in any unhealthy thoughts about myself or others. It is a conscious decision.

Most importantly, I am so very thankful for our God and how he sees me.

If you think I’m using my own strength to get through all I have in my life, it’s not me I can assure you. That me would be curled up in a fetal position in a dark closet. But God’s love keeps pursuing me in the most magnificent, unconditional ways that is so intoxicating – so alluring – there’s no way I could avoid it. His love, grace and mercy compel me to follow him, wherever he leads me to go, even to unorthodox situations. Even when my circumstance feels unbearable, his love brings forth an anchor of purpose and meaning that I couldn’t conjure up myself. He says I am worthy and of great value. He says I am loved and accepted just as I am, despite how my situation is making me “feel.”  I just can’t get that perfect, never wavering kind of love from anyone or anything else. I am totally smitten with Jesus. And HIS love encourages and inspires me to share how absolutely amazing he thinks you are too. My world came alive in Technicolor when I started embracing who he really is and who he says I am. And our MPR Ministries’ mission is to yield you to that love also.