Lessons From a Crack Addict

Yesterday I read something that was truly disheartening to me.  A grandmother had been arrested for leaving her grandchild at home alone and taking the Christmas gifts the child's parents bought and selling them for crack.  You can imagine the swirl and quick angry responses after this story broke on facebook.  Did it make me mad that someone would take from their children or a child for their own habits or wants? It sure did.  My heart bleeds for any innocent child that falls victim to their parents or guardians shortcomings, mine included.

But God.

God immediately reminded me what his mercy and compassion for me looks like.  His gift to me was completely undeserved and yet he gave it anyways. Furthermore, this woman, is being controlled by something far greater than her own flesh. I am in no way approving of her behavior or trying to take the responsibility away from her actions. This woman is a human being that has battles and wounds that we have not been privy to.  If we knew her whole story, we might have some compassion.   Which brings me to the lesson I continue to learn- viewing the world like Jesus.  When our savior was born, his purpose was clear to give his life so that we might live.  He willingly was beaten and then crucified on a cross for you and me knowing all about our huge issues, our constant falling from grace, our inability to keep to the law, our sin, our death, he paid for it all.  How dare I look at ANYONE with anything other than with love and try to help before I get judgmental.


The FAT TRUTH is that I fall short of the glory of God...shocker! LOL. No, I am aware. People that know me and love me, accept me as I am because the know my background.  Many of your know where I have been broken and where some of my nonsense comes from. If you did not know me, it would be very easy to say, theres another girl with baby daddies, failed marriages, used up, worthless, woman at the well, a waste... but because of God's awesome love in my life, I am able to share why and where I am broken. Out of compassion, understanding and empathy, you love me.  I am grateful for your love, but understand it is in my deep understanding of God's love for me, that I am able to live with who I was and who I am becoming.

As we near our Savior's birthday, we are going to hear, witness and read alot of sad and unfortunate stories that will cause alot of reaction.  I wonder if you could join me and try to see the bigger picture?  Could we offer the gifts of compassion, love, empathy and grace as our Savior has offered us?

Be blessed wildly,
wendy xo