Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Luggage (08/15/05)
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TITLE: OIL OF JOY | Previous Challenge Entry
By Rita Garcia
08/21/05 -
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my heart. I knelt down on the floor of my bedroom as the tears began to cascade down my face. I tried to reason with God; after all I was certainly justified to wallow in my bitterness.
I started packing my baggage as a child when someone I trusted and loved abused me. I continued filling this baggage in my adult life. Every time someone let me down it just reconfirmed my feelings, “don’t ever trust anyone.” Often I would sit down, open my baggage. Oh how I cherished each treasured memory that served to validate my lack of trust in others. Then I packed it all back up preparing to continue on my treacherous journey, directed by a deep seeded fear of rejection, and the emptiness in my heart.
I acquired several pieces of luggage of every shape and size; it was a tremendous load to carry. Abuse paints such a vivid picture in the mind, it over shadows the good. I was blessed with people who loved me; I just didn’t trust their love. I certainly did not feel lovable. I was always waiting and expecting them to add to my baggage. I knew I loved God, but why would he love me?
Knelling there on the floor of my bedroom, I started unpacking my luggage pain by pain. As tears freely flowed, I cried for the little girl who had been abused. I cried over each heartache I had packed away. God showed me, much to my surprise, my baggage included pain I had caused others.
As I lingered over each memory, God asked me to release each one to Him. He asked me to forgive each person, to trust Him with my past. I ask Him to forgive me for the pain I caused others. It was difficult realizing, that as I was caught up in my own misery, I had inflicted pain on others.
I spent about three hours on my bedroom floor that morning, kneeling before His throne of grace. God took my heavy burdens and replace them with a peace and joy that only He can give. I now experience a freedom I have never known before. I travel lighter now; I trust the future knowing that God is directing my journey. I handed Him ashes, He gave me His mercy and the grace to see beauty in each new day.
Isaiah assures us that through His mercy and grace we are comforted.
“To give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.” (Isaiah 61:3) NKJV
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Thanks for sharing your heart Rita,Beautifully written.
May our Saviour and Lord continue to use this anointed writing for the healing of souls.
Continue to write for His Glory!
In Christ,Dee
"Numbers 6:24,25,26"