Get Your Lifetime License

Oh, the joy of holding a plastic 3 x 2 inch card with personal information and a hideous self-portrait.  Sitting behind a steering wheel, gear shift in D, feet in place and seat belt on sends an unexplained rush throughout a sixteen year old’s body.  The time arrived for you to be in control.  No more passengers watching over your shoulder, critiquing every move or threatening to cease any opportunity for obtaining a license.  The time arrived for you to sit in the driver’s seat.  Push aside all the video games of virtual driving and hit the pavement joining all others in authentic driving. 

As an amateur, you believe to know everything pertaining to driving.  Any situation can be handled successfully.  Neither help nor advice needed at any time.  Just hand over the keys, dish out a little gas money and send me on my way!  If parents are lucky, you will return by curfew, right?  What is curfew anyway and who came up with the concept?  Laying your head on a pillow before sunrise should be sufficient, right? 

Curfew provides protection.  Nothing good happens late at night.  Drivers become tired, may be returning from a place where not-so-safe decisions occurred and road/weather conditions may turn dangerous.  Curfew does not mean you are a bad driver, but others and the environment work against the safety of returning home.  Some children push limits, staying at location until last minute allowing for the exact amount of time to return at the door on the dot.  Also, some ignore forecasts and drive despite warning from educated individuals.  CONFESSION:  I fit into both the categories just described.  RESULT:  I sped home numerous times taking curves at record speed; I faced roads covered in snow, ice or puddles of rain.  These decisions found me in a ditch countless times.  A few memories remain vivid. . .one time I took a curve WAY too fast in order to get home in time and my little Ranger took over, ending the chaos face forward in a ditch perpendicular to the road.  Items flew all over the vehicle.  The only damage – my pride.  My phone had no charge, leaving me stranded at 2:00 AM in the middle of nowhere.  I began walking, ended up hitching a ride from a postman and headed to a gas station to wake my dad with a phone call in need of rescue.  Sad thing is. . .he wasn't surprised, this scenario occurred before.  Another time, I was a few feet from home, took a curve normal speed BUT the road covered in snow completely took over the direction of my vehicle.  This time was a gradual slide into the ditch.  AGAIN, called upon my dad to come and rescue. 

Never did I damage a vehicle beyond what dad could easily fix.  You could say my driving record looks pretty ugly.  I never lost my license, dad never denied me the vehicle and I continued to drive the roads to my best ability coming out of each ditch a stronger driver.  Another record of mine looks pretty ugly. . .decisions made found me in countless ditches.  There exists a time when I felt the power to sit in the driver’s seat and pushed aside the Spirit’s guidance while joining others in worldly driving.  Immaturity, pride and pain blocked any nudging from my Father.  “I got this,” I proclaimed.  Neither help nor advice needed at this time.  Just lay the path and send me on my way!  I will be safe, returning to You when I need a prayer.  Sitting in a pew on Sunday should be sufficient, right? 

WRONG!  I never accounted for environmental factors, surrounded myself with those making not-so-safe decisions and followed in the footsteps of lethargic spirits.  I sped through curves in life, drove full force through storms and ignored any warning from my Omniscient Father.  But, every ditch I found myself in, no matter the depth or severity, He rescued me.  Looking back, I see my Omnipresent Father arrived every time.  He wasn't surprised, He knew this would occur; yet, He loved me anyway, pulled me from the ditch, fixed any damage and set me on my way.  Maturing in Christ slowed me down.  I moved from the driver’s to passenger’s seat.  I now place it in His Hands.  From time to time a curve still sends me in a ditch or a storm takes over my clear vision.  Oh, but I know just Who to call for rescue.  Quickly, I turn to Him and He pulls me out, strengthening me with each occurrence. 

Can you relate?  God waits for your call.  He wishes to sit in the driver’s seat.  He will guide, protect and place you exactly where needed at just the right time.  Don’t rush ahead of Him.  Listen to your Omniscient Father in times of storm.  Choose Him as your Lord and Savior.  No matter the past driving record. . .as you accept Him and follow Him; He will provide a lifetime license as a Christian and use you as a vehicle for His light!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig        

All Because She Said YES!

The gifts lay opened, blood sugar crashed, clothes washed and worn, parties attended and work resumed.  The break commenced with Christmas now in the past.  Anticipation of receiving the perfect gift no longer exists.  Lines extend in stores across the nation for returns of the unwanted gifts.  Gifts may be exchanged for a better item or some may pocket the money.  Gift certificates pile on the counter and one by one diminish each time you leave the house.  The big man himself rests peacefully alongside his reindeer after the exhausting, long night of work (it’s true, my Santa tracker says so!).  It is all over. . .OR has it just begun?

Every year, the Christmas story enters my path numerous times; you know, the TRUE Christmas story.  Not the one about the big red guy bearing gifts for all.  No, the one about the One who came bearing the Gift for all – it is free, you need not be perfect/good every single moment, no naughty list exist to deny anyone, you can pout and cry and still receive!  This gift wrapped in swaddling clothes lay in a manger, not under a tree wrapped in cheap paper with some pattern all over it!  One step is required to receive the gift. . .acceptance.  Run to the cross, lay all the mess at His feet and praise Him for sending this glorious Gift to us sinners.  Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior and begin a new life filled with indescribable joy.

Christmas marks the beginning.  Each year, a different portion sticks out stronger than the others for me.  This year Mary went directly to my heart.  Think about it. . .an ordinary woman, engaged to be married, excited about landing a husband she loved dearly, forecasting their future together and following the plans of society.  The whole plan alters with one visit from an angel.  Mary heard the angel, processed for a moment and wondered how this could happen.  The angel explained in greater detail the steps, assured her to not fear for this message is from God.  Mary said YES!  In her day, saying yes placed her at risk for death by stone at worst and shunning at best.  Mary said YES despite the risk.  Joseph rejected the idea at first. . .but then received word via an angel of the plan given from God.  Joseph said YES! 

Hardship continued as the birth of our Lord near.  Mary and Joseph, forced to return home, searched for a safe place to give birth to their miracle.  If only Bethlehem realized with each door slammed in Joseph’s face, they were denying Jesus.  If only they would have said YES!  Jesus would enter this world in comfort, warmth and with treatment He deserved.  But then, I think the emphasis and point of God’s plan would be thwarted.  God chose His only Son to come to earth and dwell among men. . .beginning as a baby!  Mary labored and delivered the Gift to the world.  She quickly wrapped Him, kept Him protected and warm.  I imagine her softly kissing His head knowing nothing of the great miracles He will perform in His life.  She knew nothing of the end to this story.  God asked and she stepped in faith into the unknown.

CLIFF NOTES:  A virgin, soon to be married, became pregnant in a generation that stoned those bearing children outside of marriage.  Her soon to be husband stood by her side month by month and diligently sought a place for the birth.  Denied a room, he accepted a place outside and created a manger of hay for our Savior.  They loved, accepted and protected our Savior.  They said YES despite all the odds against them, glares from others and unacceptance from society.  They stepped boldly into the unknown. . .the result of such radical obedience – the pleasure of holding our Savior and being a part of God’s plan to save the world.

Are you willing to say YES while society continues to say NO?  Stepping into the unknown may bring glares, shunning or denied help.  God holds a special plan for your life, Trust Him!  You may feel like some ordinary individual unable to imagine any use for God.  He uses willing hearts, trusting souls and available hands.  We are His temple, mere vessels created to shine Him to all.  The Perfect Gift has come, no need to continue searching.  Accept the Gift and say YES. . .the result of such radical obedience – pleasure of holding tightly to your Savior, building a relationship that surpasses any here on Earth and being part of God’s plan to save this world! 

I just stand in awe of Mary’s obedience, feel proud of her for doing as God asked and smile thinking of her privilege to hold our Savior!  What a fantastic example to follow. . .radical obedience despite the risks of society and not knowing the end of the plan. 

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig           

One Decision You Will Not Regret!

My first Christmas gift appeared early. . .an afternoon filled with “me time” (selfish?  Yes, just a bit).  I decided to sit down and watch a Christmas movie in peace and quiet.  Not one of the popular, classic movies; one of those created by television and aired on ABC family or Hallmark Channel.  I found one on the guide and nestled into the couch to relax and enjoy. 

The movie title screamed love story (winning my heart immediately), “The Twelve Dates of Christmas”.  A young, single woman desired to reconnect to an ex-boyfriend.  It was in HER plan that they come together and get married by a specific date.  She lived by schedules met in entirety.  Problem being others don’t follow her timeline nor do they agree with the set plans.  Her closed mind creates havoc and heartache.  Missed opportunities surround her holiday.  A blind date, set up by her stepmom, is the plan for Christmas Eve.  She has not accepted her stepmom into her heart due to the pain of her mom dying.  So, this fact already sets up the blind date for disaster; why would she give a guy chosen by a woman she does not appreciate a chance?  The girl reaches out to the ex, tries to set up a visit with him and buys a sweater worth more than I have to my name.  As she shops, a perfume spritzer sprays her in the face and she goes down.  When she awakens, all seems well and her day continues.  WELL, come midnight, the day rolls back to when she passed out at the store and repeats itself TWELVE times.  Each time allowing this woman to try and get it right; each time resulting in some failure and screwing up the blind date due to it not included in HER plan.  By the twelfth day of Christmas Eve, she realized that not all goes according to HER plan, she cannot control other’s actions and when embracing opportunities love can happen.  She learns to give others a chance, enjoy the moment without hoping for unrealistic future and hearts can be mended.

Can you think of a time in the past when getting another chance, let alone twelve, could have saved heartache and havoc?  My list would fill the thickest notebook on the market.  In looking back, I see times when pushing MY plan aside may have brought maturity in Christ much quicker. . .

The day I decided to turn to an Eating disorder for help rather than God!

The day I chose “worldly” items as gods rather than my One True God!

The day I walked away from my true love out of fear of getting hurt!

Each day I ran from relationships when I revealed too much of myself to avoid rejection!

Each day I quit something for fear of failure!

Each day I miss an opportunity due to closed mind!

Oh, my friend, too often we succumb to society’s pressure to be more and do more that we miss opportunity to serve our God.  Our feet hit the floor and the ‘to do’ list begins, careful to remain in line not veering an inch from the schedule.  Without accepting Jesus into our hearts due to pain so severe, our eyes close, hearts harden, fears dictate and we run from emotions.  Failure to appreciate our Creator causes us to avoid taking any chances on His plan.  We remain in our past, seeing it as unacceptable, a failure or unfair.  Then, Satan comes in to play with emotions, leaving us feeling unworthy of joy.  So, day in and day out we strive to control life, create a timeline and live with sights set on keeping us happy.  Everything revolves around avoiding pain, screwing up and any negative emotions.  We go to extremes, reaching for ‘worldly’ items for comfort.

What comes of this mindset?  Continuous disappointment, wishing for a ‘redo’, hopeless outlook followed with roller coaster emotions.  WELL, we cannot change the past nor get a second chance to ‘do it right’; but, we have a forgiving God who will put every single moment of our past to good use for furthering His Kingdom.  Grace. . .the best gift every received and done so through the death of Jesus.  He paid the price and set the way for us to live.  He holds the plans for our lives. . .NOT US!  Avoid conforming to any pattern in this world, trash your itinerary and let go of past mistakes.  Open eyes to the wonderful plan for today, embrace each moment with joyful attitude and lead others to know our Savior by example of what grace looks like.  God’s grace took this broken, screwed up girl and saved her, showing her what true joy looked like. . .He will do that for you and everyone else as well.  Accept this gift.  It will be one move you will never regret or wish to go back and ‘redo’!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Let Go. . .Let God!

When observing a brand new baby you will notice clinched fists.  The reflex remains for a couple months and the baby never reaches or grasps objects purposely.  Slowly, the baby begins to open and close intentionally and examine this mighty tool available to them.  Realizing the meaning and purpose of hands, they begin to grasp soft objects and even move to get something.  Having open hands allows for all kinds of fun and senses to be stimulated.  This discovery amazes the infant and seems to consume most of the day.  Later in infancy, these wonderful hands begin to grasp food and bottles bringing much pleasure to the child.  Table foods and various drinks eventually follow the soft foods and formula/milk.  The child finds hands aide in use of utensils to move to better tasting foods, holding hands of loved ones to walk step by step, hugging tightly onto comfort items and expand the options of toys.  At the moment an infant opens the clinched hands. . .life proves meaningful and joyful.

Parents may stimulate the grasping reflex and encourage an infant to open clinched fists, explore the world by reaching, touching and holding various items.  Colorful objects in a short distance may entice the infant to reach out and experience joy from holding on to the item.  Frustration may occur if the object sits too far away, so careful not to place out of complete reach for the infant.  Objects they can hold easily help in strengthening the grasp and developing skills needed to advance.  The infant transitions into a toddler while reaching skills proving maturity.  As a parent, joy and pride arise with each milestone. 

And so, life continues, we mature in many ways, advancing each day to accomplish new skills.  But, do we really mature in every way needed to survive, function and enjoy the life provided.  In the same way a child cannot use clinched hands, God cannot use our clinched hands.  As we hold tightly to ‘things’ of this world, we lose pleasure, purpose and positions along our spiritual journey.  Never reaching beyond comfortable to serve our God or grasping the knob of the door intended for our next move leaves us stagnant in spiritual development. 

Beginning the journey as a Christian, claiming Jesus as your Lord and Savior may find many still clinching hands.  I know that after coming to know Jesus, accepting Him into my life, I still held tight to numerous ‘things’ of this world.  My flesh desired comfort; emotions yearned for a quick fix and clinched hands held tight to the past.  Slowly, one finger at a time, I let go.  God, my Father, encouraged me to let go, explore who I was in Him, touch lives by sharing my story and hold His Hand along the journey specifically laid for Sheree.  Once I handed over the ‘things’, I found God provided numerous tools for use to further His Kingdom.  In His Word, we find meaning, joy and move from ‘milk to solid foods’; training to distinguish good from evil. 

God, our Father will never place these tools out of reach, never lead where His grace does not cover and never leave your side.  Open your clinched fist today; let go of the past, addictions, fleshly desires and anything else preventing progression in spiritual maturity.  Trust our Father; He will celebrate with each milestone.  Let go and Let God!

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

A Little Angel's Example!

My daughter absolutely loves her teachers and all adults involved in her every day care at school.  Vacation days, snow days and weekends do not go well with this child as she yearns to be with her teachers again.  She speaks highly of each one, makes coloring sheets to add to their collection and smiles from ear to ear in their presence. 

One day, the children received warning that a substitute taking the place of their regular teacher for part of the next day.  As my child relayed the message, worry stirred inside her little mind.  Quite a few tears shed that evening in thoughts of facing the next morning without her teacher.  She braved it and continued the next day at school (as if she had a choice!).  At pickup, the stories shared described a pretty good time with the substitute; although, the day just wasn’t the same without her regular teacher.  Come to find out, my daughter had to go through the same situation the next day, but this one seemed to go a smoother emotionally.  She survived and came through even stronger and met another great person within the school system.

Well, here comes the point to the story. . .a couple days later, my daughter and I were in the van together after dropping my son at drums.  She proceeds to describe the whole substitute experience.  “Mommy, when the substitute came in the other day I had tears in my eyes and some even came down my face because I wanted you and my teacher.  I sat there for a little bit and then remembered that God is on my side.  The tears stopped and I did not cry.”  I asked her if the second experience with the substitute was easier because she knew of God’s presence. . . “Yep, because I knew God was on my side and you and dad are on my side.”

Talk about melting my heart!  This girl never ceases to amaze me. . .God sent this child to be an angel to so many people, starting with me!

What childlike faith that we silly adults tend to lose over the years.  Let us gain that back. . .God IS on our side!  His character proves Him to be omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent. 

Omnipotent - able to do anything, having unlimited power.  Whatever our day may bring, God can bring you through and strengthen your faith.  “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.”  (Ephesians 3:20-21) 

Omniscient - knowing everything!  He holds the plans for our lives and will not lead us where His grace cannot cover us!  He goes before us, paves the way, protects the path and provides the tools needed to accomplish what lay ahead.  “But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.”  (Psalm 33:11)  “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”  (Jeremiah 29:11)  We may not always understand what has occurred in the past, what surrounds us currently, or what appears to be ahead; but, relying on the One who knows how all the pieces fit will bring assurance, strength and peace even though times have, can and will be tough.  Rest assured, by friend, He will not leave you helpless, hopeless or hurting.

Omnipresent - everywhere at ALL times.  He will never leave nor forsake you.  He cares for each of His children and extends His arms every day for you to run.  His presence appears through various means.  Recognizing Him is key in strengthening faith and confidence in the plans laid before you.  Extend thanks at each time His presence appears.  He remains for the smallest of events to the largest of events.  Everything to do with your life ranks high in importance to Him.  He loves being invited into every moment of the day!  “God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”  So we say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.  What can mere mortals do to me?”  (Hebrews 13:5-6)

Though my daughter cannot read nor memorize Scripture at this point in time. . .I believe wholeheartedly that God whispered these words from Hebrews 13 to her that day.  She walked boldly, assured that God will see her through and she is loved by Him.  She is His princess and He will not let her fall. . .my friend, the same stands true for you!  Soak in His promises today and walk boldly whatever may come your way.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig              

Stop the Madness!

Okay, time to sit and make THE LIST.  You know, the one filled with loved ones to receive a gift which expresses the joy you feel due to their presence in your life.  Christmas provides prime opportunity to express such joy through gift giving.  The names fill up the lines on your paper and the money needed to complete the shopping widens your eyes.  How in the world can one afford all of this ‘stuff’?

You look to edit the names, but cannot find it in your heart to flip the pencil around and erase.  Life would not be the same without each and every one listed.  So, there you sit frustrated, torn and broke!  Sounds like a wonderful spirit for the holidays, right?  You haven’t even faced the traffic, lines, people and disappointments in the shopping experience yet.  Oh, and the traveling here and there, baking, hosting, gift wrapping, facing ‘those’ relatives and forcing a happy face the whole time.  Stress accumulates each day during a season that holds such special, dire meaning.  Why does each year have to be like this?  How does all this stress begin?

Oh, my dear friends, it all begins with one fleshly body struggling for approval. . . “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”  Galatians 1:10

We believe material gift giving equates love.  Faking friendships amongst family keeps the problems at a distance.  Becoming a part of the hustle and bustle society concocted over the years keeps us up to par with the Jones’!  All for what? . . .Exhaustion, Frustration, Hatred and just Wishing the holidays would end. 

Does this sound familiar to anyone?  Well, I want to share a small message to relieve all of these emotions, replacing them with joy, peace and the True Meaning of the holiday.  It is quite simple really. . .get a permanent marker (really, go get one!), gather THE LIST created and write this across all the names – ACTS 2:38-41!  You see, all these material items mean nothing if the one true Gift is not received.  Bring the focus back on the True Meaning by leading all those on your list toward Jesus.  Providing an example, walking in the way of love, just as God so loved us and gave His only Son to die so we may live will be the best gift you could give anyone.  Shining His light to all you meet, keeping the conversations about Him, appreciating each Manger scene displayed, sharing the good news of His birth and welcoming others into your home with loving arms will keep the meaning of Christmas alive.

Society works diligently year after year to steal the attention from Jesus.  Take a stand and do not allow the world to forget the reason for the season.  Without the birth of Jesus, we would have no example to follow and the mighty gift He gave to each of us would not exist.  God so loved us that He gave His only Son on Christmas morning to live an extraordinary life here among men and then die for us while we were still sinners.  Sit for a minute and let that statement penetrate your soul. 

Travel here and there this season to spread the Gospel as Jesus did.  Bake with praise to the One who provides as Jesus did.  Host wholeheartedly, offering invitation to all no matter their lifestyle just as Jesus did.  Seek and offer forgiveness to those who broke your heart just as Jesus forgave/forgives you.  Wrap and give the Gift worth giving just as Jesus did.  Push aside society’s way of celebrating and embrace the shopping experience with a different attitude. . .it is not the material items that express love to others; it is the one true Gift that never quits giving that matters (best part – IT IS FREE).  Each day opens new opportunities, blessings and joy!  Will you join me in sharing the Good News this season?  Guess what, my friend; if you have not received such a Gift yourself. . .the offer stands for you as well.

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig

Never a Busy Signal!

For sixteen weeks I assisted two other nursing students in completing a community project.  Lots of details filled each week’s endeavors.  Assignments piled up, paperwork consumed and planning took over my thoughts.  The project impacted individuals in various ways; one being awareness to violence occurring in the community.  Often times we walk around with tunnel vision, unable to imagine anything ‘bad’ happening near our home.  Those are events heard on the news, taking place elsewhere, right?

Well, not so much.  While working diligently on the project, we saw need to get the word out of existing resources waiting to help.  Why hide these from our community?  A business card evolved containing emergency numbers to call for help.  We dispersed those to various community members whom may encounter individuals in need of this information.  This condensed, organized and handy card takes away the search for help when hurt enters one’s life.  It empowers one to step forward and begin the road to healing.  It also provides a way for others to help those hurting by offering a hand of hope.  These sources exist and many hurting people do not even realize it!

Do you know another Source exists at our fingertips for hurting people?  Many walk around daily without awareness to the evil surrounding each moment.  Evil finds us wandering through life trying to heal, find joy and feel loved.  Why hide the One Source from others?  Christians play a significant role in dispersing such information, offering a hand of Hope to hurting people.  God placed all we need in an organized and handy Book.  His Word empowers us to step forward in faith and begin healing from any hurt. 

Do you have emergency numbers in line to call upon?  Remove the tunnel vision and realize that in this world there will be trial and tribulation.  We cannot run from it.  BUT, we can prepare and call to the One Who knows exactly what we need to survive.  Take some time to create a condensed, organized and handy list of emergency numbers to call upon in need. . .

God created each of His children, touching every fiber of our being.  During our creation, specific talents, skills and characteristics were placed in order to fulfill the job assigned for this life here.  Embracing what He provided us, accepting others for whom they were created to be and working with them to accomplish the one purpose for our lives (building His Kingdom) will result in an indescribable prize.  When struggling to get along with others, call upon Romans 12!

Seasons in life may bring violent storms.  Satan loves to catch us in a storm, weak and depressed.  After receiving numerous blows daily, we may feel like giving up.  Sorrow overtakes every thought, creating darkened lives.  Guess what my friend; I have a number to call at just this time. . .John 14!

People disappoint, discourage and damage our spirit.  They are human and imperfect.  God sent His only Son, perfect and holy to die so that we may live filled with His Spirit.  Keeping our eyes on the Perfect One will grow our spirit and protect it from this imperfect world.  When others fail you, call upon Psalm 27!

Letting go of worldly hurts and working toward healing requires forgiveness.  Once given, an overwhelming peace enters and hurt seems so distant.  Recall the One Who continually forgives and even died for us while we were still sinners.  Follow Jesus’ example and release the pain by forgiving one another.  Call on Him for the steps needed to do such a thing. . .Colossians 3!

These numbers provide only a few existing in our Master Phonebook.  Guess what, my friend, when dialing any number in the Book; you will NEVER hear a busy tone.  The line waits to hear from you and ALWAYS provides the needed help.  Will you make the call today?  Create a list of emergency numbers unique to your situation.  Utilize it daily and update the list as time passes.  Use your list to help others as well.  Why hide such a great Resource?

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig       

Washed Clean

My daughter ventured out in new, bright pink, beautiful pants one day.  She walked in confidence and pride while sporting these new pants.  The moment she stepped out the door the fabric experienced the typical beating received from any five year old.  The use of markers alters the design from plain bright pink to random stripes of various colors.  Hitting the ground numerous times during recess weakens the threading; at times, leaving dinged marking.  During lunch, the pants transform into a napkin and potential stains appear down the sides of each leg.  To top off the day, after school play leads to grass and mud colored knees.  At first encounter, I think someone stole her pants and replaced them with used, dingy, stained yet still comfy ones.  First thought of this incompetent mother. . . “How in the world will I ever clean this up?”

With the first step in the door, I ask that she change pants and hand me the damaged ones.  I reach for any pretreatment product found, drench the pants and leave it to work miracles.  Leaving to soak for hours, I think to myself, “no way is this one coming clean”.  Well, at least we now have a pair of ‘play’ pants, right?  I throw in the pants with corresponding colors, add detergent and with the push of the start button hope for the best. . .

The mixture of pretreatment, detergent and water begin to work vigorously to clean the blue marker, green grass, brown mud and ketchup streaks down the sides.  These pants are at their worst but I cling to hope that the products will do as promised in the description. . .one wash = cleaner, brighter clothes!

Pulling out of the dryer confirmed the promise.  No signs of stain whatsoever.  I could not tell you what she had for lunch, where she played after school or what projects she completed during art class.  The pants washed cleaned, folded nicely and ready to go the next day she wears them.  The assurance given from a washer, detergent and pretreatment brings peace to this mother as I approach my child covered in dirty clothes.

Another assurance I possess each day creating overwhelming peace is that my God promises cleansing of my dirty, stained and tainted soul.  We begin life as a child, innocent, new, beautiful inside and out and filled with peace in the care of parents meeting all needs.  In growing, confidence appears along with self-satisfaction.  Nothing alters our thoughts, cleanliness remains. 

Then, the five year mark comes around and we venture outside of the protection known thus far.  The moment entering into society without constant supervision, love, encouragement and care finds us within society’s beating.  Words spoken, opinions given or glaring looks place indelible marks on our hearts.  The shine inside lessens. . .dingy appearance begins.  During the years, we may become a stomping ground in relationships.  With each encounter our soul feels the blow, receiving potential stains.  Job loss, addiction, depression, death of loved one and more knock us to the ground.  Spirits weaken diminishing any motivation to continue.  To top all this off, we then come home to a place without peace, joy, love or comfort.  Years pass, each feeling worse than the prior one. . .eventually finding us lower than ever before.  My friends, at our lowest, Satan moves in to attack.  He has us exactly where he desires. . .backed against a wall without a way out.  Or is there?

After 40 days of fasting, Jesus experienced weakness and hunger. . .guess who came in to attack?  The attack did not occur only once. . .three times Satan attacked.  My friends open your Bibles to Matthew 4:1-11 to read for yourselves how Jesus answered.  Weak, tired and probably more than over this fasting period; Jesus responded, “Away from me, Satan! For it is written: ‘Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.”  You want to know what happened next. . . ‘Then the devil left him, and angels came and attended him.’

We have a God bigger than anything in this world.  Our faith may be shaken daily, but it CANNOT be taken.  We may feel like dingy, stained, damaged and useless due to the past and the opinions placed upon us by society.  Guess what, my friend, Hope exists.  The promise remains throughout each generation. . .one death = clean, brighter, everlasting life!  Serving only God will protect from the damage of Satan’s attacks.  Though trials and tribulations surround our lives, joy can remain inside our soul.  No matter the past, His promise holds true for every one of His children.  That includes YOU!  The past is washed away. . .God cannot see the mistakes, wrong turns, failures or years of damage.  He washes you clean and paves the way for each day to follow.  Will you accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior, be washed clean and walk confidently with Him?

Keep praying harder than the devil can work.

Sheree Craig