So sorry it has been so long since my last blog post! It's been a crazy school year with work, tough classes, and several other obligations. Because of that, I've had to spend less time than I'd like writing. But on this rainy, yucky day, it makes me appreciate even more the ability to just sit back, relax, and write. I've recently become obsessed with a song called “Jesus, Fiend of Sinners”by Casting Crowns. See lyrics below.

Jesus, friend of sinners
We have strayed so far away
We cut down people in Your name
But the sword was never ours to swing
Jesus, friend of sinners
The truth’s become so hard to see
The world is on their way to You
But they’re tripping over me
Always looking around but never looking up
I’m so double minded
A plank-eyed saint with dirty hands
And a heart divided
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Open our eyes to the world
At the end our pointing fingers
Let our hearts be led by mercy
Help us reach with open hearts and open doors
Oh Jesus, friend of sinners
Break our hearts for what breaks Yours
Jesus, friend of sinners
The One whose writing in the sand
Made the righteous turn away
And the stones fall from their hands
Help us to remember
We are all the least of these
Let the memory of Your mercy
Bring Your people to their knees
Nobody knows what we’re for
Only what we’re against
When we judge the wounded
What if we put down our signs
Crossed over the lines
And loved like You did
You love every lost cause
You reach for the outcast
For the leper and the lame
They’re the reason that You came
Lord, I was that lost cause
And I was the outcast
But You died for sinners just like me
A grateful leper at Your feet
‘Cause You are good
You are good
And Your love endures forever
And I was the lost cause
And I was the outcast
You died for sinners just like me
A grateful leper at Your feet

These lyrics have really touched me lately. It makes me think of how many times a day I unrightly judge people based on appearances, attitudes, etc. Who am I, to think that I have any right to point fingers? Another good point that this song makes that really got me thinking, do people trip over me when they are trying to get to God? Sometimes, I feel like to get people to believe in God, I have to stand right in front of them and tell them what to do, how to act, etc. What if I just got out of the way? God is so much more powerful than anything I could ever do or say. It was a very humbling realization when I finally saw that I needed to get out of the way and just let God take control of everything. The prayer that I would encourage you to pray today is for God to break your heart for what breaks His.

Be salt and light, and hopefully it won't be as long before my next blog post!
~Hannah~