Backwards

Isabelle came into our room last night after getting her PJ's on and said,

"Momma these PJ's are so cute but it's to bad the put the words on backwards!"

As I turned to her to see just what she was talking about, I didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.

So, I replied, "what are you talking about, Baby."

Taking her finger to  underline the words, she said, "In my mirror these words are backwards."

Trying to suppress my giggle, we had a little impromptu science lesson about mirrors and reflections.

Then a little light bulb went on for her and I got an "Ohhhhh! Well, that's good so now these PJ's are just cute!"

 A hug and kiss goodnight for her, but me left with a mind that can't stop turning.

Earlier that same day, I'd learned that a sweet friend from high school had passed away after fighting the good fight against colon cancer.
She left behind her high school sweetheart and husband, five beautiful children and a family and community that loves her dearly.

It feels so backwards.

Yet, she is whole and healthy and dancing with Jesus just in time for Easter.

Grief and Celebration.

Backwards.

We've had a special conference at our church the past two days.
An amazing time spent deep in God's word.

As one of the speakers began last night, he started talking about his friend who'd lost his wife yesterday to cancer.

I made a beeline over to him after the service, and asked if it was the same family.
Yes, it was.

Turns out we'd gone to the same college and that's how he'd met the family.

So, I had to ask him how a graduate of this particular school ends up at a SBC church, and in New York City. Because none of those things go together.

His simple one word answer to me. . .

Grace.

Yes, I believe that's true, because I look at my own life and see grace written on every page, but

it's just seems so backwards.

That a Holy, Just God would pour out His grace and mercy over my life.

I am a surefire testimony that He does indeed use the simple things.
You can't get much more simple than me.


I can't pretend to understand it all.

I do know it feels so backwards at times, because I know how wretched I really am.

And, yet He does too. . .it's not like we can hide anything from Him.

The Bible says he knows us to our inner core, our very being.

Even that knowledge doesn't stop him from calling us His beloved.

So many times, I let the Giver of all Grace completely down with my disobedience, my hypocrisy
my defiance. . .but still He keeps pouring out the grace.
A never ending supply. . .never tells me, "That's it, you've had enough! I'm moving on to someone else!"

It feels so backwards in our humanity.

Today, I'm reflecting and giving thanks for His overwhelming, backwards grace.



 For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know just as I also am known. 1 Cor 13:12



Grace and Peace,