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Grace for a Curly-haired Girl

2/22/2022

10 Comments

 
There once was a girl who had a little curl right in the middle of her forehead. When she was good, she was very, very good; and when she was bad, she was horrid! Perhaps, like myself, most curly-haired little girls became well-acquainted with that old nursery rhyme.
​​
A few days ago, I stole a glance in the rearview mirror to check my hair before heading into work and saw a perfect curl right 
Picture
Emily Rogers
smack-dab in the middle of my forehead. With a chuckle at the sight, it also brought forth memories of my folks reciting that rhyme to me, usually when I was acting ornery. It has always been easier for me to reflect on myself as a “horrid” person. When people would compliment my very, very good behavior, I’d shyly smile with downcast eyes, because I knew that there was a horrid person hiding beneath the good façade.

As I got older, I deflected compliments, because I didn’t feel I deserved them. If only they knew what misdeeds I’d executed in my life, they wouldn’t be praising me! Someone finally said to me in frustration, “Just say ‘thank you’ and accept the compliment, won’t you?!?” I did, but still felt inwardly undeserving.

So, when I’d read about God’s grace, I knew it was for others, but not for me. Sheesh! Was I ever mistaken!

In Romans 4, David clarified that we are not blessed by God for the works that we do, but by our trust in God as a gift. Romans 4:16 says, 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. I really like the clear language of this same passage in The Message: God’s promise arrives as pure gift. That’s the only way everyone can be sure to get in on it.

I’d confessed and asked forgiveness many, many times for past misdeeds, but wasn’t accepting of God’s grace-filled forgiveness, so I just kept repeating the same pleas.

Peace is found in Hebrews 10:22: 22 let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water.

Amen! I’m so grateful that I can now just laugh at the silly curl right in the middle of my forehead and say Thank You to the Lord for His forgiveness freely given by grace.

Your friend in Christ,
Emily
10 Comments
Sam Hunter
2/22/2022 05:50:07 pm

So glad you are a part of the faith community!

Reply
Emily
2/22/2022 07:20:00 pm

Thank you, Sam!

Reply
Bob Freund
2/22/2022 10:36:40 pm

Emily,
God loves you and so does your church family!

Reply
Emily Rogers
2/23/2022 09:08:13 am

Thanks, Bob!

Reply
Kent Kimball
2/23/2022 09:43:30 am

Yea Emily. This is a beautiful message we need to hear often. Thanks.

Reply
Emily Rogers
2/24/2022 11:13:39 am

Thanks, Kent! We are so blessed!

Reply
Linda Scheideler
2/24/2022 08:01:26 am

Emily,
From one curly hair girl to another, I have heard and said that very rhyme many times. So happy that you can accept that God loves us no matter what and how wonderful his Grace is for us all. I am so happy that God has brought us together as friends and sisters in Christ.
Linda

Reply
Emily Rogers
2/24/2022 11:11:24 am

Thank you, my curly-haired friend!

Reply
Jackie Velez
2/24/2022 09:04:41 am

I know you as a very friendly and helpful person. I appreciate your friendship and your service to the church.

Reply
Emily Rogers
2/24/2022 11:12:26 am

Thanks for your kind words, Jackie!

Reply



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 First Presbyterian Church | 521 E Lakeside Ave | Coeur d'Alene | ID  83814
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  • Home
    • Connect With Us >
      • Prayer Request
      • eNews Archive >
        • 2020 eNews Archive
  • Who We Are
    • Leadership & Staff >
      • Job Opportunities
      • Blogs >
        • Blog Archive 2021 >
          • Our Mission
          • Blog Archive 2020
    • Elders, Deacons & Ministry Teams
    • History >
      • Barb McPland Clothing Giveaway
      • Keefer's Cabin
      • Past Ministers
    • What Presbyterians Believe
    • Annual Reports
  • Ministries
    • Family Ministry >
      • Nursery
      • Children
      • 1st Pres Youth
      • Family Connections
    • Missions
    • Serve >
      • Choir >
        • Special Music Archive
      • Church Ministry Teams
      • Ecumenical Kitchen
      • Family Promise
      • Handbell Choir
      • Knitting for Warmth
      • Praise Team
      • Reception Team
    • Grow >
      • Book Studies
      • Men's Fellowship
      • Presbyterian Women
      • Sermon-based Small Groups
      • Sunday Bible Study
      • Women's Circles
  • Sundays
    • Contemplative Worship
    • Classic Worship
    • Sermons
  • Giving
  • Calendar