Grace for a Curly-haired Girl

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.
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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 

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