For several weeks I have been trying to write the story about a time in my life when I became keenly aware of an ugly truth which is my lack of forgiveness. Even now it is painful for me to admit publicly that this is something with which, as a Christian, I struggle. But, I’m taking the risk of thinking you may identify and find solace that you are not alone.

About sixteen years ago, several things in my life collided that revealed I have a problem forgiving others. According to worldly values, you may hear my story and agree with my grievances and validate the injustice done against me.  You may have your own story to share leading us both to mutual commiseration. But, you and I would both be wrong.

My husband, Richard, one evening after I displayed my ranting and raving about someone who had hurt me deeply, said, “Sherry, you are not the same person I married!” Of course, my first reaction was to add him to my list of offenders, but quickly, I realized he spoke the truth.

That night I couldn’t sleep. Early in the morning, I got up to work on my Bible study lesson which turned out to address the topic of forgiveness. As a tender love letter of instruction, God revealed to me that forgiveness is not conditional on others saying they’re sorry. My heart broke and only I could change the scenario.

I wish, friend, I could tell you that in the years since this revelation I have never fought with un-forgiveness again, but this would be a lie. Why this demon still exists is not something for which I have an answer. But, God shows me every time it rears its’ ugly head that it is a weakness where I must “practice” the example of Jesus and forgive, regardless of how I feel. When learning something new or reinforcing something old, we have to practice.

The question is, will we practice forgiveness or un-forgiveness? The choice is ours, and with God’s help, we will make the right decision that leads to goodness and peace.

Can you identify with me? I have boxes upon boxes of photographs collected through the years; some have been passed down by other family members. Like them, putting off the inevitable task of organizing the memorabilia is something I have been doing for a long time. So, yesterday I began the process, one box at a time.

What I thought would be a chore instead turned into something fun. Maybe I’m just growing old enough to appreciate the time-travel that in many instances in our family, returns to the 1800s. Just when I’m thinking how beautiful the great-great-grandmother is in her photograph, I find a photo of her mother. Wow! In some instances, it’s a little daunting as I have met some of the great grandparents in my younger years of life. When I see that they were born before the turn of the twentieth century and we are already into the twenty-first century; well, you understand, I’m sure.

The faces of our relatives from earlier generations may dress in strange clothing, yet I see a resemblance to the people who have been born more recently. Sometimes the eyes, nose or the way grandfather held his posture carries over into the mannerisms and physical traits of my current family members.

Scripture tells us that through association with Jesus we “are being transformed into his likeness.” As surely as we can identify our family by our DNA made available through the marvels of technology, then by the blood of Jesus, we can also be recognized as a family member. His DNA (Divine Nature Alikeness) from the Book of Galatians says some recognizable traits include the following: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” We probably won’t see these qualities by looking into a mirror. However, they are most apparent as we react to the circumstances of our daily lives and the people around us so that they can see them. I wonder how many people look at me and see Jesus?

What about you, friend? Do people see Jesus in you?

Today isn’t just Friday. It is Good Friday; the day that Christians acknowledge the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. When growing up, I never understood why the day Jesus was crucified is referred to as “good.” What was good about the horrible way Jesus was treated and then killed on a cross?

In 2004, Mel Gibson directed the movie, The Passion of the Christ. I remember watching every scene, horrified with the brutality Jesus suffered at the hands of the Roman soldiers. Tears rolled down my face when the onlookers in the crowd spat on Jesus and yelled, “crucify him!”

Last night, in preparation for Good Friday, I researched the movie once again, reading comments from critics of the film. The general takeaway is that “Christians should be appalled at the portrayal of such graphic violence.” My first thought was, yes, Christians should be appalled, but not for the same reason intended by the critics.

Understanding why Good Friday is “good,” requires understanding the other side of the coin and what is “bad.” Scripture reminds us that every human being is a “sinner,” an offender of God, from the Garden of Eden to the present day. The Bible is very clear on this truth. But, the adjective, sinner, flies in the face of our worldly philosophy where people want to be tolerated for every lifestyle choice and never to feel guilt or shame in any way. If no one is a sinner, then no one needs a Savior. Therefore, the death of Jesus was unnecessary, and Good Friday isn’t good after all!

As sad as it makes me knowing this, I confess, I am a sinner. I don’t want to be, and I try hard to live as Jesus instructs for those who love Him and desire to be called His disciple. But, striving and falling short reminds me again and again why Jesus died. In His perfection as the Son of God, He paid the ultimate price for every sinner, for me. Jesus was and is the perfect Lamb, sacrificed once and for all so that whoever believes and receives His gift can stand before Holy God and not perish.

Good Friday is indeed very good! Easter is coming with the promise of resurrected life for Jesus and for all who love Him. To get to Easter Sunday, though, we have to acknowledge that Friday happened and walk past the cross. Look up! Jesus took your place, and He took mine. When He said, “It is finished!” the “it” was the price of sin. Thank you, Jesus!   

Politicians on every side are disagreeing and fighting with each other. The atmosphere is so ugly even everyday citizens lash out at the slightest difference of opinion. Father against son, mother against daughter, siblings refusing to speak to each other because they find themselves on different sides of the story. Anger is front and center of just about every conversation. Civility appears to have died somewhere among the hatefulness and name-calling. What a week this has been!

Oh, did you think I was speaking about our current generation? No! I’m referring to the Scripture that gives details about the week between Palm Sunday and Easter. Jesus causes quite a stir in His very short lifespan here on earth. His ideas are radical by just about everybody’s standard.

Politicians feel threatened by His powerful and growing popularity.

The religious leaders couldn’t agree before Jesus came; now that He is here, He speaks Truth that takes the wind out of their bloviating and self-promoting speeches.

The same Truth of Jesus also tenderly loves the misguided prostitutes and encourages a change of direction for their lives.

The great philosophers react stymied by the wisdom that challenges their most robust intellect.

The “sword” Jesus speaks about in the verse from Matthew is a metaphor referring to “the Spirit,” later explained as being part of “the full armor of God.” (Ephesians 6:17, NIV) Many times throughout the Bible the image of the sword is used to create a vivid understanding of God’s power. An actual sword is used to slice through hard and rigid material. God’s “sword” cuts through hard and rigid hearts that spew messages of hate as well as shallow lackluster worldly views.

People are the same throughout every generation. Just like the opening paragraph references the atmosphere of two-thousand years ago, striking similarities in our current climate of behavior make it sound like today’s breaking news story. Media fans the flames of unrest and hatred. Sadly, we appear to gravitate more to the things that divide us than unite us.

During this next week in recognition of the Greatest Gift to humankind through Jesus Christ, will you join me in fighting against the winds of division by exhibiting kindness and generosity of spirit? We can either be a messenger of peace or war. We have the power to choose.

The room was dimly lit when they rolled me in on the gurney. Fully conscious, I knew the process would not take long, but I would have to undergo anesthesia; nevertheless, it is something I always dread. As the nurses and doctor prepared, I glanced around the small room at all of the instruments that only added to my anxiety. Then, a bright pink sign on a cabinet door right in front of me caught my eye. It read, “Who are you going to call?”

I knew the message was meant for the medical staff should an emergency arise, but for me, like a neon sign blinking, the message was clear. “Sherry, do you trust Me? No matter what takes place in the next few moments, you are safely in My hands. Rest and enjoy My peace.”

Within seconds, my eyes closed and I felt at ease like never before.

Since I am here to tell you this story, obviously all went well as far as most of us equate “well” on this side of heaven. But, what if I had awakened to find myself actually in heaven? Would that have been so bad? I don’t think so! No doubt my family and friends would be stunned and saddened if this had been the case, but they know me well enough to believe I was right where I wanted to be ultimately, albeit a little early.

Friend, life in this world offers no guarantees except that we are only passing through. Jesus made it clear that “this is not our home.” Like going on a vacation, sometimes our plans don’t always work out the way we hoped. Glitches along the way cause challenges and inconveniences. But, oh how nice knowing that when it’s over, home is waiting for us.

As we anticipate celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, be reminded that through Him, our resurrection is a sure “thing.” When we close our eyes tonight if we wake up in heaven…Hallelujah!

The almost perfectly round Avocado seed sits in my kitchen window, in a glass jar supported by three toothpicks. The toothpicks help support the seed allowing half to remain out of the water with the other half submerged. Avocados are delicious, and when the fruit is all eaten, the fun has only begun. My granddaughter started this experiment several months ago. We have enjoyed watching the progress.

Avocado seeds provide an excellent opportunity for exploring the cyclical process of how they go from seed to fruit. With the convenience of the grocery store, it’s easy to lose sight of the delicate undertaking that allows for our enjoyment. After a short study on how avocados grow, it seems that while growing a beautiful plant from seed is very likely, having it produce fruit requires rootstock on which to be grafted.

I can’t help but think about how Scripture reminds us that to produce fruit, you and I need to remain in the vine. In other words, “fruit” is the positive impact we can have on the world around us if we remain in Jesus Christ, the “vine.” How do we “remain in the vine?” One way is to pray without ceasing and to read Scripture as our instruction manual for living as followers of Jesus.

One thing I think we miss in the process of being obedient sometimes is to recognize remaining in Christ and reading His Word is more than just a to-do list, or worse, a dogma by which we live. As we continue through the season of Lent, I pray we remember the greatest shower of love given to us by Jesus on the Cross. You and I are so very much loved! And, we are to pass along that same love to those around us through kindness and good deeds.

In our turbulent world today, I ask God to help us choose the higher path, His path as we live as light and salt in this broken world. AMEN.

All of the passengers for the triple seven airliner loaded onto the plane. Almost four-hundred souls, including mine, fought our way to the purchased, expensive reserved seat for the eighteen hours non-stop flight from Johannesburg Africa to the United States. We buckled up in anticipation of flying forty-thousand feet into the air; all with strangers, our pilot, and his crew, in control of our destiny.

The above scenario happens every single day. Not that we have much choice in the matter if we desire speedy transportation, but I am struck by how freely we decide to put our lives in the hands of someone we don’t know. Sure, some of us are nail-biters in the air, but we fly nevertheless. The reason? Because we choose to! Flying helps us get where we need or want to go quickly, and we believe the odds that tell us we are favored to arrive at our destination safely.

I wake up each day, thankful for the knowledge of whose hands control my eternal destiny. My journey in this world may be only as far as my hopes and dreams lead me. I may not always be flying at forty-thousand feet in the sky, but the way can still be bumpy. During the most difficult times in my life, knowing that God wants to hear what is on my heart gives me great comfort. His Word tells me that He also wants to know the things that bring me joy and delight. It is a relationship I cherish.

Is there something on your heart that you want or feel you need to share with someone? I hope you will invite Jesus to be that Someone. And, by the way, the next time you happen to be flying up high in the beautiful blue skies above, I hope you will take comfort in knowing that the “stranger in the cockpit,” is no stranger at all to God!

Sherry Sharp

At a funeral I recently attended, I did not know the gentleman who had passed away, I did, however, know his son and wanted to be present in support. My friend began his tribute to his dad with these words, “Some of you may only know my father through his son.” His father actually had three sons. During the service, each son spoke telling stories about their dad that were personal to them. Regardless of our connection to the father, all of us in attendance laughed and cried when they shared. When they finished, we all felt as though we knew the dad, even though some of us had never met him.

When Jesus came to the earth in the flesh, He told His disciples that if they knew Him, then they would also know His Father. Jesus told them stories that confirmed the Scriptures with which they would have been familiar as Jewish men. Everything Jesus said and did reflect precisely the same as God the Father. Understanding this truth wasn’t easy for the disciples because until Jesus came, men and women could only imagine who and what God was like.

You and I, today, not only have the Word of God where we can read the history of before, and after Jesus was born into the world, we also have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us. The idea of The Trinity, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, is not something anyone of us can truly grasp on this side of heaven. But, we can know our heavenly Father better as we invite Him to dwell within us. Just as Jesus reflected God to those around him, as His children, every believer can do the same.

When family, friends, and strangers interact with me, I pray that my Father’s personality and nature shines through so that He is Who they see and not me.

Sherry Sharp