Linger in His Embrace ~ I Am, Who I Am

It brought so many memories of my past with Jesus. Bonnie's topic of 'What Attracts You to Jesus' had me thinking through so much since last week. The one part of Him that is constant is the first thing that ever really drew me to His heart...


I can be who I am with Him. Crazy, messed up, frustrated, sometimes jealous and envious. He works it all out with me. The amount I can love, the time I can give, the hope, joy, and faith in me, is all enough for Him. 


Linger in His embrace. I love to linger here with Him. I don't have to measure up to anyone else. He embraces me right here and allows me space to become. No dressing up. No fancy words. No make-up...lol. It's so restful here.






Some History: 


High School was a world of pressure. To fit in. Dressing, acting, doing, all as only acceptable to the peers. The talents and skills had to excel in order to be admired. One wrong move and you become despised. One day everyone could totally like you and the next, ignored. I lose breath just thinking about it. I did have many good times and friends too.


Motherhood was a world of the latest parenting magazine tips. How many home cooked meals versus take out. Who's children are best behaved. You could be exhausted, but don't dare look it. The mom who was on top of it all, level-headed, and pleasant despite it all wore the halo. When I found my niche, the comfort in my own skin let me be the mom they truly needed.


When I became a Christian, I thought that was all over. I was wrong. First, let me say that I was just exposed to my own experience. It doesn't mean every Christian or church is this way. My experience combined all of high school and motherhood in one. You not only had to have it altogether, but you had to serve tirelessly to be right in their eyes. I finally gave it all up and did my best for Him with what I already had.


Let's Move on: Moving through the ugly, let's just talk beautiful truth. 


Jesus never asked us to be perfect or expect perfection of others ~ His love completes me and perfects me as I love others where they are,  from where I am. 


Nor, does he ask us to exhaust ourselves ~ He himself often rested well to refresh for the next time of serving. He invites us to real rest in His company.


He never said we should work hard to become like Him ~ He wants to be who He is in and through us via the unique gifts, skills, and personality He's instilled in us.


Jesus' unconditional love for me is what attracted me to Him. He welcomed me to be who I was. He continues to welcome me to be who I am right where I'm at. I'm constantly drawn to be with Him knowing this. My imperfections, failures, wrong words, never changes how much He loves me. 


Soul Refreshment:


Galatians 6:14-16 ~ 
For my part, I am going to boast about nothing but the Cross of our Master, Jesus Christ. Because of that Cross, I have been crucified in relation to the world, set free from the stifling atmosphere of pleasing others and fitting into the little patterns that they dictate. 



Can't you see the central issue in all this? It is not what you and I do—submit to circumcision, reject circumcision. It is what God is doing, and he is creating something totally new, a free life! All who walk by this standard are the true Israel of God—his chosen people. Peace and mercy on them!


Your turn, my turn:


I invite you to a time of lingering with Him just as you are. In the good, bad, in-between of all you are. I'll be doing the same. 


He welcomes and accepts us best right here...and...You'll find yourself more drawn to be with Him because He does.








5 comments:

Dave @GodsDreamsForMe said...

I love it! Really nice perspective/enlightenment on who He is... and who He isn't. Helps me to understand who I should be a little bit more. Thanks for pouring your heart out for us. Love ya!

Laura Rath said...

Seems like we've had similar thoughts this week. Great post. :)

Cheryl Allen Salinas said...

Thanks for sharing! You continue to be an inspiration!
What a lovely photo of you!

Charina @ Pondered Thoughts said...

Following you over here from Sisters in Bloom.

What a beautiful and refreshig post Jeri. Thank you!

All good things!

Unknown said...

HI Charina and thank you for stopping by. I appreciate your sweet words.

David, Laura, and Cheryl - I apologize. My past comments to you have disappeared as the commenting system was upgraded before I could take care of it.

I love your words all the more today.