Sinners’ Anonymous

by | Feb 4, 2014 | Uncategorized | 2 comments

ID-100153Everyone has heard of Alcoholics’ Anonymous, but how many of us have the member card for Sinners’ Anonymous?  I would dare say that most of us have it hidden between two rarely used credit cards in the last spot of our wallet.

All of us have one, but we sure don’t like to admit it.

If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. If we say we have not sinned, we make him a liar, and his word is not in us. 1John 1:8-10

The above scripture just proves I’ve got a membership card with my name on it!!!  RATS!

When I was in high school, I had a very bad habit of telling people what I thought they wanted to hear.  I would listen to instructions and then go my own way.  I would pretend to be perfect and deny, deny, deny anything that said otherwise.

Then the roof caved in.  My world fell apart in one day.  Long story, but let’s just say it involved me, drugs, police and some very shocked parents.

My gig was up.  The secret was out.  And my reputation was tarnished.

My dad said it best, “Meg, you’ve only shown us a façade.  Who are YOU?”

That day and that statement have stayed with me.  In fact, I count that day as one of the few ‘best’ days in my life because it freed me to BE ME.

God allowed me to ‘get caught’ at a very young age because I was at the point where my parents could still help me and encourage me through the tough changes that needed to be made.

From that experience I learned that being me was better than someone liking me.  I also learned that I am loved dearly by some amazing parents and by an even awesomer God!  (I REALLY wish awesomer was a real word because it says so much!!!)

So, I have my Sinners’ Anonymous card front and center.  My dad’s comment is one of the reasons why I tell on myself so much to my friends and through my GEMs because I don’t want anyone to think I think I’m better than I actually am.

I AM A SINNER.  I AM ASHAMED.  MY LIST IS VERY LONG.

Trying to cover up our sins is much harder than admitting them.  Yes, it’s difficult to confess and yes, it stinks when we get into trouble, but it is also very liberating to release our iniquities so that God’s forgiveness can begin to heal us.

Being fake is just too much work.  Plus, it will catch up to us all at some point or another.

For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23

I have come a long way since that day in high school.

My life has been a rocky road of walking the straight and narrow and veering off into the dark pit of wickedness.  Regardless of where I am on my journey, I no longer kid myself or others about who I am.

I am flawed.  I am Meg.  I am a follower of Jesus Christ.

Who are you?

Some Wisdom for Today:  Proverbs 12:22 – Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who act faithfully are his delight.

Image courtesy of “Credit Cards” by James Barker/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

2 Comments

  1. Cindy Lowe

    I know how hard this GEM was to write. I am very proud of the young lady you have become. Your parents chose to be your parents that day and not your friends. And in the long run, your life long friends they became. I love this grown up Meg! She is a dear and wonderful example of what a Christian Young Woman should be.

    Reply
    • meghays

      Hey Cindy! I’ve been in New Mexico skiing with the family, so I didn’t have a chance to respond to your precious words from last Tuesday. Thank you so much. I have been blessed with wonderful parents and their unconditional love has helped me throughout my life. Their influence and support has shaped my life and has much to do with the ‘Christian’ I am today. I’m just glad I’ve been able to tell my story to help others in similar circumstances. It’s amazing how God uses EVERYTHING for His good and purpose! Thanks again for being such an encourager to me!!! Hugs and love!!!

      Reply

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