Our devotions this Lenten season have been written by members of Faith Lutheran Church. Today’s devotion is by Heather Leatherwood. Also, if you would like to join our staff in praying the liturgy for Responsive Prayer/Suffrages just click here.
Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord’s disciples. He went to the high priest and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?” “Who are you, Lord?” Saul asked. “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,” he replied. “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything. Acts 9:1-9
I am a single mom. This is the first time I have written these words down.
I hide this fact from clients, fellow church members, and even some friends and family because I fear judgment. I fear that I will no longer fit in.
The need for belonging is a strong human desire. People often join a church, not only because they want to honor God and praise Jesus, but because they want to belong. To many, membership means they belong. It also means that others do not belong. Saul valued membership, and he felt he was doing God’s work by persecuting Christians. It wasn’t until Jesus blinded him that he came to understand that he was persecuting true followers of God, and in turn, persecuting Jesus himself. He soon came to realize that discipleship was more valuable than membership; he spread word to the Jews, the group to which he formerly belonged, that Jesus was the Son of God.
Just as Jesus blinded Saul, I ask that you close your eyes to the pre-conceived notions of membership and belonging. Open your mind and your hearts to accept those who don’t “belong,” and share what you have been taught.
Let us pray: Lord, we thank you for showing us how to love and accept others. Guide us as we seek those who feel that they do not belong and as we share your word with them. Amen.
Daily Devotions 
March 11, 2013 at 6:00 pm |
Heather, perhaps you worry more about being accepted as a single mom than most of the people around you would. You are you and it sounds like you are doing quite marvelously. So stand tall and carry that cross of Jesus proudly-whether with a wedding ring or not. You go, girl.
March 11, 2013 at 6:10 pm |
Bless you Heather – “SINGLE MOM” = SUPERWOMAN
and I’ve sometimes thought that maybe the single parent needs to go into the same pot with me, which is WIDOWs and orphans and I think there is scripture that gives special recognition to these categories. Well, categories and classifications and labels are what make us uncomfortable but maybe we are also special in God’s kingdom. You are – I’m sure of it – because in your words today, you have opened the door to receive the care, love and concern of all of us. Prayers for you and your children to feel God’s love, the love so big and endless, we have enough to share.
June 21, 2013 at 5:16 am |
I would like to thank you for the efforts you have put in wrtiing this site. I’m hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming also. Actually your creative wrtiing abilities has inspired me to get my own site now. Actually the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.
June 24, 2013 at 10:33 am |
To09W3 daxthuqaisyw
June 24, 2013 at 10:33 am |
pKuFkS qpqfwrniqpct
August 10, 2013 at 10:44 am |
Thank you so much sir this realy teaches me that the past is not worth hdnliog onto instead forget about it and focus on the future because it is a bright one i know because He is a faithful God who has my future in His hands tank you so much may God be with you.
October 22, 2013 at 3:23 pm |
Well actually Insomnia is a dsiease, only if want to get technical. As for when it started, and originated no one truely knows, although some say its been around since the begining, which does make since considering that insomnia may be afflicted upon a person from severe deppresion, or a tragic incident. I have had it going on 4 months now. So, i guess it dosen’t have an origin. Hope that helps, and good luck.
March 13, 2013 at 12:56 am |
I admire your willingness to admit you need others. We are ALL part of Christ’s church. Your faith is strong and comes shining through. You are not alone. You have a community of believers to support you. God bless you. May you always feel God’s tender care and love. Thanks for sharing your thoughts with us.
June 24, 2013 at 10:33 am |
yQHJA2 ayhnxowwuvem
June 24, 2013 at 10:33 am |
zj6SjM yjohzclphian