Thursday, September 3, 2009

No Matter Who You Are or What You've Done

(Response to the book: Jesus Loves You This I Know: Craig Gross and Jason Harper)

If you were born in the South.
You know this song. The melody. At least some of the lyrics, you can slowly stumble it out.

Even I know the song.
I wasn't raised in a Christian household but every evening at bedtime-- my mom would wind up this little stuffed animal lamb I had and it played a music box sound of this song.

This was pre-divorce.
When it was easier to sing or play that song.

A few years later... that song turned into hate.

Having a background of under-aged drinking, cutting, lying, anger and abuse of all kinds-- this book is the first book outside the Bible to actually explain the impact and love of Jesus. After 8 years of building a relationship and love for the Lord, not one person ever came up and told me Jesus loves me.

But He did.
and still does.
in a small whisper.. I will never leave you Hayley, I am always with you. I love you so much.

Sometimes I cry in the peacefulness of His voice.
The stillness that drives most others crazy

Craig and Jason did an amazing job of bringing the heart beat of Jesus alive. His purpose. His service. His grace. His patience. His voice.

For once, it is a book that I have been trying to live out for years.
Out of the church building box.

Almost 2 years ago--after a heartbreak myself. The Lord called me out of the church. He told me to go in and out freely and to study Him and His love letters. Not to rely on someone else teaching me-- He wanted to be my teacher. So I painfully left my 'comfort zone' home church to step into life with Him. I life of travel and brokenness of the world.

Freedom is what I found.

I found in Him a great counselor of rescuing me from my days of abuse. Every time Jesus gracefully showed me and walked me through freedom --the more He brought others into my life to help them understand His heart of freedom and love.

Jesus loves You This I Know, is the first book that I have read that exposes the true heart and purpose that Jesus has brought me though. I felt honored to be somewhat connected with them and for the first time, proud to be a Christian.

Someone finally listened to the Lord and is being obedient in action.

I know these guys are making Papa proud.
Thanks for the testimonies shared and the reality of his sons and daughters.

If you have ever wondered about the truth of the gospel.
This is it.


http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Loves-You-This-I-Know/dp/0801013291