justified ("just-if-I'd never done those things")

I think we all go through times of neediness, anxiousness, frustration and the like.  It's no secret that I'm smack dab in the middle of what I'm calling my "quarter-life crisis" and I've been looking for answers in every direction imaginable.  

In my searches, these 4 things have really helped me regain perspective:

1.  New Hope Church (part of my 101/1001)

2.  Quiet Time, aka Jayme time

3.  Running (note, my broken leg is currently keeping me from this!)

4.  Friends (both old and new)

#4 led me to #1.  My co-worker Tam'ra (who has quickly become a dear friend) invited me to try her church. I've been going to New Hope for the past few months and I really enjoy it. It's one of the only churches I can recall in recent history that preaches and teaches Scripture as opposed to being a savvy, motivational speaker.  

The church hosted a women's event yesterday, called Completely His-Loving Jesus Without Limits and invited Shannon Ethridge as the speaker.  I'll be honest-I had no clue who Shannon Ethridge was, but I'm happy I got to be in her presence, hear her story, and take away some life lessons that I desperately needed.  Shannon is a best-selling author and an empowering speaker.  It's not often you can sit in a room with over 100 women of different ages, races, backgrounds, careers and marital status and reach each and every one of them, but she did. And not just reach them, but impact them in a very lasting and emotional way.  I was one of these women.

Over the years I've heard a lot of inspirational messages and quotes, but probably none that stuck with me like this.  "We may remember what sins we've committed in the past, but as far as God is concerned, we've been JUSTIFIED (which means, "just-if-I'd never done those things!").  

I'm the first to admit that when it comes to sin, on a scale of 1-10, with 10 being the highest amount of sin, I'm probably off the chart at about an 11.  Maybe even 12.  But what an enabling statement.  She couldn't have said that at a more advantageous time in my life.  I appreciate her saying that and reminding me that no matter how much sin is or was in my life, God will always love me. She reminded me that he can't love me more than He already does.  If He has forgiven me, I need to forgive myself.  

I know this blog covers arbitrary topics, but it covers things in my life and things in my head. This is something that truly inspired me and I wanted to thank Shannon Ethridge and her ministry and encourage others to be inspired by her.  I just bought "Every Woman's Battle" and the workbook "Every Single Woman's Battle" so look for updates here on how her words and stories will continue to help me see things for what they are and continue to add new perspective on life.

.jl.