I got my first real insult on my blog this week via anonymous comments. It was on a very personal post in which I shared something I am struggling with. This anonymous person said my struggle was “messed up” and that I was “evil”. Honestly, when I first looked at the comment I was shocked, and immediately thought “how dare they say that about me!!!”
Then I realized, they are right. I am evil. It is very “messed up” that I sin. I AM an extremely sinful person, as we all are. No one is perfect, we all have our struggles and shortcomings. I choose to share some of my parenting shortcomings publicly:
1. in the hopes that I could encourage some one who is struggling with something similar that they are not alone in the fight!
2. to keep myself accountable to changing
3. to keep myself humble and honest
It may not be pleasant to hear (or kind to say), but the reality is they are right, I am imperfect, I will never be holy on my own. and that is a BEAUTIFUL reminder. It reminds me that my strength comes from Christ. It reminds me that I am completely without hope apart from Jesus. and it reminds me of how beautiful a gift salvation is. How wonderful God is to give me grace in all my shortcomings and sins.
“remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” Ephesians 2:12 -13
This grace doesn’t give us license to continue in our sins and failures (Romans 6), but it does give us HOPE, and a reason to keep fighting even when we fall again and again.
It’s funny, but I have been greatly encouraged by the insults that were thrown my way this week. Because they pointed me to Christ and renewed my focus in Him.
I am so thankful for God’s grace and the fact that He loves me even when I’m undeserving and do despicable things. I make mistakes every day, but my advocate before the Father is sinless (1 John 2:1)
I’m honestly so thankful this person took the time to comment, because it made me that much more aware of my sin, and reminded me of the awesome grace of God in forgiving my sins
Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” (romans 4:7,8)
Jen Ferguson says
Ugh. I am so sorry that you were insulted. But — wow — what a testament to the power of Christ alive in you to be able to turn it back around into truth.
futurehope says
I was amazed Jen! a year ago it would have crushed me. All to God’s glory that He is able to show me Himself and His glory in the midst of such an icky situation!
futurehope says
amazingly cool! :D
Lisa says
Praise God for receiving this with the humility of Christ. I know that is so hard, especially if the word was spoken to you without humility. Thanks for the precious example and reminder to press on!
Denise says
Keep on keeping on sweet sis.
Laurie says
Good for you for choosing joy. That’s hard to do in a situation like that!
Pam says
You know, sometimes I think when someone feels compelled to spill hate, especially on a blog that is giving light, it is a cry for something more. And anonymous, at that. I’m glad the Lord encouraged you to find his fruit in it… but let us pray that His Spirit move upon that person in grace, light, hope…
Judith says
These are some wonderful thoughts on motherhood that you have learned earlier on in your journey. It took me many more years to learn these same things. You turned a negative comment into something that glorified God. It is God that works in us and we are not good apart from the Lord.
I hopped over from What Joy Is Mine. I’ve read your posts before so this wasn’t my first time ‘meeting’ you :-)
futurehope says
good hearing from you again Judith :)
It’s amazing to me how God is showing me His glory through many “ugly” things in my life. absolutely incredible!!!
Misty Leask says
Thank you for being so willing to share openly. That is not easy to do ~ “being real” is not always looked on as the right way to do things. I feel that Christianity will never truly grown without Christians being real with each other, not putting on masks as if they have it all put together. Blessings sis!
Wendy @ E-1-A says
I am reminded that “Indeed, all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” Do not be discouraged therefore. So good to see that God is turning that which was meant for evil to good.
Jaclyn says
Amen to your courage in hard times. We are not perfect, but what’s important is that your heart is seeking God and his will. It means so much when we are able to admit we suck at something and put it out there. But we have each other and we encourage each other. We are sisters in Christ. And sinners, at that :)
Donna says
We are all in need of grace.
Jill of all Trades says
I think your anonymous insulter was way overboard. Your post about comparing your kids to others doesn’t make you “messed up” or “evil”. Goodness! Every good mom wants some reassurance that her kids are turning out OK. The easiest way to gauge that is to compare hers to others. Is that right? No. Is that fair? No. But it hardly makes you messed up or evil! The fact that you could post about it shows that you have the maturity to realize that comparing your kids to others isn’t fair or kind and you’re making a conscious effort to stop doing it. Far from messed up and evil, if you ask me! Please don’t take one anonymous post to heart!
Amanda {A Royal Daughter} says
Oh Paula – such a great perspective. Thanks for sharing this post with me on my FB page. :) I needed it!
Paula says
glad it encouraged you <3