A Beautiful Tapestry
When you look at me
You're turning the tattered fabric of my life
Into A perfect tapestry
(excerpt lyrics from The Real Me)
I can’t! I can’t change it! No matter how hard I desire it, think on it, dwell on it, look at pictures, talk to friends, and even pray over it. I can’t change it! My past is written in eternity and there’s nothing I can do to make it different.
My life has been no bed of roses, but when I look in hindsight I can clearly see the grace of the Father swirling through all of the ups and downs that have come my way. The one thing, or should I say, the one person that has been a constant voice of peace, grace, and mercy has been my mother, Dorothy Custard. This is a woman who brings me to tears at the thought of her. Not because she’s my mother (that’s a part, too), and not because she’s been perfect, but because she gave me the gift of life: my natural life, as well as, my spiritual one. My mother introduced me to Jesus at a very young age and because of her teaching and display of the love of Jesus I wanted to receive Him as my personal savior and be baptized in His name. And at the age of six I did just that.
I didn’t get baptized at a pretty little church with all of the nice bells and whistles that I see today. I was baptized at an old theater that had been turned into a church: The pastor at that time was Reverend Nathan Woods (he’s gone on to be with the Lord now). The church smelled of mildew all the time, probably because the roof was always leaking. And no matter how bright it was outside, it was always very dark inside (could be that it was meant for watching movies – lol). The baptismal pool did not have a set a place, most of the time it sat in the front of the sanctuary on the right hand side: ready for baptism at any time. It was painted dark blue or black, and very old and unkempt.
I remember standing at the top of the ladder at the edge of the entrance into the baptismal pool. It was like looking down into a black hole. The reverend could see that I was a little nervous (scared would be more like it) so he said to me, “Don’t be afraid.” As he tugged my hand gently I began to make my descent down the inner steps into the dark, dark waters. It was like I was literally living the Word: being put to death so that I could live eternally with Him (Romans 6:3).
The pastor covered my face with a cloth and pulled me back into the waters. When he brought me back up, all I could do is cry. I didn’t really know why I was crying, probably the presence of the Lord upon me: He was indeed present. All I know for sure is that I was no longer in the kingdom of darkness, I was now a part of the kingdom of God.
This is a beautiful memory for me: one that I cherish. The impact it has had on my life is almost indescribable. And I believe the greater impact is yet to be seen. I am sharing this today because as I said at the beginning: My past is written in eternity and there’s nothing I can do to make it different.
Everyday I arise to give thanks to my Father, who has once again, extended new mercies for the day (Lamentations 3:22-23). Yet, every day, our adversary, the accuser of the brethren, our enemy, the devil, tries his best to get me to dwell on the mistakes and failures of yesterday: sometimes making them so big and magnified that they almost out shadow God’s grace and mercy. Don’t fall for the trick!!! Yes, we all have made mistakes, whether ten years ago or ten minutes ago, but ALL is covered under the blood of Jesus. Look again and see God’s hand of mercy and grace: seethe times of His faithful interwoven throughout your life. Enjoy those moments and know that all else is covered in Him.
Remember, when the Father sees you, He sees His son, Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:9). We are His workmanship in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:10) and He is forming us into the image of His dear son, Jesus Christ, every day. The imperfections of our past are just that, the past. All has been forgiven, for those who are in Christ Jesus. The Father, who is the master weaver, has taken the mistakes and failures of our past, interwoven it with His Grace, Mercy and Love and created a BEAUTIFUL TAPESTRY for all the world to see: YOU.
”Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (Philippians 4:8)
My Love Song to HIM! Dorothy C.
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