WE’RE ALL THE SAME SIZE

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” Romans 3:23

Another way to say this is: “We’re all the same size at the foot of the cross.”

No one is better than you. No one is worse than you. We all need forgiveness. Black Sheep just have a more acute sense of this. Because of our Black Sheepness, we realize how scarce nurturing, peace and wholeness are in our lives. We may end up abusing these gifts by “earning love.” You know, doing something that doesn’t jive with your values?  Saying “yes” when you mean “no.” Going somewhere you don’t fit. Doing something you know is wrong for you. It will backfire the minute you set boundaries. The minute you are unable or unwilling to meet another’s demands, here comes dissent! Manipulation. Put-downs. Possibly harm.

What’s a Black Sheep to do? If we are “earning love,” we have missed the point of Jesus and his grace. Even worse, we have become a victim. God has set us free from victim-hood. “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” Sometimes truth makes us miserable at first. However, He helps us to gain our individuality, dignity, integrity and confidence. Thank him for this. You may not feel thankful at this moment, but the feelings will come.

Musings

Reach out to someone stuck in Black Sheepness. Start a group of fellow Black Sheep to listen, encourage and uplift. We all need this. We all are the same size at the foot of the cross.

Prayer

Thank you, God, that I am “fearfully and wonderfully made.” So are other Black Sheep. Strengthen me to reach out to another Black Sheep. Help us to share your good news and to see ourselves as you do. “With Christ, nothing is impossible!”

Amen