Your Voice, Heather

For those of you that follow our blog, you have probably already figured out that most of the personal posts have come from me (Rusty). There are a number of posts that are our collective thoughts, but I usually do the writing. Honestly, I enjoy writing, and part of my healing process has been the ability to put my thoughts and feelings in writing.

However, I ask Heather quite often to write on our blog. She usually says, "People don't want to hear from me." Of course I have encouraged her, but I haven't had much luck convincing her. So, I'm going to do something a little different here. I'm going to use the remainder of this post to speak to Heather. I'm pretty sure she reads our blog :)

Heather,

Your voice matters.

No matter what you believe, or what Satan tries to tell you, people want and need to hear from you.

Your voice is comforting.

We know from experience that there are lots of people that have walked in your shoes. You and I both know of so many people that are enslaved by secret sins. Your voice is an identifying voice of hope. People are desperate to know that they are not alone in their struggles, but even more desperate to discover a pathway to victory. You found victory. Your voice comforts those longing to walk the tough journey of redemption.

Your voice is beautiful.

You jokingly call yourself the "big fat sinner woman in Luke 7," but what a beautiful position to be in. A "sinful" woman entered a Pharisee's home where Jesus was dining and wiped his feet with her tears, hair, and perfume. Jesus then told the story of two men who owed debts to a moneylender. One owed a great amount, the other just a little. The moneylender forgave both debts. Jesus asked the Pharisee, "...which of them will love him more?" He replied, "I suppose the one who had the bigger debt canceled." Heather, you have experienced the cancellation of what you feel is a huge debt, and your love for Jesus is now more beautiful than ever. People may think that they can't identify with your sin, but there is no denying how beautiful your love for Jesus is.

Your voice is challenging.

Some may identify with you and need your voice for comfort, encouragement, and hope. Others are able to celebrate your beautiful story of grace, love, and forgiveness. But there is another group of people that need to hear your voice even though they may not want to. You see, you are right. Some people don't want to hear from you. I know because I used to be a person like that. In the story of the Prodigal Son, there are 3 main characters. We all know about the son that takes his inheritance and blows it all on wild living. Of course there is the Father who welcomes his wayward son home with open arms and a feast. But there is also the son that stayed behind, continuing to work for his father...the "good son" if you will. However, his pride would not allow him to celebrate his brother's return. He was judgemental. He felt entitled. He is the son that too many of us can identify with. The truth is, your voice challenges us. It challenges us all to recognize our sin and our need for a Savior. It challenges us to become broken vessels, a heap of ashes to be put back together by our Father. It challenges us to become new creatures, to become alive. No matter our past, we need to encounter Jesus like you have.

Heather, your voice matters, so speak.

I love you,
Rusty