Think
big splash, stinging across your middle, and bright red face.
The
burn doesn’t often go away fast.
It
seemed the thing I should try for—a new adventure.
And
it went well for a bit. It did, but ultimately, I crashed.
It’s
the kind of thing that even when I’m alone and think about it, I become embarrassed.
In
a lighter and less serious way, it’s similar to the way I felt after a recent attendance at an author event. Held
in an exclusive midtown Atlanta location, I didn’t know anyone but the person for whom the event was held,
but I enjoyed meeting several new people. After returning home that evening, I
happened to catch a glimpse of my back in the mirror. Trailing from under my
linen top was two feet of white paper.
How many people did I meet while wearing
a tissue tail?
And why did no one tell me about it? The only blessing was
my white pants matched the tissue. My emotions vacillated between wild laughter
and tears.
But
that situation was no big deal compared to others where far more was at stake.
Sometimes,
just when I think I’m getting over my embarrassing moments, shame can creep
back up on me.
So
I’m driving and I hear this song, and I think that’s the answer to shame-- to
all the moments, which cause us to draw back-- to hide our faces.
Yes,
I am redeemed. And that’s what I say when those memories reoccur. I am redeemed
from all the shame of my past--the failed ventures, the embarrassing mistakes,
the inadequacy of circumstances, the belly flops of life, and even the tissue
paper tails.
For
several days now, I listen to this song before lying down at night. They are the last
words I hear before fading to sleep.
So,
if like me, and you’re recovering from a great big belly flop, take comfort in His truth and repeat this with me—I am
redeemed.
“Those
who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame” (Psalm
34:5).
“For
you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you
were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your
forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or
defect” (I Peter 1:18-19).