After moving halfway across the country away from friends, family, and my home church I was consumed by loneliness. For several months I desperately searched for a women's Bible study to attend. Several churches turned me down, several churches turned me off, and several offered the "Ladies Crazy Christmas Coffee" as a substitute for inductive, exegetical study. (Not that there's anything wrong with craziness, coffee, or Christmas. It's just that events with ugly sweaters don't challenge and revolutionize the soul the way being among God's own and in His word does.)
By grace God brought me to a Bible-teaching, God-fearing church that offered several women's studies. And then He brought me to Addie (name changed just in case). She led with grace and kindness. When I came in she was genuinely thrilled to see me, hugged me, and asked me all about my life. A few weeks later she invited me to coffee. She invited my family over to eat. She spoke with wisdom and joy.
Then, she posted something on Facebook, that made me do my bad theology squirm. I know my Bible. I know truth. God has graciously given me the ability to understand His word and the faith to believe it without hesitation. It is a gift. Sometimes I forget that. Because I am a sinner still saved by grace.
I looked at my mother and declared, "Can you believe, she believes that?" (And yes, it was said in that tone. That one that still makes me throw up in my mouth a little.)
My mother looked at me with wisdom and grace, and said, "But you were lonely, and she was your friend."
Hosea 6:6 "For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings."
Addie chose better.
And by grace with forgiveness, I hope to also.
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