adam|riggins

A quick reminder to anyone that has messed up in life…  As cliche as it may sound, there isn’t anything we can do that will make God love us any less.  In fact, not only that, but in times of need and in times where we feel like we can’t get any lower, God will sustain us if we let him.  That’s something we could all stand to remember at times.

Here is a beautiful song that I was introduced to at just the right time that reminded me of that very truth.  I hope it can do the same for you.

(click the little play button next to the name)

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(Matt Wertz)

I will not take my love away
When praises cease and seasons change
while the whole world turns the other way
I will not take my love away

I will not leave you all alone
When striving leads you far from home
And there’s no yield for what you’ve sown
I will not leave you all alone

I will give you what you need
In plenty or in poverty
Forever, always, look to me
And I will give you what you need
I will not take my love away

I just listened to a song that hit me like a ton of bricks.  Basically, it is for anyone that has ever done something they knew they shouldn’t be doing.  We can all think of something that fits that description.  Anyways, it talks about how with that kind of temptation, it is not a sudden thing.  In fact, sometimes is subtle things that lead us down that wrong path.  See for yourself: (press the “play” button to listen):

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(by Casting Crowns)

Be careful little eyes what you see
It’s the second glance that ties your hands as darkness pulls the strings
Be careful little feet where you go
For it’s the little feet behind you that are sure to follow

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
It’s a slow fade, it’s a slow fade

Be careful little ears what you hear
When flattery leads to compromise, the end is always near
Be careful little lips what you say
For empty words and promises lead broken hearts astray

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day

The journey from your mind to your hands
Is shorter than you’re thinking
Be careful if you think you stand
You just might be sinking

It’s a slow fade when you give yourself away
It’s a slow fade when black and white have turned to gray
Thoughts invade, choices are made, a price will be paid
When you give yourself away
People never crumble in a day
Daddies never crumble in a day
Families never crumble in a day

Oh be careful little eyes what you see
Oh be careful little eyes what you see
For the Father up above is looking down in love
Oh be careful little eyes what you see

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This made me think long and hard about how I can so easily judge someone for making a mistake, and not see how God can turn that mistake into something beautiful.

To see more of these, head over to The Ongoing Adventures of ASBO Jesus.

Something about this song just makes me “reflect”.  I know that sounds weird, but give it a listen. (Press the play button next to the link below):

God Bless the Child (by Michelle Featherstone)

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God bless the child
Who can find the way home
God bless the child
Who is weary in soul
Oh, beware to take care of yourself
Or you’ll lack the strength to help somebody else

God bless the child
Who is broken and bruised
God bless the child
Who just wants to be good
Oh, beware to take care of yourself
Or you’ll lack the strength to help somebody else

So take care
So take care
Of yourself

Oh, beware to take care of yourself
Or you’ll lack the strength to help somebody else
So take care, take care
Of yourself

Several years ago, I made a very bad judgment call that resulted in a lot of people turning their backs on me and my friendship. This mistake pretty much changed the course of my life, and since then, I have grown exponentially from it. But the fact remains, when I messed up, a lot of people were very quick to judge.

Now, it comes out that former presidential candidate John Edwards had an extramarital affair with someone back in 2006. He hid it for a while, but after a tabloid published something regarding it, he came clean. He admitted it to his wife, and she has forgiven him for doing it.

What about everyone else that is calling him degrading names and judging him for doing what he did. Sure, it was very wrong in every sense of the way, but it was a mistake. A mistake that EVERY HUMAN is capable of making. It’s easy to say that we would never get caught up in that kind of act, or any other act like it, but let’s be real for a second.

As humans, we all have a nature to do evil. When you are a child, you have to be taught to do “right”. We seem to figure out the “wrong” on our own. It’s due to our sinful nature as humans, simple as that.

For those of us that are Christians, we are called to forgive people when they mess up. Judging and pretending that any of us are better than anyone else is just naive and wrong. As Joshua pointed out on his blog, all of us, at any time, are only a few steps away from going down the path that leads to destruction.  Some of us always steer clear of the temptation, but it’s easier than you think to start to step towards that wrong path.

All this to say, please don’t be quick to judge others when they mess up.  Instead, be quick to forgive.  When it’s your turn to mess up in some way (and it will be eventually), you will need all of the love and support you can find.  You know, like Jesus would do.