Hosea 4 onwards, is the writing of a scribe, the voice of a prophet, telling of the offense felt by a God, a Lover, who has been wronged. As the people murmur among themselves about what could this picture of Hosea and his prostitute wife mean, You, God, send out its message. As it spreads […]
Even the priests… In relating to Hosea the offense You feel towards Israel, You lay Your complaint about the priests – those set apart for the purpose of leading the people into knowing You, but who too had become corrupt. And like Hosea, as he writes Your words down, I hear the ache of things […]
None of my brokenness darkens or diminishes¹ my worth. None of my brokenness is able to put an end to the unfailing love You have for me that seeks my company and my return to relationship with You. Yes, like Israel, and like Gomer, I am ruined, broken, desperate, lost, but You love me here. You understand […]
“God, Your love is not good enough!” Man. Buried deep within this story of Hosea, is where Your heart is able to finally and honestly find expression of it’s deepest pain. It comes out amongst all the offense felt. You have said things hard to hear, but true, yet here is revealed the root of Your […]
In one of her darkest moments, she shared her pain, words spoken that have steered the course of her life, “I wish I never had you!” She was conceived in a time of broken painful relationship between her mother and father. Her birth was not looked forward to or desired. Rather, it meant more hardship […]
A legalistic upbringing made her feel caged in. “It’s my body, my life. I can do as I want.” Told, “I wish you were never born”. “I am unwanted.” Abandoned. Left. “I am scared of being alone. I have to be with someone.” Sidelined while they fought their battles. “I mustn’t deserve love.” An alcoholic […]
I sat with an old frail woman in the waiting area at the courthouse a while ago. Her family had gone outside to have a cigarette to relieve the stress of the circumstances that day. I found myself in what was a privileged position – a sacred place – as she recalled her story to […]