Book Marked

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:8-9

John Eldredge writes: “As Eugene Peterson said, ‘We live in narrative, we live in story. Existence has a story shape to it. We have a beginning and an end, we have a plot, we have characters.’ Story is the language of the heart.”


“Mom really likes this author” my sister exclaimed during a Women of Faith Tampa conference. Two weeks later, I would have the honor of serving at the Women of Faith Ft. Lauderdale conference. “I have a GREAT idea!” she said. “I will buy his book, mail it to you, you can get it signed by him, and that will be her Christmas present.” PERFECT! And so it came to pass that book was bought and signed to be her gift.

Sometime during the night, I spilled coffee onto the book. Thankfully, the stain was only on the outer edges. The inside pages, however, remained pristine and without a trace of trauma. Still, I was mortified. There was no covering or cleaning this mess. The signed book was irreplaceable! The stained cover was irreversible. It is to be given "as is."

…All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. Psalm 139:16

My choices will never change God's Sovereignty of my story. Though my cover is stained with humanity, my heart is signed with Holiness. He cleanses me internally, He changes me externally, and He carries me daily. My stains are not in shame, but are part of the tapestry that calls to other beggars to read of His grace and mercy.

I am a story book irreplaceable. His Son’s signature is irrevocable. I am bought, signed, and delivered to be the perfect and personal gift from the Son to His Father. This is also the gift presented to the world: His Perfect Word written inside this imperfect cover.

Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar

Click here for "Heal the Wound" by Point of Grace

Enjoy Him, Michelle mlpack1@yahoo.com