Yesterday, while waiting in line for my Driver’s License, I had the opportunity to talk with a sweet young mother. She had just relocated to area from Seattle. We talked about the differences in the regions. We laughed together. Shared our misery and frustration with standing in line. 

Eventually I asked the question, “Have you found a place to worship?” Shame, guilt came across her face. “No.” Then she proceeded to share how the “church” had hurt her. Her pain was real. Her disillusionment unfortunately common. God had been presented as uncaring to the needs of women, allowing men to domineer and debase women. The God presented to her hated more than loved.

My heart broke for her. I was saddened and angry all at the same time. I did not invite her to church. I didn’t lead her in a prayer of salvation. I apologized on behalf of the church. I then shared with her the character of the God I knew. A God who championed, empowered, and protected women. A God who is kind, patient, loving, forgiving. A God who woos the lost, who is all powerful, all mighty, and created the world but takes time to answers me when I call. A God who is good.

I told her I would pray that God would give her a greater revelation of His love for her. That she would see the “true” character of God.

That’s my prayer for you (and myself). That everyday, the kindness, the goodness, the reckless love of God is revealed to our hearts. But I also pray that we would reflect God’s love. May His love it be reflected in my words, my life, my actions, my politics, my Facebook posts, my job. 

God is good. Dios es bueno. Let it reverberate throughout the world. GOD IS GOOD!

“I will bless the LORD at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

I sought the LORD, and He answered me, And delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, And their faces will never be ashamed. This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him And saved him out of all his troubles.

O taste and see that the LORD is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him!

The young lions do lack and suffer hunger; But they who seek the LORD shall not be in want of any good thing.”

Psalms 34:1, 4-6, 8, 10