Bricks

The rubble that was our house is being cleared away. They are busting things up and making the land new. The slate will be clean. Rebuilding will be made possible. 

It was a structure. A place to dwell. The fire burned hot and destroyed everything to ashes. But the bricks remained. The bricks were charred and black but they survived. I wanted those bricks. They were something that I hated when they stood in tact. I complained about the color. I did not like them. I just wanted to paint over them or get a new surface. 

But it is funny how important the surface becomes when you are going to lose it. Those bricks housed my family. Those bricks protected us. They held our cries, our joys, our screams, our laughter, our love. 

I wanted to save some of those bricks to bring into our new home. Our new dwelling place. The thought is to clean them up a little. Leave some of the character and make them even more beautiful. 

When the men came early to clear the mess, I was not prepared. I had not collected my bricks. I cried and panicked. I drove to the house. I called my friend crying. It was a bit of an overreaction. But this meant something to me. I tried to communicate to a Spanish speaking man that I needed those bricks. He looked at me like I was a little CRAZY! I just started hauling bricks to our backyard. My greatest friend came and together we piled those bricks that are going to be made into something beautiful.  

When I asked Jesus to speak His name Boldly, the Spirit came in and started tearing down bricks. My thoughts, feelings, emotions, behaviors and attitudes. They are ugly, charred and gross, but they are still my bricks. Sometimes I want to hold on to those bricks. They were mine for 33 years. They were my feelings, my love, my life. But Jesus claims those bricks now. I give Him ALL my bricks. I ask Him to make them beautiful. That others would see Him when they see my bricks. 

All the character that I have is being refined. All the best parts of me are being used so others can see the ONLY ONE who is worth seeing. Jesus. 

I don't care what my life is or does as long as when people see me, they see HIM. When God asks  something, that I say Yes. Obedient. Loving people as I have been loved by God. Showing Mercy as I have been shown Mercy. Leading others to a life of freedom and of service to the least. 

Therefore, remember that formerly you who are Gentiles by birth and called "uncircumcised" by those who call themselves "the circumcision" (which is done in the body by human hands)- remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:11-13

I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. Ephesians 1:18-19