Sin & Repentance

The scarlet “D” …

This morning, Fred will again teach our church’s teenagers on the topic of financial stewardship. (I continue in my role of “color commentary” and “case study of what NOT do to as a young adult concerning money.”)

To prepare, Fred not only prayed and studied Scripture, he spent a lot of time looking at online loan calculators, investment return resources, and other sites that might help him illustrate his teaching point.

Looking at all of those topics related to DEBT truly reminded me of the old “Scarlet D” I used to wear on my chest …

How, when I met Fred in grad school, in addition to the “Scarlet A” I wore (as a result of my past s*xual sins (have to avoid SPAMMERS by that spelling), I truly felt I had this “Scarlet D for DEBT” on my dress as well.)

This was particularly true because Fred had NEITHER.
He didn’t have a past to shame him regarding relationships with women.
He didn’t have any debt–and in fact had three “assets” to his name: his car, baseball glove, and trumpet.

(Sweet, huh?)

Anyway … the BEST part of all of this remembrance is how I could think about it all WITHOUT GUILT OR SHAME.

Because I know I am forgiven.

 

By Fred.
By God.

And although, until Glory, I will have to deal with SOME of the ramifications of my unwise and sinful decisions … I am also greatly comforted by God’s mercy to me even in this life. (Granting me the GIFT of such a wonderful husband; allowing us to get out from under my $73,000 in DEBT in only a couple of years so that we could leave our jobs in Chicago and come and serve at Peacemaker Ministries here in Montana; etc. etc. etc.)

Were it not for grace …

Amen?
Amen!

And Happy Sunday to you all–

Love,
Tara B.