8-8-12 -19-

What's your excuse?

I heard this question asked by a man with cerebral palsy. He had been on a public speaking platform for years, a motivational speaker at that! It had me really take a look at all the excuses I seemed to have about why I "couldn't...". I had a whole lot of couldn't in my mind. I find it profitable to question my excuses these days, and more often than not, they just don't hold up under examination. :)

It is a really good thing that we are often afforded second chances in this life, because, if you're like me, we all need them from time to time. It has been my experience that when I fail in some major way (I have done a lot of that!) I find similar circumstances repeating themselves, as if God is giving me a chance to get it right. Which is a good thing as it usually takes me a time or two in the big things.

Once upon a time I was in a position to nurse a dear friend as she was dying. I ran to a bottle and ended up doing this prison sentence. My shame was huge. Recently I was put in a position to once again nurse a dying person. I stood over this individual as they coughed up their life blood, praying, wiping it clean and ministering as I should have the first time around. Nothing has ever been harder to do, yet the shame I once had has gone.

I had a false start at education a decade ago. Then it got hard, they took Pell grants from prisoners, I got involved in other work. In other words, I found excuses. I got rid of the excuses and WILL HAVE MY AA Degree in December, Lord willing. I am also transferring to Seminary where I hope to begin work towards my Doctorate. I find excuses just do not hold up when challenged. Try it, I bet you find out the same thing is true for you!

**Please keep Sharron in your prayers as she deals with issues that are not easy.