I was made fun of when I was a young girl because I would walk with my head down most of the time. “Why do you always look down? Why don’t you hold your head up? What’s wrong with you?”
Life just wasn’t easy in those days. Family life was difficult and often physically and emotionally painful. What did I have to hold my head up for?
After one of the last times I was made fun of I decided to always try to look straight ahead. It wasn’t easy. I had walked looking down for a long time. Eventually, I learned to (most of the time) look up when I walked.
I was reminded of this just today as I walked down the street to a meeting a couple of blocks away. I was in deep thought and caught myself looking down for a brief period. Unexpectedly, the sadness of unpleasant days as a child came flooding back. I nearly broke out in tears. Not because of those days and the sad reasons why I felt compelled to look down instead of up at the world, but because, in that very brief moment, Jesus spoke to my heart and reminded me it was He who lifted my head. Even as I write this, tears sting my eyes. Oh, how I love the Lifter of my head, the Lifter of my soul! He reaches us right where we are and knows the comfort we need. The tears were not of sadness, but of joy. Joy in knowing how far I’ve come and how thankful I am to know the One who’s always been by my side. So thankful.
It’s been a long time since those difficult childhood days but those kinds of memories never completely leave us. I believe the Lord allowed me this memory because I’m supposed to share it with you.
Maybe you need to be reminded that Jesus can and will lift us out of the darkness and into the light. Maybe you have someone you love who needs to be reminded too.
But You, O Lord, are a shield about me,
My glory, and the One who lifts my head. Psalm 3:3
I am reminded of one of my favorite hymns, Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus. The chorus speaks to my heart. May it speak to yours too.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face;
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim
In the light of His glory and grace.
Though I still have memories of painful days, it is Jesus who has diminished those memories which has allowed me to live an abundant life. And, as life will never be perfect, when trouble comes, I know beyond a doubt my Jesus is always with me to lift my head so I can see and appreciate the beauty He’s created all around.
If you are going through a difficult time, please turn to Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face. Let Him lead you into the light of His glory and grace. He’s just a whisper away and will always, always, lift you up.
May the love and grace of God fill you to overflowing.
In His embrace,
Toni
Leave a reply