Sticks, Stones, and Words

The Trucker was home an extra week this time.  Cooler temperatures were wonderful, except for that one unseasonably warm day.  Indoor projects when it rained, outdoors when the sun shone.  The relief of getting items crossed off a list that had been waiting far too long.

But overshadowing the satisfaction of accomplishment, was a heaviness.  Memories of this same week, three years ago.  Somehow the mind, and even the body, do not forget painful anniversaries.  Even if they are not part of conscious thought at all times, the memory is there.

For the Trucker and his Passenger it was the pain of rejection, of betrayal, of loss; hopes and dreams dashed on the rocks of anger, accusation, and animosity.

Schoolchildren learn: "Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me."  But words do hurt.  Very much.  They flay like knives, stripping away one's confidence and self worth.

The Passenger had not realized how much the pain of false accusation had shaped her.

Today in the hallway after church, she met a treasured friend. They had not been able to connect for some time.

TREASURED FRIEND:  I was just talking with _________, who mentioned how much help you have been to her lately.  You are such a gift to her at this time.

PASSENGER:  What I do is a drop in the bucket, given the responsibilities she carries.  I so appreciated her trusting me with her children.

TREASURED FRIEND:  Remember the day when we moved?  When you took all my children and cared for them in your home?  You made the same comment to me then, about being trusted.

Gripping the Passenger's hands in hers, eyes streaming with tears, she said urgently:  "Please, please hear me.  You are trustworthy!  You have done no wrong!  What happened was not a result of what you have done; this was done TO you!  It is not your fault.  Do not allow yourself to be held back by a lie from the enemy!"  

And as the now familiar tears carved a path on her own cheeks, she realized she had.  Once again the enemy's lies had begun to creep in and cripple her spirit.  Planting the thought that maybe, just maybe, it WAS her fault.  Maybe they WERE right, she should have...could have...and failed.  And believing again, that she was the cause of others' pain, when in fact, the reverse was true.

God is Omnipotent and Omniscient.  If there was something she could have done, or still should do, is He not able to show her what it is?  In a clear and definite way?

And if He has not done so, then there is nothing held against her.  The slate is clean.  There is no false guilt to be had.  

Colossians 2:13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the [b]handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 

I cast my mind to Calvary
Where Jesus bled and died for me.
I see His wounds, His hands, His feet.
My Savior on that cursed tree

His body bound and drenched in tears
They laid Him down in Joseph's tomb.
The entrance sealed by heavy stone
Messiah still and all alone

O praise the name of the Lord our God
O praise His name forever more
For endless days we will sing Your praise
Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Then on the third at break of dawn,
The Son of heaven rose again.
O trampled death where is your sting?
The angels roar for Christ the King

O praise the name of the Lord our God
O praise His name forever more
For endless days we will sing Your praise
Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

He shall return in robes of white,
The blazing Son shall pierce the night.
And I will rise among the saints,
My gaze transfixed on Jesus' face

O praise the name of the Lord our God
O praise His name forever more
For endless days we will sing Your praise
Oh Lord, oh Lord our God

Songwriters: Dean Ussher / Marty Sampson / Benjamin Hastings