Wounded

Tonight I had an opportunity to run to Wal-mart by myself! What you need to understand that living in Loganville means that when you run to Wal-mart you better be prepared to be there awhile because it's fairly likely you will run into at least one person you know. Tonight was no exception.

I ran into a young lady that I got to know many years ago. She's a good deal younger than me, in fact when I met her she was only 19. She was on fire for the Lord at that time. She had dreams about God's perfect husband for her like no one I'd ever met. Also, she knew that when God brought this man into her life, he would be the man who would receive her first kiss: at their wedding. We lost touch with this sweet girl over the years, until tonight when I saw her.

I spotted her on my way to the check out line and called her name. She didn't look too pleased to see me. I thought, wow, did I do something to her? She looks like I'm the last person in the world she wants to see. Hmmmm, did I do something? No, I don't think so. I began to ask her how things were, hoping she'd warm up to me, as this girl was one of the most fun loving people I've ever met. She began to tell me about her life. She is engaged and getting married in March. She's also pregnant. I shared with her that I am a labor and delivery nurse and how excited she must be, etc, etc. It dawned on me that she was not angry with me, but scared of me. I'm a christian, and she is an unwed mother. This was brought to my attention later in the conversation because common acquaintances were brought up. She was not shy about telling me that these people have been more that happy to inform her that she is a heathen for not being married and pregnant.

I was saddened to hear this. Are we not as Christians to love one another as God loves us? Are we not supposed to be the body of Christ to all people? When someone is down, are we not supposed to love them and encourage them? Yes, this girl has lost her way. Yes, this girl has sinned. Yes, this girl is marrying a man that more than likely is not what she had in mind for herself, or what other's had in mind for her. But, again, aren't we as Christians supposed to pray for her, and with her, and also for the man she has chosen?

To this girl I wanted to say: I have been in your shoes. I have been where you are. I know how you feel, I know your fear. I wanted to say to this girl that I love you anyway. I wanted to say to this man Jesus loves you and wishes to have a relationship with you. I wanted to tell them that I'm so sorry that Christians have chosen to shoot their own wounded. I wanted her to know that she needs to come back to church, as she will find love and acceptance. I wanted to say these things, but I didn't. Instead I simply told her that you need not be ashamed, Jesus will forgive you if you ask. This is not your baby, it's His baby. I will pray for you and your new family.

Why do we shoot our own wounded? "Let he who has not sinned cast the first stone!" It's in the bible, look it up! I don't understand how people who say they have the love of Christ in their heart can be so loveless towards another. She's lost her way, she's wounded, and she has sinned. Now pick her up, lift her up, and love her!

Amy