Sinful

She was boasting.

Her black t-shirt with bright, sparkly, red letters across her chest boasted her condition like the neon signs of Vegas.

Her  shirt said, "Sinful".

I might not have been able to see her sinfulness otherwise.

I would have noticed her long mahogany hair, her deep brown eyes, a smiley face ... but she might have been able to conceal her "sinful" side from me.

It made me sad.

Sad for her.

But more than that.

Jesus died because I am a sinner. We are all sinners.

If it were not for His grace, I should be wearing that t-shirt.

It is sad that she doesn't know the deadliness of sin.

She does not know that she needs a savior.

Even sadder, she does not know how wonderful He is, how special it is to know Him.

She revels in moments of pleasure that are sure to bring pain.

She has never felt the liberty of redemption.

I would never wear a t-shirt that says "sinful" across the front. Is it safe to say never? I hope so. But I could have. I could have worn it like a banner before I knew Him.

But words like these are so beautiful~

"He gives beauty for ashes,
the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."

and these

"You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and
a royal diadem in the hand of your God.
You shall no longer be termed Forsaken, nor shall your land any more be
termed Desolate; But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah;
For the Lord delights in you."

Because of a cross. Because of One who knew no sin. Who became sin. For us.

We become "a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord".

I want to be free from "Sinful" so He can call me "Beautiful".
I would rather be in the palm of His hand ... forever!

Isaiah 61:3 and Isaiah 62:3-4