Joy Comes in the Mourning!

Today I decided to share an excerpt from a book entitled "Joy Comes in the Mourning" written by a very close friend Korika Johnson. This book is a must read and a daily reminder to me that no matter what we go through or what problems we face there is still JOY in IT and all things work together for our good.This chapter is about one of my favorite characters.

Joy Comes in the Mourning ~ Chapter Thirty-One

Carolyn

I don’t know what to expect when I show up for church this morning, but I take a deep breath before walking through the sanctuary doors, prepared for whatever. The only reason I came was because my honey asked me to come. Said service ain’t the same without me.

It’s obvious by the way folk either stare at me or ignore me that I am the subject of scandal. Most folk are trying a little too hard to act like I don’t exist. I don’t get a “Praise the Lord,” smile, or even a head nod.

I know I probably deserve this, but it still hurts. It pains me to see folk who generally greet me with loving hugs twisting their faces as I make my way through the sanctuary. Folk who used to call on me weekly for prayer or favors act like we’ve never met. Walk right by me like my sin will rub off on them like cheap makeup. And Minister Wyman…I tried to search out at least one ally, but when I made eye contact with her, she swung her head around so fast, I wouldn’t be surprised if she had whiplash.

I’m thinking maybe this wasn’t such a good idea—coming out this morning. But I couldn’t let the devil win. But now, I just want the service to be over. I just want to be outta here. All morning I’ve been trying to put on the mind of Christ, but really my mind is in turmoil. One little mistake seems to have outweighed all of the good that I’ve ever done. I need to hear a word that’ll pull me completely out of this depressing state.

The audio/visual ministry has piped in the waiting music, the songs we listen to before the service gets started. Smokie Norful’s “You’ve Been Good” floods my ears. Yes, God has been good. Too good for me to dwell on my mistake like he’s not a forgiving God. My God is in the blessing business. King David was on to something when he said, “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” So why do I feel cursed?

I slide into an empty pew, near the back of the sanctuary, and although nobody else is on the row, practically pin myself to the wall at the end. I close my eyes and silently pray the words of Psalm 32:5: Lord, I confessed all of my sin to you, and you forgave me and took away my guilt. I am speaking things that be not as though they are, because I still feel guilty. WHen i open my eyes...

That's all im going to share today. You must buy the book! Have a great weekend and Mark Your Calendar for the next "60 Minutes with the Father" on Friday, April 27, 2012 at Midnight!