Ripples of Redemption

Whatever words I have at my disposal, whatever thoughts I am able to process or formulate into some sort of complete story, they will never be enough. There is nothing in this world and certainly, nothing within me that could ever be enough to tell this story, but God is enough. And as I sit before this temperamental old laptop writing this story, I feel God's words pouring into me.

A friend has told me God spoke a word to her in reference to our current situation. That word was "redemption." And that is what this is, a redemption story. In fact, I believe whatever we allow God to do in our lives is a redemption story. God is a redeemer, and He just can't stop being who He is -- He won't stop being who He is. Years ago, I would have said redemption is what Jesus did on the cross; I would have said it is God's way of saving us from hell. And I wouldn't have been wrong, but I would have only been scratching the surface. Redemption is a process. With every day that passes, God shows me more and more what redemption is all about.

Redemption happens each time I don't freak out because my mother is sitting at the kitchen table in only her skivvies, eating half a bag of chocolate chips. Not because that is who I have always been, but because God has whispered to me time and time again, "I've got this; you have other things to handle right now;" and He has shown me I can trust Him in that. He has redeemed me from the alarmist I used to be, to the person who gets her strength and peace and confidence only from Him. And that allows my mother to know redemption. She experiences love and kindness, rather than frustration and impatience. Redemption happens when the Holy Spirit works above, beyond and in spite of cognitive impairments to bring my mother to the altar for prayer after Sunday service. Redemption happens when I sit sobbing as I watch my mother move forward, alone and on weakened legs, and I am assured I will see her made whole in heaven one day. Redemption happens when I tell this story and it moves others to know who God is and what He can do.

Redemption has always been God's plan for His creation, and He is always moving toward that end. Redemption happens when dark nights come and He takes us through them. And though we have no idea why He would ask us to do such a thing, He whispers, "Wait and see what I will do." Redemption happens when a season of sadness comes into our life, and we are not sure when or how the pain will go away, and why it all had to be; but God says, "I keep track of your sorrows; I know each tear that falls." Redemption happens when those dark nights and seasons of sadness make way for two children to move into your home and into your hearts, and your small, small world of self has been cast aside, darkness and grief become nothing compared to the joy and chaos and hope that now permeate your life. Redemption was His plan even as the nights were long and our hearts were heavy. Redemption happens when I tell this story and it moves others to know who God is and what he can do.