Every Line…

Every Line…8-24-25

There are few people who can truly lay their life bare. They can open themselves to ridicule, those who will criticize, the unknown, and hurt. Most people have good intentions, but there are those who will use every opportunity to interject the situation with doubt, fear, and misunderstanding. I know a lot of women who would not put this picture out there. This picture wouldn’t have been allowed to exist. My son took this when I wasn’t aware. No make-up, far closer than I would ever want someone to see me with no makeup, wrinkled and lines evident, and my big nose glaring.

You see, this image is me. I lay myself bare every day with my thoughts, my feelings, my worries. I am exposed. Every wrinkle is a testament, and every line a path I have traveled. Some lines are deep, their marks never leaving no matter how much I try to cover them up. Makeup, cream, and skin care products could not erase these lines and make my face new. The journey that caused these lines can never be erased. The story sometimes too painful to remember, but at other times too impactful to forget.

The truth is, I don’t want to forget the stories. I don’t want to erase the lines. For in every single wrinkle and mark are God’s promises of my future. Every single journey was His direction and orchestrated by His hands. I can look at each time in my life and I know He gave me strength. He provided the safe places. He held me. If I erase the lines, I’m erasing God’s story in me.

Isaiah 58:11 says, “And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail.” What a wonderful picture of being held even in times of difficulties throughout our lives.

Psalm 37:23-24 says this, "The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand.” My way has been directed by God from the beginning. I will continue to be faithful. I will continue to lay my life bare understanding God will use me as His will dictates. All power and glory is in God alone.