This is a two part series. The first post being “A Reflection”, the second being “A Rebuild.”
During our early village work in Tharaka, Kenya (roughly 36 years ago), we regularly gathered children at a primary school to do games, activities and teaching. At the end of the school term we took a picture of the group with a Polaroid camera we had with us. The children were jumping with excitement as they viewed the picture when one little boy said,”Who is that ?” Of course there were no mirrors or photos in Tharaka, so he did not know what he looked like.
The Lord Jesus knows exactly what we look like. The scripture in James tells us the importance of looking into a mirror and getting a clear picture of ourself and not forgetting how we look.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:22~24
When I began my walk with Christ as a 15 year old I looked into a mirror and saw a clear and very transparent picture of a young woman who was totally in need of Christ’s grace. I made Christ Lord of my life. Even in early years of marriage, college, two young children and husbands year in Vietnam I continued to look into that mirror and recognize my need of Christ and desired to be faithful. The Holy Spirit would prompt me when my heart and actions were not right.I would ask for forgiveness and peace would return. (1 John 1:9)
As a young adult after my husband returned from Vietnam I faced new challenges.As with most soldiers marriage was more difficult post war time. About a year later we suffered the loss of our second son, Scott Ryan who only lived one day. Of course this was so traumatic for both of us. We did not communicate our hurt to one another or anyone else. Now I know that my husband was suffering from PTSD, but did not understand that at the time.
I looked at my face in the mirror and thought I saw a young woman who was able to do life by herself, without any need of Christ. I was full of pride and hurt. I walked away and forgot what I actually looked like. I made a decision to leave what I knew and heard and live like the world.
…and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
James 1:24
After some months of pain and turmoil in our marriage, we recognized our brokenness and got counsel. We both cried out to the Lord and wanted to start over. We went to a prayer service in the area led by a Presbyterian pastor. We had never been there before but we were desperately in need of ministry and prayer. After the message, people were invited to come to the altar for prayer. We did so and the pastor laid hands on me and prayed. He spoke and prayed over me for all that had taken place in my life the last year. We were shocked but knew the Lord had given that pastor revelation knowledge and a strong prayer of encouragement for me to go forward. When I took another look in the mirror, I humbly saw a woman that passionately wanted and needed Christ’s presence in her life. That last reflection has been a major marker in my life and has been branded on my heart to this day.
James 1:24 is still a life scripture for me.
