The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good

The Ugly, The Bad, and The Good

The Ugly

I was pregnant with my first child and on this particular day, I had a very bad attitude. While I cannot remember why I was mad, I am certain that it was trivial. I could hold a grudge for days, and anything could set me off. I was moody and just no fun to be around. That is what I was experiencing this day or should I say that is what others were experiencing. So, when my husband shared that my sister-in-law was having a get together, it only made me even more upset. I went along and though I did not verbalize my disgust, I exhibited passive aggressive behavior by slamming cabinet doors, being super quiet and responding with very short one- and two-word phrases. So how do you think I felt when we arrived to find everyone there for me – a surprise baby shower. Everything was decorated so pretty and had even arranged to pick up one of the mothers of my church whom I cherished. Oh, how ugly I felt!

The Bad

I was driving in a small town not too far from where I live. I was speeding and was pulled over by the police. I thought, “No way are they pulling me over”. As I pulled over, I had an incredulous attitude and decided that I would let him know how asinine his act was. The officer stepped out and asked for my license. As I pulled out my license, I asked him if he did not have anything better to do than to pull over a young lady who was only going a few miles over the limit. I further explained to him that he should be out catching the real criminals. I think the officer was in shock because he could not speak. When he did speak, he simply said, “Maam slow it down”. Even as I write this, I cannot believe my gall. Wow, what a bad mouth I had. 

The Good

I was invited to speak at a conference at a church in my community. The conference was two days and the organizer wanted the speakers to attend the entire conference – not speak and leave. I accepted the invitation and purposed in my heart to attend the entire conference. A few days later, I received an invitation to speak at another service Friday night. It was new territory so I was excited to accept the invitation as my ministry was expanding. I reasoned that it was not a  big deal missing Friday since I was not speaking until Saturday. I had a tough time pulling together the message for Friday night but I pushed on and spoke. As I spoke, I did not feel like I had the power of God with me. At the end, everyone was cordial and stated that they enjoyed the message, but it was not earth shaking. Once home, I talked to God and asked for His forgiveness and prayed that He be with me Saturday. As I sat in the bathtub pondering the message, I received the word for Saturday, “In case of emergency, break the glass”. Saturday, God delivered a word that truly helped the women of God. Today, some 20 years later, some still talk about it. No one is good but God alone. (Mark 10:18) Even in our good, our motives must be pure and our ways must please God. It is He who makes all grace abound toward us.

Friends, my ugly was UGLY; my bad was real bad; and my good was not good at all. It is in Him that I (we) live and move and have my (our) being. (Acts 17:28) God gets the glory and we get mercy. Mercy, yes, that is what God gave me when my family blessed me even though I was not bless-worthy and when the policeman did not give me a ticket or lock me up because I definitely deserved it. Then, after mercy God gave me grace as he blessed me with His spirit and His presence to speak a rhema word on His behalf even though I neglected to do what He told me to do. 

Friends, we serve an awesome God. Do you know Him? If not, I encourage you to fall on your knees ask the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to save you today. Ask Him to be your Lord and Savior. Just agree with Him that you are a sinner and that you need a Savior. Got questions, read the book of John who witnessed first-hand the life of Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you understanding and open the eyes and heart so that you can receive Him today. Friends, I am praying for you. The life we live for God is the very best life and it is my hope and prayer that you will begin to live it too. 

For God’s Glory, 

Tahnee