I struggle, quite often, trying to come up with something to write about in these blogs. I enjoy writing…to a degree, but for the most part, when I write a song…it is out of necessity. In other words, there is something that I must get out. So, blogging has yet to “grow on me”. For some reason, though, there are a handful of you that actually read these things! So, for that handful…this blog’s for you. (Wasn’t there a beer commercial along those same lines…? “This Bud’s for you”) Anyway……
Today’s blog is about my dad. Sort of. Moreso an analogy he once told me. One I have never forgotten. My dad is a wise man. He is gentle. Meek. Quiet. Of few words, like myself. And he has the kindest eyes. He was a minister for over 20 years. Now….he is an Orkin man. He has to go into homes in neighborhoods that cops won’t even venture! And homes that you and I can only dream of possessing. He sees every walk of life. From the poorest of humans, who somehow can afford pest control, to the rich and proud. I know that he misses being behind a pulpit and may, at times, feel unimportant. (Yes, I call them pulpits. I was raised Baptist…can’t help it!) But I have told him many times that what God has him doing now is of extreme importance. He comes in contact with people that the “church” can’t reach. Or won’t reach. People that…and let’s just be honest here…the church would be embarrassed to have sitting in their pews. My dad loves the unloveable and he tells them about the Savior. One day, the government will realize that they can’t stop the message of Jesus Christ. Booyah! But that’s a whole ‘notha blog.
On to the analogy. My family and I go the beach every year. This story transpired, I think, vacation 2 years ago. My dad and I were walking along the beach and we were collecting seashells. The kids love those things. He picks one up. Broken, of course, as they most always are. Most people try to discover the shells that are whole because those are a rare find and quite beautiful. But my dad liked this particular broken shell. It was the inside of a shell. You know, the kind that look like tornadoes? He thought it was the most beautiful shell he had ever seen. He began to tell me that God looks at us like seashells. Most people would have discarded the shell he was holding because it was broken. It was incomplete. There was nothing spectacular about it. But my dad said that he could see what this shell originally looked like. He could see the original design of this shell. And to him…even the pieces were beautiful.
I’ve often wondered why God loves me. Besides the fact that I am His creation, I feel that there is more to it than just that. My dad cleared some of this up for me. I am a seashell. Broken. Damaged. Beaten by the waves. A part of what was intended to be a whole. Most people would discard me. And most people did. But God saw what was supposed to be….what He intended to be. And to Him….even the pieces are beautiful. Knowing that, I’d rather be a broken shell…with God…than a whole one…without Him.
Thanks for reading.
Joy
Joy, I just wanted to say that really touched me, all of it, everything. I have about 17 years as a pastor now, and the last year has been by far the toughest. This was just a great reminder that in the end we are all just broken and damaged, but God loves us, and that’s what is most important to know in all of life. Thanks for this, it was very encouraging and God used it for me right now….you are a blessing,(I know that sounds ol-timey)Ben CCAthens
I think there’s more to add to that. Like your father, I think God wants us to see the way he sees. To recognize the entire shell, not just the broken pieces. I think once we learn to do that, we can learn to truly love one another, and even more so, desire strongly to bring others to Christ. To reveal what we, and God, already know(s).
On the subject of your infrequent blog, one of my favorite authors, Frank Peretti, last updated his blog about three years ago. In that respect, you’re a blogging maniac.
Blogs, in my opinion, don’t have to be deep or witty. I think blogs (when written by musicians/authors/etc) are wonderful to become more personal with fans. Your fans want to know who you are–good and bad–and a blog helps them get a taste of that, while keeping your private life. . .well. . .private (as private as you want).
Honestly, most people are very interesting folks with a storybook worth of ideas in their heads. Just tell us what’s on your mind, when something’s on it, and we’ll love you for it.
God Bless.
Hey, I’m one of those ‘handful’… and I gotta say thanks for writing.
You’re words may not be a whole book, but they are honest and that moves me.
So thanks for sharing your thoughts =)
p.s. you made me laugh with your opening slogan
Joy, thanks so much for your words…to those reading this, I just want to say that I personally know the man (her Dad) that she is talking about in this blog - and yes, she described him to a ‘tee’. Her Dad was my pastor for several years in a community called Pleasant Grove in Mississippi. Joy gets her talents from not only God, our Father, but also from her Dad and Mom. For those that are blessed to meet them, you know what I am talking about…truly amazing people who have a truly amazing daughter…THANKS for what you are doing Joy!
Thanks Joy. Beautiful. Better than Blush & Bashful.
Hi there! I enjoy really much your blogs! you’re genuine & sweet! and i’d LOVE to meet your whole family! you all are special!
I also say pulpit (i was raised not Baptist, but Christian Comunity)! Lets say it out Loud.. PULPIT!! haha!
It’s SO nice, relieving, awesome, unbelievable, almost impossible that God loves us broken and incomplete (1 Cor 1:27-31)…. Because He made us to be complete for Him!… Your dad’s analogy is real. Is amazing to know that God looks us beautiful in ispite of our sins & mistakes!
Thanks for share your thoughts & heart!
Love You!