Katie asked me to come back and talk about redemption.
After talking about my past and this whole idea of shame, I have no idea if she’s thinking third time’s a charm, or three strikes I’m out.
Regardless, three is my favorite number. So here I am.
Redemption. Not really sure what I think about that word. Crickets, really. So I decided to look it up. Here’s what I found, plus my commentary.
Redemption:
- An act of redeeming or the state of being redeemed (How’s that for helpful?)
- Deliverance, rescue
- Deliverance from sin; salvation (Pastor Fenton? Is that you?)
- Atonement for guilt (Now I have to look up atonement.)
- Repurchase, as of something sold
Number three brings up too many unpleasant memories.
I have adverse reactions whenever I hear the word atonement. So number four is out.
I don’t think Katie had number five in mind when she brought up redemption and number one is not at all helpful. There should be a law that prohibits dictionaries from using the actual word in the definition.
So I guess I’m left with number two.
Deliverance. Rescue.
I’m not sure how I feel about either of those words.
It’s not like anyone rescued me from Peaks. I had to do that on my own. I’m the one who earned the grades that got me the scholarship. And I’m the one who landed the job in Chicago.
But still….
If I’m being totally honest. Sometimes, when I’m feeling tired or worn out or unsure, the idea of being rescued is an appealing one.
It reminds me of a recurring dream I had as a kid, when we moved away from the farm and into that trailer park. For an entire year I dreamt about a prince as handsome as my dad. He would ride into the park on his white stallion and rescue me from all that had happened. He would bring me back to Grandpa Dan’s farm. And he would make everything better.
But that was just a silly little girl dream.
I learned a long time ago that princes don’t exist.
I asked Bailey what she thought about the whole redemption thing. I don’t agree with everything she says, but in case you’re interested in reading, you can click here.
Let’s Talk: What’s your favorite definition of redemption? Did you ever dream about being rescued when you were little?
Interested in reading Bethany’s story? You can preorder Wildflowers from Winter on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Christianbook.com
Check out Katie’s Facebook Author Page or Dani Pettrey’s Facebook Author Page for a word of encouragement regarding redemption.
Come back tomorrow for the Where Lilacs Still Bloom blog hop and a chance to win fun prizes!
You have a gift, Katie. Not only are you a great writer, but you reach people with truth, packaged in such a way that it’s not at all preachy. Loved how you let Bethany share her thoughts about a vital aspect of our faith.
Interesting. I often ask God to redeem something I didn’t mean to mess up, but did. In that sense I’m asking Him to make something good out of my mess. Not sure which one of your definitions that fits, but it works for me. Guess I got the idea from knowing He’s taken my messed up life and brought good out of it.
As for Pastor Fenton, you’ve got to move beyond that guy’s legalistic teachings, girl. I’ve been burned by some so-called Christians like that too, but what they teach is not the truth I find in God’s word.
Good hearing from you again, Bethany. Think I’ll check out what Bailey has to say.
I don’t remember dreaming that I’d be rescued. I was more of “I’ll do it myself” type of girl. 🙂
Looking forward to Bethany’s story! (so soon!!)
Yay, I love hearing from Bethany. 🙂
Redemption, to me, is God’s love in gift form. It is the hugest and best thing God has ever provided for me…for all of us…the opportunity to be rescued, made clean, and to wholly belong to him. Amazing.
I have to agree with Jessica – BRILLIANT! To me, redemption means hope. That’s no one is so far gone that there isn’t a chance of healing and restoration. It’s such a clear picture of Christ’s love.
I love these posts. Love how Bethany’s voice is distinctive. And I love how God redeems us and rescues us like that prince on a white stallion.
I used to “get lost” at festivals and fairs. Some people might call that running away. I think one of my novels came out of this habit I had of taking off.
But rescued…I’m not sure I conceptualized the kind of love waiting for me. I had a sense, a glimpse, but I feel that’s how it is with us here on earth. We’re only getting a small taste of the glory to be.
Thanks for your words last night!
~ Wendy
I’m definitely choosing number 2! Katie, your Bethany posts are brilliant. You don’t give the book away by talking through your characters. That’s flat out brilliant. I love it.