Time: 4:40 pm
Weather: Overcast and cold
Music: "An't no rest for the wicked" - Cage the Elephant
Mood: Introspective
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"Dang you ugly!" I found myself thinking today. Then a moment later - "what on God's green earth made me think such a vile and terrible thing?". But then it begged the question - what is "ugly"? Some say beauty and ugly are polar opposites. But upon further inspection, I argue this concept seems to fizzle out. Beauty as Webster attests is"the qualities in a person or a thing that give pleasure to the senses or the mind" while "ugly" is "unpleasant to look at : not pretty or attractive". I acknowledge the fact that this definition may be limited in both depth and or even completely different from your world view. However, allow me these definitions for the sake of cohesion.
I believe then that since ugly - that which is unpleasant - resides in us as original sin then it is also a part of us. A sort of inheritance from Adam himself. And as with many things we must know our past in order to move forward in a meaningful and wise way. Thus, I believe it is imperative to not make peace nor make excuses about the ugliness within but rather pray to God and say "here it is - this rebellious and troublesome heart of mine. Take it, cleanse and cover it with your Son's blood that I may be washed as white as snow and approach the throne of grace and mercy".
In this way, we own it and lift it to the one who can heal. Out of these thorns we cling to Jesus ever tighter.
