When I Found Jesus

 

"When I Found Jesus"

 I almost didn't write this blog even though it has been on my heart for just about two years now. I didn't want to write it out of fear that the author, singer, songwriter of the title song "When I Found Jesus", (Steph Macleod of Scotland) would either be upset with me for using his song as a backdrop for my story or that he would think I was making a comparison of our two very different lives; maybe thinking I was thinking that mine was better - - that's when it hit me that I had to write the blog! Our stories are so very different, and his story is so gracious, so sorrowful, so rewarding, and uplifting, where mine (if you think about it) is sweet, kind, quaint, and endearing.  The truth is, Steph actually found Jesus. I was (and am) one of the extreme blessed, who can say I was born into a Christian home, born to Christian parents, who were born to Christian parents, who were born to Christian parents - - I tell people I was born on a Wednesday and in church on Sunday, and that is not a lie. My mom was probably forgiven by the dutiful ladies in the basement kitchen of the 40th Street Baptist Church that Wednesday evening (November 22, 1961), for not showing up to make potato salad or deviled eggs for the weekly prayer supper. 

Steph's mournful song "When I Found Jesus" can be found on his new EP "O Perfect Father" and can be purchased on his website at www.stephmacleod.com.  In the song, he goes through a few phases of when he found Christ. First, he found Jesus when he was down and out, living on the streets of Edinburgh, and the lyrics literally say Jesus was standing over him. In other songs about his addiction and recovery, Steph admits to being on the streets, living rough, and being sick in the gutters; he was living proof if just barely living, that Jesus will, in fact, find us at our lowest and He is willing to stand over us both to protect us from ourselves and from others who may harm us when we are vulnerable. In the second phase in the song about how Steph found Jesus, Steph says Jesus was walking next to him. Jesus was helping him recover, helping him to find the way to live upright, not alone.  Thirdly, the last phase, Steph says that Jesus was "heavy on my heart", Jesus gave him words to pray, words to share, and Steph both believed and received the love of Jesus - - freely.

My story is so unremarkable by contrast. It couldn't be more different, but it is nevertheless as fulfilling and for it I am grateful. Grateful that I didn't fall down sick in the streets, but was raised by loving parents who remained married until the day my daddy died; by grandparents who also remained together living proof that love sacrifices and fights for what we believe is good.  I was five years old, almost six, and when I found Jesus He was playing in the sandbox with me. He was leaning over and picking me up after I had jumped off the balcony of the church again -- He was swimming next to me in the pond, climbing the fence with me to go ride a horse I didn't know, but was behind the church, so it had to be OK, right? Jesus always walked with me, He was always in my heart. He was always giving to me so I could receive, and I couldn't help but believe because it was all around me all the time, and in everything breath I took since the first breath that I drew - - and then I am reminded that I was born without breath. I was pronounced dead before I was pronounced living.  They didn't have Apgar scores back then, and the doctor who delivered me literally back-handed the nurse who told my mother I was alive after he had already told her I was not.

When I found Jesus He was willing to let me stay a minute on Earth with great people who loved me. He must have some reason for me to be here; otherwise, I would have just gone right back up to Heaven on that chilly Autumn afternoon, the day I was delivered, four weeks premature. There must be a reason. I believe I've answered God's calls a few times in my life. I've managed to not flub up too many of His guided assignments; I'm on one now, one that will likely take years to accomplish, but when God gives me a directive I never say no. I thank Him, ask for help, and move forward -- always forward. I used to argue with God, but then my prayers weren't being answered and I noticed I found myself in a bunch of trouble; over and over and over again - - it didn't take me too long to figure out that when I let go and let God drive the stagecoach things just fall into place.  I keep one verse firmly in my head and in my heart about all of this: Psalms 37:4 "Delight in the Lord and HE will give you the desires of your heart". HE will do it, not me, not you, not anyone else; just Him.

Steph Macleod is an amazing soul with an equally incredible story -- his story, not mine. His to tell, his to share, his to live. You can find more about him of course through social media, he has a Facebook page, Instagram, and YouTube videos.  I would encourage you to pray for Steph as you pray for yourself, and include me in a few of those prayers too if you think about it. I would appreciate it. My grandma isn't here to pray for me anymore; she was a warrior, that one. I guess I'm the granny now. I have two precious booger bears to lift up to Christ, and I do.  If you find yourself in a blue funk wondering if you're saved, not saved, unsure of what it means to know and understand the love of Jesus, please reach out to someone - - there are many paths we take in this world but only one that leads to an eternity of peace; that is the journey you take with Jesus. Find Jesus, so you can have your own story to tell.  Here are some links to two pastors I listen to and believe strongly in; they know the word. They love Jesus - - they are great sources of finding your way to Jesus. Blessings.

www.superiorword.org

www.jdfarag.org

Photo Credit: Steph Macleod