We’ve just moved up north to begin our new ministry role, and I was asked to share ‘my story’ as part of the Diocese of Carlisle’s new God for All initiative. Given some of my recent assignments at college, I wrapped my story around the theme of ‘grace’ and its ‘uncomfortable comfort’.

Here goes…

I was reading an article the other day that described those of us who’ve grown up in the 80’s or 90’s as ‘Generation Me’. It might not be the most flattering description, but, like most generalisations, there’s probably something in it! Apparently more than any other generation we have a much more heightened sense of ‘self’ and are likely to exhibit strong narcissistic tendencies.

We may not all think we’re going to be the next big thing on X-Factor, but like it or not, we are products of our time. As a 90’s kid myself, I can’t helping feeling that for all the opportunity and technology we’ve got at our fingertips, we can also suffer from something of an entitlement problem! It’s not that we think we’ve earned it; it’s that we think we’re worth it.

What’s this got to do with my story? Well, if I could sum up in one word what God has to say to those of us in this ‘entitlement generation’, then it’d be the same word that has been dominant throughout my own journey to faith. And that word is grace…

You can read the rest here.

If you want to read an excellent paper on Grace and contemporary culture, the essence of which lies behind much of my reflection above, then find yourself twenty minutes to digest this from my college principal!

I was struck by an Instagram post by Jeff Bethke over the weekend. He was referring to a booklaunch event in the US for a new book on marriage, relationships and sexuality called Loveology by John Mark Comer, but there’s a phrase Bethke picks up on that I think is a gem:

“Loved hearing about God’s true intention for sexuality and how much of a gift it is and how Jesus turns our wounds into scars. Wounds hurt and cause pain but scars tell a story of healing. If you haven’t picked up ‘Loveology’ you got to. It’s a must read!”

Isn’t that great? The difference between wounds and scars. We’re all wounded in different ways: wounded by ourselves, by others, by what life has thrown at us. But Jesus can turn wounds into scars, the difference being “scars tell a story of healing”. 

It’s so true. We’re often so keen to put on a good show, scrub ourselves up and make our lives look as clean, tidy and as unblemished as possible. And yet every time we do that we’re missing an opportunity to testify to God’s grace.

Every bit of brokenness can tell a story of how God is patiently remaking us in Christ’s likeness. Every bit of sin can tell a story of God’s full and forever forgiveness won at the cross of his Son. Every bit of bitterness and resentment at someone or something in the past can tell a story of God’s slow but sure transforming power helping us to, little by little, learn to forgive.

This week, even in the little things, as the world, my flesh and the devil scratch and bruise, I’m going to try and tell stories about my scars rather than hide my wounds.