Open Hands….Open Hearts

Last night we had the fifth class in the Sweetly Broken series that I lead. It is always a powerful night. We meet in the wonderful little chapel of our church and come together for a time of worship, Communion and prayer. In the first four classes we discussed all the difficult emotions that hold us back and get in our way of leading a healthy, whole and joyful life. In the four weeks prior to tonight we have cried together, laughed together, hugged, encouraged and prayed for each other. We have talked about all those emotions we have picked up all the way and somehow can’t put down…..pain, fear, anger, disappointment, loneliness, bitterness, unforgiveness…. the list can go on and on. But last night is the night I challenge them to open their hearts, minds …..their hands and let go, loosen the grip they have on all these negative emotions that have control of their life. So often I meet people that don’t even know they are holding on, much less know that they can let go, put down and free their hands to pick up the new blessings that God has in store for them. Some know them so well, these emotions are so familiar, they have become a part of their life, the power in which they live. They are afraid to let go, what is next? What will my empty hands do, feel? Lay it down, leave it down, don’t pick it back up! Free those hands, feel how light it feels not carrying around all that stuff. Raise those hands in praise for the love, grace and freedom God wants you to have.

There is life in just a look at our great God. There is healing and restoration in that look. As we bowed down, He picked us up. He smiled and said I have been waiting for you, to love you, heal you to restore you. I have great plans for you beloved. Let go and let’s move forward together for I will never leave you or forsake you.

Each Class has a life of it’s own, we become a little family that prays together, encourages each other, loves each other and believes for each other…..If I had not let go of all those things I had been carrying a couple years ago I would have missed the blessing that God had in store for me……leading this wonderful little class called Sweetly Broken!