Black sheep~

Being called the black sheep has always had a negative meaning. Not fitting in, being an outcast, undesirable member of the group. I believe there is no "black sheep" in God's family.  He loves all of His sheep the same. God sent His son to die for all of us. "While we were still sinners Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). When we stray (and we all do), He gently and lovingly, and sometimes with a little strength, brings us back to the fold. We always fit in His family.

I'm thinking I want to be a black sheep. They are unusual, and stand out among the majority. I don't want to blend in, I want to stand out. I want people to notice that I am different, and I want to share what makes me different. That my identity is not with the majority, but hidden in Christ.

"I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own.  As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep.  And other sheep I have which are not of this fold; them also I must bring, and they will hear My voice; and there will be one flock and one shepherd. “Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I may take it again.  No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This command I have received from My Father" (John 10:14‭-‬18).

From the mire~

While walking today, I saw this beautiful flower all by itself among the weeds.  It is a precious reminder to me that sometimes when we are going through tough times and seem to be alone, or surrounded with things that will choke us out, we can still grow into something beautiful. When life knocks you down, outside forces punch you, work overloads you, children break your heart, vehicles break down, health fails, remain grounded in the soil that will allow you to grow.  He will lift you up, strengthen you, and make you to stand tall and beautiful. 

“I waited patiently for the LORD;

And He inclined to me,

And heard my cry.

He also brought me up out of a horrible pit,

Out of the miry clay,

And set my feet upon a rock,

And established my steps.

He has put a new song in my mouth-

Praise to our God;

Many will see it and fear,

And will trust in the LORD.

Blessed is that man who makes the LORD his trust,

And does not respect the proud, nor such as turn aside to lies.

Many, O LORD my God, are Your wonderful works

Which You have done;

And Your thoughts toward us

Cannot be recounted to You in order;

If I would declare and speak of them,

They are more than can be numbered” (Psalm 40: 1-5)