Letter to Me

During the fall semester of 2009, I had an opportunity to lead evening devotions for the girls who live on my hall. I read to them from 2 Peter 1:2-14. In sharing that passage of scripture, I pointed out them that it is good to be reminded, sometimes, even of those things in which we are firmly established and know for certain. I passed out colored paper and pens, and encouraged the girls to write themselves letters, which were collected by one of the RAs to be kept until the spring semester of 2010, when they would receive them back.

This Tuesday, the girls on my hall wrote encouraging notes to one another and to specific and anonymous people, and when we were through, we were given back the letters we had written to ourselves. Below is a copy of what I wrote to myself:

Dear Israel;

Yeah. That's God's new name for you. Be careful, God-wrestler, if you think you're standing firm. Be careful that you do not fall. Don't beat yourself up; let's remember to let God's grace be sufficient. Forgive yourself, and let God love on you.

You came in full of pride and secret sins and hurts; God has been making you humble even as He shows you just how dear and precious you are to Him. Remember the tears that have wracked your body and freed your soul. Remember laughter that made you sit down, close your eyes, and cry for want of air. God has decided to show His love for you by surrounding you with friends, and a man who loves you selflessly and sacrificially. Talk to them. Bring things to the light so that you can be healed.

Remember that no one is ever ready for the calling they receive; God fills in the gaps so long as we obey. Speak words of truth in love. Let God bring good things into your life and bless you. Pray every day. Be in the Word daily.

I know how easy it is to get distracted... but don't. Keep walking, even if it seems like the walls aren't coming down. Have faith. Trust God. Don't procrastinate! Take courage! I am learning to love you, too.

Love, Israel.