The Fallout Continues

The consequences of yesterday's mistake are reaching into today.

When I checked on the puppies this morning, two more had died.  They seemed fine last night when I went to bed.  Breathing well, moving around, being adorable.

But something must have been wrong inside.

I am overwhelmed by the spiritual parallels in this sad puppy story.  I'm also very sad and tired.  I'll do my best to share what's on my heart.

Firstly, the consequences.  My mistake happened yesterday.  I can't even tell you how sorry I am.  How many tears I've cried.  If you might be offended by inappropriate language, please skip my next sentence.  Five puppies are now dead because of me and I feel like the world's biggest asshole.  

But being sorry doesn't change the fallout.  Nothing I can do can bring those puppies back.  All of our actions have consequences.  The words you say today to someone can stay burned on their heart for years.  The things you do today can follow you for a long time. 

"The wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in 
Christ Jesus our Lord."  ~ Romans 6:23

Look at that.  The first part of that verse is so sobering.  Our sin brings death.  But, hallelujah!, there is a gift from God.  Eternal life through my sweet Jesus.  He can redeem even the messiest of situations.

"Praise the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits - who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion." ~Psalm 103: 2-4

Secondly, what seems to be true vs. what is really happening.  Those puppies seemed fine last night but were dead by morning.  Something must have been wrong on the inside.  There are a lot of people walking around like that.  The outside is clean, nicely dressed, smiling.  But the inside is a mess.  I know, because I've been there.

Please, if that is you, find someone to be real with.  Someone who won't judge you, someone you trust with your heart, someone who will pray for you daily.  If you don't know anyone like that, come to me, please!  And, more importantly, take it to Jesus.  

This verse kept coming to mind this morning and I'm believing it with all my heart:  "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." ~ Psalm 34:18

We've all been there or will be there at some point.  This old world is full of heartache.  Let's be the compassionate arms of Jesus to each other.