REAL LIFE

1 John 1:1-5
1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched--this we proclaim concerning the Word of life. 2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us. 3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ. 4 We write this to make our joy complete. 5 This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all.

Jamie thought her life was normal. She thought her experiences at home weren't any different than what other kids knew as real life.

She was wrong.

Jamie's mom married a man who initially seemed like a nice guy. But a few years later the controlling behavior began. Jamie and her younger sister were not allowed to play outside. Their stepfather had forced them to watch porn with him. Mental, verbal, physical, and sexual abuse went on for years.

Recently, Jamie sent me an e-mail that came with a plea. Please make others aware of abuse that may be occurring all around them--even in their own homes. Let them know that this is not the way God designed life to be.

Jamie writes: "Growing up, I thought this life was normal. I assumed that was what a father was supposed to do, as my step-dad would constantly tell me he was being the good father. He told me to never tell anybody.

"I thought this went on behind the doors of every house and I just had to brave it. After joining the Navy, however, I learned that life is not full of abuse and beatings. A little girl is supposed to run to her father after he comes home from work and say, 'Hi Dad, I missed you.'"

Jamie has now found a father to love--her heavenly Father. She's received the real life Jesus offers: "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (John 10:10).

Her earthly father may have robbed Jamie of her innocence and a happy childhood. But Jesus, the Good Shepherd, has provided the way for her to experience the love of God.

She has found pure love that brings joy as it is shared with others (1 John 1:3-4). If you, or someone you know, have been hurt by an unhealthy relationship--bring that pain to your Father in heaven. He is the source of real life. --Tom Felten

DESTINATION POINTS

* Do I know of anyone who has been or is being hurt by abuse? How can I reach out to help?
* What does our heavenly Father provide to those who have been abused?

LINKS:
When Trust Is Lost
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb922

When Violence Comes Home
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb951

God Our Father:
What It Means To Be His Child
http://www.discoveryseries.org/q0108

bottom line: Real life is found in God's perfect love.

soul journey