I Am Definitely a Ragamuffin!

Ann  --  March 18, 2006

I?ve been sick for a month ? pneumonia which triggered asthama.  The verse ?Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.? (Matt 11:28) has always been a favorite of mine, especially during hard times.  This has definitely been one of those periods in my life.

 

With the physical illness came a lot of emotional and spiritual battles.  Through it all, I have seen a lot of who I really am (and much of it is not pretty).  Yet, at the same time I have discovered a whole new realization of my Abba Father?s deep and everlasting love for me, no matter how fragile my feet of clay are. 

 

Having no energy to do much else, I?ve done a lot of thinking, reflecting and seeking the heart of God.  I re-read my all time favorite book, Brennan Manning?s, Ragamuffin Gospel.   

 

In the preface Brennan talks about who his book is not written for.  And then he describes who it was written for.  He has described ME. 

 

         The Ragamuffin Gospel was written for the be-draggled, beat-up, and burnt-out.

         It is for the sorely burdened who are still shifting the heavy suitcase from one hand to the other.

         It is for the wobbly and weak-kneed who know they don?t have it all together and are too proud to accept the handout of amazing grace.

         It is for inconsistent, unsteady disciples whose cheese is falling off their cracker.

         It is for the poor, weak, sinful men and women with hereditary faults and limited talents.

         It is for earthen vessels who shuffle along on feet of clay.

         It is for the bent and the bruised who feel that their lives are a grave disappointment to God.

         It is for smart people who know they are stupid and honest disciples who admit they are scalawags.

         The Ragamuffin Gospel is a book I wrote for myself and anyone who has grown weary and discouraged along the Way.

 

The art of Liz Lemon Swindle - enough said.

The good thing about losing your way is coming Home.  He?s not only waiting for me and for you.  He runs to us when we cry, ?Daddy.?  It?s good to be back in the Father?s arms.  He never left, I just got distracted.  It took me getting sick to get it back in perspective.

 

I am getting better physically.  Thank you God.  But more importantly I have a little more glimpse of His heart.  I am truly a ragamuffin.  And He adores me.  He?s crazy about you too.  I pray that you know that.