He took my place

I watched this video this weekend…and was not prepared to become as emotional as I did. And even during my church service this morning it was as if I was finally understanding what a sacrifice Jesus made for us. As I get older and have more life experiences, I see God in different ways and need Him in different ways. So as I was watching the account of Barabbas, something finally occurred to me. I know Jesus died on the cross for us - that's something I learned when I was little. But I never thought about the fact that Jesus literally took Barabas' place on the cross. It should have been Barabbas hanging up there but it wasn't. It was Jesus. I know how Barabbas has been depicted in the movies but I then thought about what if that was how it really happened? What if Barabbas, so stunned by this sudden turn of events and his new freedom, followed the crowd to Golgotha? What if he saw a man who didn't deserve to be up there and realized He wasn't just a man? What if he realized there was way more to this than anyone else knew? I think the part that touched me the most was the guard's account. When he said most of those he crucified would fight and try to get away before the first nail was in place. But not Jesus. He willingly laid down. For us. Wow. It's so powerful. Happy Easter. 

book review: "enough already" by barbara l. roose

We've all wondered what might happen if we were a little prettier, skinnier, or more stylish. Sure, we frequently hear that "the inside matters most." But let's be honest: What's on the outside matters, too. We've all stood in front of a mirror and taken an inventory that never quite measures up. We've all questioned what we could have done differently.

In her new book, Barbara L. Roose shares biblical teaching and stories from her own ugly struggle with beauty. Writing with authenticity and vulnerability, she offers a friendly perspective and practical advice on how to

- see goodness, blessing, and purpose in every area of your body, no matter your size, shape or style;

- balance inner and outer beauty - and discover why God values both;

- and WIN your ugly struggle with beauty once and for all.

I love Barbara's honesty. Her candidness about her own struggles allows women to be honest with themselves. And Barbara's right. There is such a battle over women feeling confident and beautiful. I think about the Bruno Mars song, "Just the Way You Are." The lyrics are words that every girl craves for the right guy to feel about her. To think she's beautiful as is. But, sadly, we don't. I'm just as guilty. We are so hard on ourselves. But not with each other. "What fascinates me about women is that we would never criticize our friends the way that we harangue ourselves." Throughout the book Barbara shares her own personal stories and also the stories of others. She uses humor as well, making the truth a bit easier to handle. At the end of each chapter are both discussion questions and personal questions. Barbara talks about Satan's plan for us as women. "Satan's deepest desire is for you to be discouraged and to give up on ever believing that God created you beautiful." And that makes sense. When I'm feeling confident and have on that cute outfit with my hair looking super, I feel like I can take on the world. But then there's the day I didn't sleep well the night before and my outfit looked great in my head but not when I put it on. But I'm running late and don't have time to change. On those days I don't feel victorious at all. Barbara's book is for all those women who doubt their true beauty. Who feel like they aren't enough. It's for all of us. 

I received a copy of this book from Litfuse Publicity for my honest review.