In dense, Hemingway fog and nerve-racking school traffic, Etta Rose asked for a drive-thru biscuit. So I swerved into the left lane and weaved through a mile of construction, only to hear her say, “I changed my mind.”

I felt a Donald Duck, feathers-flying mommy fit coming on. She knew I was mad. We didn’t have time for that detour. We rode in silence, but then she whispered, “I sorry, mommy. Can I have a hug?” Yes, child, a thousand yeses… The pages of my mind blew open to the repentant prodigal, asking to come home, and his Father running hard to hug him. Jesus told that story, and He tells it to me again and again. If only I could believe God with Etta’s fearless audacity that He always loves me, no matter what. I am loved. I am forgiven. I am loved. I am loved by God…

“There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears does not understand love.” ~ 1 John 4:18

 

“Because of Christ and our faith in Him, we can now come boldly and confidently into God’s presence.” ~ Romans 3:12