I didn’t recognize the name of the lady who sent the email. The subject line Well-Versed Kids, I recognized. It is not uncommon for me to receive requests for the Bible memory program I created with three others in 1987.
“Do you have any more Well-Versed Kids sets? I used your Bible memory program with my daughters years ago and now I have three grand-daughters.”
Yes and no. I have a limited number of the parent-teacher manuals available; but no verse cards, verse holders, or verse boxes. (For more information on W-VK, click on the tab at the top of the page.)
Always curious when I don’t recognize a name, I asked how she knew about Well-Versed Kids. “I was at the Sunday School convention in Peoria and attended your presentation.” That convention was almost 40 years ago!
Memories flooded back. Hard memories.
Horrible – is how I felt after that presentation. I felt I came across proud and arrogant.
I probably did.
Avoiding eye contact, I left the presentation with my head down, very unhappy with myself.
I don’t remember if I asked God for forgiveness then. I hope I did. But for sure I asked for his forgiveness after reading that email.
“I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover up my iniquity;
I said, ‘I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,’
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.”
Psalm 32:4
David’s words instructed me and encouraged me.
“You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.”
Psalm 32:7
“Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.”
Psalm 32:10
Forgiveness – another gift of God’s steadfast love.
The email led me to ask forgiveness – in case I hadn’t years ago.
The email was a gift of God to me.
The email showered me in God’s grace.
The email offered new freedom. I exhaled; I rested.
Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” As I review the teachings in the scriptures on forgiveness, I don’t see a time limitation. For me the gift, the grace, the freedom, the rest was an almost 40 year journey.
I’m so thankful for that email!
Copyright: Sue Tell, February 2022
I was not blessed to know you forty years ago, but suspect you were never – and most certainly are not now – a person who would be involved in a Well-Versed Kids project and deliberately harbor, let alone exhibit, pride or arrogance. Obviously, your presentation was memorable in a positive way, given that this participant recalled it, and she utilized it not only for her children but also for her grandchildren. I believe when we do not intend harm, as is clear in this case, forgiveness is not needed, though we may feel it is. God knows our hearts. Of course, you know your state of mind during the presentation, but, dear friend, we are always hardest on our selves. Thank you for your unflinching willingness to follow so closely to God’s commandments, and being an example to us about guarding our hearts carefully against the sin of pride.
Janet, you are so kind.
We all keep growing. And I’m thankful to be where I am today, not 40 years ago.
Sue, I loved the simplicity, honesty, and yes, humility of this post. Thank you, dear friend!
You are welcome Sandy. Thank you for your encouragement.