Onion

When you peel away the layers is there anything left?

Take away the titles? Take away the accomplishments? Take away the positions? Take away the opportunities to serve? Take away the layers of denial, the secrets, the bandages and salves that carefully conceal the scars and wounds.

Is there anything left when stripped of all the layers that are worn to protect?

Fear. Cold. Nakedness. Pain. Exposed to all the elements of not only ones own emotions, but to the emotions of the crowd. Sensitive to the slightest touch. Everyone staring, ones complete vulnerability on display.

Yet when you are stripped of everything, you realize that some things do still remain:

God
God is still God
God still holds the future
It is enough to be in His Hands
He who began a good work perseveres. He will complete it.
Titles, positions, and opportunities may all be removed, but God's call remains.
And His Word still calls out in the storms - "Peace. Be still."

People
Friends at your side
The strength of encouragement
Love that strengthens
That sees the flaws in all their ugliness but also chooses to see the beauty.

The need for Healing
Some wounds need to be exposed to the light. Left to fester they never truly heal. But when exposed to God and His People Healinq begins.

Copyright 2003 by Ken Sapp