2 My children, I am writing this so you won’t sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and he will speak to the Father for us. 2 Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world’s people.
Reflection
When I was younger, really in college, I had this period of transition that many experience… I had new freedom, new friends, and like many when I was trying to “find myself.” I made some choices that I later regretted. For the first time in my life I started to hate myself. I thought I was being worldly and adultish… but really I was just following bad examples and not listening to my gut or relying on my foundations.
By the time I got to Wanakee for the summer as a staff member, I was pretty bruised from my self loathing.
Luckily Wanakee was my safe space. I could heal, I didn’t have to try to impress anyone or pretend to be anything I wasn’t. I know I’ve talked about it before, but really I can’t say it enough. Wanakee is a special, almost magical, place. It is unique in its safe and spiritual embrace.
At a particularly poignant sunset worship, I was performing a skit for campers. Even though the words were memorized, as they came out of my mouth, they became sincere and the tears that were supposed to be acting were real. The love of Jesus was finally sinking in. I had sinned, I had made mistakes, I was cracked and blemished. In this moment, as my friend and I performed for an audience of high school kids, it finally felt like Jesus was taking my hands to say, “You are loved. I love you and I always will.”
Since then I’ve relied on the love and guidance of Jesus’ unconditional love. I still make mistakes, and I still struggle to forgive myself after those mistakes. I also take my struggle to Christ. I know that he is my advocate and will embrace me even when I don’t think I deserve it.
P.S. Special shout out to my husband because he too loves me unconditionally. Even though I still love Wanakee, my safest space is in my husband’s embrace. ❤
by Ashley Bowler
For Pondering and Prayer
Are there things in your heart weighing you down? Regrets that leave you doubting?
How can you give that weight to Jesus? How can you allow Jesus to take your hands and whisper into your heart, “You are loved. I love you and I always will”?
Prayer: Gracious and loving God,
Thank You for the gift of Jesus, our Advocate and Redeemer. When we stumble and fall, remind us that Your love remains—steadfast, unwavering, and full of grace. Help us release the weight of our regrets into Your hands, and let Your forgiveness fill the cracks in our hearts.
May we always find safety in Your embrace, and courage to accept the love You so freely offer. Surround us with people and places that reflect that love—safe spaces where healing begins and grace abounds.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
