Saving Grace

On National Dog Rescue Day, I’m reminded of my sweet Luna’s story.

7 years ago, my family and I adopted Luna from a local dog rescue, Angels of Fur. We didn't know too much about her past life. We knew she came from a puppy mill, we knew she suffered abuse, but we didn’t and still don’t know the extent. I remember when we first brought her home. This sweet little girl was so frightened. We had to earn her trust. She was betrayed by so many people, she didn’t know what it was like to feel safe. Seeing her shake and quiver with fear broke my heart.

It took us some time, but with lots of love, patience, and tenderness, we kept reiterating to her that she was loved, safe, wanted, and would always remain a part of our family. Gradually, she began to let us in to her world. She started playing, sleeping, giving us kisses and snuggled close with her big brother. How that made my heart leap for joy!

Flash forward to today, she fits so comfortably in our family. She was always meant to be with us, and I knew that from the moment I saw her. She has been my saving grace many times, and because of that, her nickname has become Grace.

I thank God for the blessing of our Luna Grace. We will never fully know her past or her trauma. But, we will always love her unconditionally despite of her past. That got me to thinking about us and our relationship with Christ.

We all have a past. Things that hurt us, shame us, or things that we regret. Like Luna, I’ve all too often ran from my Savior. He knows everything about my life. He knows everything about my past, present, and future. And… still, He is there. He waits patiently. He stands by us, loving us unconditionally. He never stops reassuring us through His Word, through His Spirit, that we are safe in His arms. We are forever sheltered under His wings. He wants us, He wants our hearts. He longs to bandage up our broken pieces and restores them to full healing. Christ isn't ashamed of us. He's not ashamed of our mistakes, our shortcomings, our humanness. He knows.

“But now, O Jacob, listen to the Lord who created you. O Israel, the one who formed you says, “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. - Isaiah‬ ‭43‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭NLT‬‬

We made a vow to stand by Luna for the rest of her life. Christ made the ultimate vow to stand with us for the rest of our lives…. We need to simply let Him. ❤️

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your promises. Thank You for loving me in all my mess. Thank You for never leaving me, abandoning me, or forsaking me. You fight for me, You are my saving grace. Because of Your never ending love, I know that I don't ever have to be afraid. I am safe in Your tender, strong arms. Amen.