Wednesday, July 30, 2008

From Wild to Privileged

Romans 11:17-18 ESV

…you, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree, do not be arrogant toward the branches. If you are, remember it is not you who support the root, but the root that supports you.

Born with surname, Savage, I lived to be wild. Steppenwolf’s song resonated within my lifestyle, “Born to Be Wild.” Being wild left me wanting more. I came out empty every time. A wild olive tree can not bear tasty fruit; it is sour and good for nothing.

I wanted to be nourished, loved and cared for. I wanted to be wanted. I took a taste of the cultivated olive tree with savory fruit. But then I became afraid. I thought, “How can Jesus love me after all I’ve done? How can I be a part of these people who probably have never done anything wrong?” I ran away from HIM. I went back to the only love I had ever known—ever so temporary and void. Lacking.

I ran until this broken off branch started to wither. Lying there wasting away. God is gracious! My name, Shonda, means God is gracious. By God’s loving grace, He picked up this broken and battered branch. He grafted me into the Root, who is Christ. Now I am nourished, loved, accepted and flourishing. I am privileged to share in blessing of Abraham.

Galatians 3:14 ESV

so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.

“The church of God is an olive-tree, flourishing and fruitful as an olive, the fruit useful for the honour both of God and man.” ~~Matthew Henry’s Commentary

Be grafted into the Root. The Root, Christ Jesus, supports and nourishes the branches. We who are in Christ are privileged to be called as beautiful as an olive tree! (Hosea 14:6)

Engrafted by His Grace--

8 gracious comments:

Starla said...

Only God can love someone that can't be loved or feels that no one loves them. He is a great and awesome God.

Anna said...

Isn't it funny how we run away from God when we feel guilty and unworthy? Like Adam and Eve. All the while He is waiting for us with open arms. I'm so glad He is gracious!

annette said...

I love your whole picture of a new name in Christ, engrafted with His love. Unveiling your heart is an awesome task of God. Yours reveals such beauty. Love, Annette

Jackie Sue said...

Having been adopted into the family of God and grafted into The Vine has been the greatest blessing of my life. I hope someday to be able to explain the hope of adoption to my youngest girls. Looking forward to meeing you in SA!

connie said...

Shond,
Thank you I needed to read this today, you and I past and the way we felt seems so close, i'm so glad God does love us both enough to save us... you are in my prayers...
Connie
GBU

Lisa Smith said...

I love the redeeming message of what God does to save us. Your name is a beautiful picture of who he is and I love that!

Our stories are so much the same. I know He has brought us together. I love how he uses the blogosphere!

JayCee said...

I have a 22 year old daughter who seems to be drifting farther and farther from the Lord. She is living the wild life. I am continually praying for her. I pray that some day (hopefully, soon) she will return to the Lord as you did. Your words are beautiful and inspiring. Thank the Lord! Dear Jesus: Please bring all our prodigals home to You!!

Chel said...

My last name was Bone, and I thought I was bad to the bone!
lol
Chel - An Abiding Branch