by Nan Jones @NanJonesAuthor
Broken. Defeated. A shell of a man.
That’s all that’s left of the man I loved for thirty-one years, partnered with in ministry … raised a family.
That’s all that’s left.
A shell.
After two and a half years of separation, he is back in my home — badly broken, homeless and suicidal.
He showed up on my doorstep in early October — no car, no phone, no job, no home, no family. He had walked/hitchhiked for two days to make his way back up our beloved mountain. An emergency family meeting decided he could stay in an extra room upstairs until he was stable enough to live on his own.
And thus began the melting of a cold heart.
Mine.
Unresolved anger surfaced. Deep wounds of betrayal bled crimson all over my shattered self. I pushed back resentment. Battled bitterness. I stared out the window. A lot.
And the melting continued.
Not toward reconciliation, but toward righteousness. Toward Christlikeness who suffered and died that others might live.
[bctt tweet=”And the melting continued toward #righteousness. @NanJonesAuthor” username=”inspireafire”]
The homeless man fell two weeks ago, breaking his ankle in two places, requiring surgery and metal plates and screws.
Requiring more of the reluctant me.
Lord, I can’t do this! I can’t take care of this man who has thrown our love away. I don’t know him anymore. I don’t love him the way a wife loves her husband. I don’t. I can’t.
The cold, hard heart stood in defiance before the throne of God. Stubborn. Stiff-necked.
But then the Lord touched me, gently wiping my tears and spoke to my deepest place, Nan, when you’ve done it unto the least of these, you’ve done it unto Me.
A torrent of teardrops released — liquid pain — a melting heart warmed by God’s presence.
[bctt tweet=”A torrent of teardrops released, liquid pain, a melting heart warmed by God’s presence. @NanJonesAuthor #Transformation” username=”inspireafire”]
So, is this how it happens — this transforming from glory to glory into the likeness of Christ? Does the warming of a cold, hardened heart come from dying to self and living for Jesus? Loving the least of these so that we honor and care for Him?
It would seem so.
Because the cold heart must melt in order to survive and the melting must be at the hand of a loving God who desires happiness and wholeness for His child.
Healing comes in the giving. Warmth of heart comes in the melting.
And melting comes in dying to self so that others might live.
SELAH
[bctt tweet=”When a Cold Heart Melts @NanJonesAuthor #GodIsGood” username=”inspireafire”]
Photo credit for featured image: tsukiko-kiyomidzu/pixabay.com
Wow! Nan, what a picture of powerful grace! I know you and your story of betrayal. Yet, in all my ugly honesty, I’m more easily swayed to minister and to extend mercy to “the least of these” that I don’t know. The least of these who haven’t betrayed me or my love. The least of these who haven’t hurt me so deeply with the ooze of invisible blood from fresh or unhealed wounds. And the least of these on the other side of the world, not the ones who were a part of my personal world, and who played such an integral role in my world crashing down around me.
I love these real, raw, and vulnerable words from you. And this, “Because the cold heart must melt in order to survive and the melting must be at the hand of a loving God who desires happiness and wholeness for His child.” Well said, my friend. I am so proud of you and your example to the body of Christ…the bride of Christ. We can be sure of one thing. The bride of Christ will never be betrayed by the bridegroom. Jesus in all His glory loves us with an everlasting love and with eternal truth…helping us to extend this very grace and mercy you write about. You are strong and honorable and godly.
Karen, you honor me with your words. Thank you. But I must say this is the Lord in me. There is no way I can do this in my own strength. It is ALL because of His grace which really is quite amazing. You mentioned the Body of Christ and the needed lesson of extending grace and mercy to others – to the least of these. I believe you are right. “They will know we are His disciples by our love.” Not cheesy, syrupy love, but love such as died on the Cross for us. Thank you for encouraging me.
My dear, sweet friend, I am amazed at what God is working in your life. I am humbled and blessed to be your friend.
Norma, thank you so much for stopping by and for your encouraging words. You are so precious to me.
Karen is right, it is easier to love those ‘ least’ we do not know. God is getting His glory from your life. The angels are leaning in, as the world watches ❤
Sweet Diana, your kind words brought tears to my eyes. Thank you. For sure, there are ministering angels all around cheering me on and lifting high the shield of faith when I’m too weary to do so myself 🙂
Hey there, my friend. I’m finally reading your book and also reading your recent posts. As I piece together your story, I can’t help but be amazed by your strength. I know it’s His because you reflect Him well.
Love and prayers to you <3
Susan, thank you so very much. I’m so glad you’re reading my book 🙂 I pray it will encourage you and give you strength for the journey.