Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Ragamuffins

I have been tagged by my friend, Kim! Here were the instructions:

1) Grab the book closest to you.
2) Open to page 123, go down to the 4th sentence.
3) Post the text of the following 3 sentences on your blog.
4) Name the author and book title.
5) Tag 3 people to do the same.

I grabbed The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning sitting on the corner of my desk from the Fall Reading Challenge.



We don't like the sight of ourselves as we really are, so we try cosmetics, makeup, the right light, and the proper accessories to develop an acceptable image of ourselves. We rely on the stylish disguise that has made us look good or at least look away from our true self. Self -deception mortgages our sinfulness and prevents us from seeing ourselves as we really are-ragamuffins.
Whoa! Not easy words to hear, especially for us ladies. Why do we have such a hard time embracing who God made us to be? Why do we seek to present ourselves in the way we believe is the "right" way? I can be so guilty of wanting to hide aspects about myself that I perceive to be "broken" or "not desirable." Through this, I do not acknowledge that He is strong through my weakness--that He is exalted through any accomplishment or success I might attain. By not calling myself a ragamuffin-a sinner in need of a Savior, I cheapen the grace He extends me.
I do desire and will continue to strive to be authentic--I believe that this "realness" brings growth.

Kim at Lifesong mentioned how we can often do this in the blogworld and she is mulling some thoughts on a post on this topic. I am anxious to read her reflections!

I am now tagging Chris, Lisa, and Paula.

6 comments:

Chris @ Come to the Table said...

Kelly,
Those are powerful words. I love what you said, "By not calling myself a ragamuffin-a sinner in need of a Savior, I cheapen the grace He extends me."

Thanks for tagging me.

Lisa Spence said...

I've been tagged ?!?! I scrolled over my name to see if it really was me...and it was! I'm pretty new at blogging (like, can you TELL?) and this is my first tag. Wow, thanks!

I echo what you said about wanting others to perceive me as something other than what I really am. "By not calling myself a ragamuffin--a sinner in need of a Savior, I cheapen the grace He extends me." Absolutely!

Paul speaks of boasting and delighting in our weaknesses. Talk about authenticity!

By the way, The Ragamuffin Gospel is one of my all time favorites.

Erin said...

That is one of my husband's favorite books!! I finally read it about a year ago. It is very good! Thanks for the excerpt!

Dianne said...

I am about ready to start reading that book as well. Good thoughts here.

Kim said...

Those are much needed words to hear! I have not read that book. Thanks,Kelly for participating and for your insights! Excellent!

Kim

Cheryl Wray said...

I LOVE that book!!! I think I will get it out and read it again!!