Never dismiss someones ink stained story

The Power of Love: To never dismiss the ink-stained stories A little while ago, after watching many episodes of ‘Gossip Girl’ on Netflix (terribly unholy I know), I wrote down this little ditty: ‘Some traits are innate, some behaviours are learned One thing all should know, Love need not be earned.

So even if at first one seems undeserving Even if what they do feels quite unnerving, Give God the glory And learn their story.’

I entitled the above piece, ‘Give Chuck a Chance’.

Not exactly Shakespeare I grant you, so why am I sharing this?

Well, I was reminded during Morné’s preach that I can be a little judgemental at times.

When I began watching ‘Gossip Girl’ I wrote the character of Chuck off as a complete narcissist, I had no time for him and no hope.

As the show progressed my harsh judgement softened a little.

In most TV shows and films, and indeed in life, you must take the time to learn the backstory, the tale of where someone has come from that goes some way to explaining why they are the way they are.

Morné highlighted to us that God is a seeing God and as such we should be a seeing people.

I hope that I can be someone who sees people, someone who doesn't dismiss anyone due to a checkered past, as for all I know one day their story could become the most powerful testimony I have ever heard.

And of course, it is also important to remember to share our own stories of redemption with those we may perhaps feel less than comfortable talking to because while I may not always believe it (something I need to pray about), there is hope for them.

“He told me all that I ever did” - John 4:29 Jesus knows it all… ...about you, about me, about the addict about the divorcee, about the thief... ...and He does not write us off.

I must remind myself regularly to give Chuck a chance, whoever Chuck may be.

Written by Lucy Maddox