Love Story

December 2007

My late husband John was a struggling actor in New York and often out of work when we met. That meant he was often out of money as well. In order to pay for the train ticket to visit me 80 miles away, to take me to dinner and a show, he usually hocked his trumpet. As soon as he could afford it, he redeemed it from the pawn shop—so he could hock it another time. To me, to whole process was a mystery. My mother and I never had anything worth pawning.

In later years, when I walked past shops in Seattle, Portland or New York, the sight of unredeemed cameras and jewelry in the windows made me sad. They looked deserted and desolate. I imagined those items cowering and ashamed because nobody cared enough to rescue them by paying the required price.

Maybe I identified with grandma’s engagement ring and uncle Louie’s watch because for decades I felt abandoned and unwanted, too. I didn’t seem to belong. It took a revelation of the love of God by the Holy Spirit to show me that I was not a bargain hunter’s special. Instead, I was wanted by the very God who had created me! It was He who sent His Son to pay the price for my redemption and heal me from the damage of the past. The Apostle Paul put it this way:

”God sent Christ Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to end all God’s anger against us.” Romans 3:25, The Living Bible.

Imagine yourself in a pawn shop window gaped at by curious strangers. Then imagine the day your Creator walked into the shop, paid the price for your redemption and set you free.

Pray meditatively. Reflect on the price God’s Son had to pay to buy you back. Think about how it feels to be free. To be reconciled with the one who gave you life. To know that forever after you will be protected by your Father. Tell Him your thoughts. Put your feelings in words.

Practice God’s love. God redeemed you because He loves you. Love Him back. The Holy Spirit will show you how.

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