Author Darlene Conard

I have often found myself in Gideon’s position, imploring, “If this is You, Lord, give me another sign!” When the first answer didn’t satisfy me, I would ask again. I pondered why I am this way and searched my life intently. “Where is the broken thread in the garment that would unravel the whole thing? Where within the depths of my soul is this uneven yoke?

 When the loose thread of the fabric is tugged, it loosens the whole piece in the garment, revealing the intricate stitching and delicate patterns. I need to discover the origin of this unraveling, to untangle myself from the chaos and start anew, perhaps with a fresh piece of fabric and a new design.”

“Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Teach children how they should live, guiding them to make positive choices and develop a strong sense of self-worth. When a child is consistently exposed to negative beliefs about themselves, it’s like planting a weed in their mind that gradually takes over, stifling their potential and preventing positive growth.

Weeds quickly conquer soil, taking space. Think about it. For good seeds to flourish, weeds have to be uprooted completely. Grandma loved gardening. Helping alongside her, I’d pull weeds out but lay them on the ground. “No, put them in the wheelbarrow to be hauled away.” It made plenty of sense. She explained that weeds could still take root although they were uprooted. Eventually, it would choke out the good seeds planted.

Reflecting on my spiritual journey, I have prayed for God to delve into the depths of my heart, soul, and mind. My earnest plea is for Him to remove anything within me that does not align with His will. When He begins this transformative work, it feels as though a single thread being pulled unravels my entire being. In these moments, I realize how incomplete my self-awareness truly is until I face challenges. My ultimate ambition is to emulate the qualities of Christ in every aspect of my life.

Going back to finding that single thread Matthew 9:16 says,” “No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse.” Picture your most stunning outfit and envision it torn and patched with oil-stained rags, diminishing its beauty.

“Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:6 KJV)

“Explore the depths of my heart, O Lord, for I know it may harbor unknowing impurities. Restore my spirit, Lord, for life’s burdens have depleted it. Grant me this, Lord , so I may attain purity and sanctity within.”

Gideon grappled with the belief that he was not the chosen one to confront the Midianites. The verse “For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7 KJV) weighed heavily on his mind. God seemed to unravel the misfitted pattern by pulling a loose thread, revealing the false identity that family members had planted.

“But the Lord said unto Samuel, “Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.  (1 Samuel 16:7 KJV)

As a messenger of God, I am reminded of the redeeming power of His love towards all. Let us always strive to perceive ourselves through the lens of God’s unconditional love and not through the judgmental eyes of society. I am deeply grateful for the immense mercy extended to me, and I recognize the continuous need for the Lord’s merciful presence in my life.

“Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one  another, even as also ye do.”  1 Thessalonians 5:11 KJV

• BLOG