How heavy is your emotional baggage?
“Joseph of Arimathea took a risk and went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body.” Mark 15:43
My childhood left me with negative emotions to unpack, like a giant suitcase. Lots of “baggage and clutter,” which might explain why chaos tends to unsettle me. It has taken intentionality, perseverance, and to be honest, help from others to put this clutter in some semblance of order. Friend, I know I am not alone, but it seems easy to think others had beautiful family upbringings. My biological father was only part of my life for a very short season. During my early adult years, we attempted to build a relationship, but it was short-lived. His absence from my life has left a gaping hole in my heart. Though I don't know much of his character or the goodness that may live inside him, I am drawn to the potential of a relationship even after all these years. This longing sometimes leaves me curious and even saddened
Recently, through the story of Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus found in the gospels, God reminded me He cares for my longings. After the crucifixion of Jesus, these two men, who were not part of Jesus’s family, were the ones who cared for his body and gave him a proper burial. Their actions and the risk they took can teach us a meaningful lesson; God may place others in our lives, who are not family, as the ones who cheer us on and cherish us the most.
Now, you may think a parallel between my biological father’s abandonment and Christ's crucifixion story is a bit dramatic, or you may be able to relate. Either way, abandonment runs deep through the hearts of those who have experienced it. As co-founder of a Saving Susan Ministry, I work with orphaned and abandoned children and see the effects. Interesting how God has called me into a field related to my personal story, right?
In Mark 15:43, Joseph of Arimathea “took risk” and went to Pilate to ask for Jesus's body. Since Joseph held a high position in the Jewish community, his reputation and position were at risk. We learn in John 20:39 that Nicodemus went with him and could also be in danger. These two men stepped forward, outside their comfort zone, to care for Jesus. Here is the meaningful parallel: God has strategically placed people in my life to care for, mentor, and believe in me in the same way that these two men cared for Jesus. Reading this story again, I felt God reminding me of the many amazing people He has interjected into my life, really more than I deserve. As I sat with God, the names of individuals over the past 3 decades came flooding in, many who took risks and sacrifices for my benefit (such as my dear friend Nana Mills, pictured with me on our travels in this devotion’s photo,) If you are reading this, you know who you are, but there are too many to list here. THANK YOU- you are a blessing! You give me peace when my heart longs to know my biological father, even in this stage of life.
Do you have relationships that have died or never came to life, or a betrayal that cuts to the core of your heart? I think if we are honest with ourselves, most of us do. Perhaps an illness has taken a loved one too soon? It may be helpful to name the people God has placed in your life to walk alongside you. It’s not by accident, but by God!
Would you pray this with me?
Dear Lord,
Thank you for the way you care for me despite my family wounds. I ask you to comfort anyone reading this today who may have similar pain in their lives. May you continue to be our shield around us, and be the one who holds our heads high. When we lay down to sleep, would you watch over us? For we know victory over the hard places in our lives comes from you. Bless over your people. (Psalm 3:3-8)
Amen.
If this has caused you to reflect on how God has answered your prayers and soothed your wounds, I would love to hear from you.