TOTAL DEPRAVITY. I have not had that sense about myself in a while, and so it is fitting that I mark it.

I mean, it's this theological concept that I believe (generally speaking) but well, overall, we're all pretty good folks (except the rapists and mass murderers, but I don't know any) right? No one's a real jerk. Well, occasionally... I do admit that sometimes I'm a little bratty or immature, especially when I'm hungry and tired. But DEPRAVED? Come on, that's kinda harsh. I'm a nice girl, I listen to others when they speak (mostly, except when I'm distracted because I'm thinking about myself.) I'm a good daughter, except when it doesn't meet my needs. (Mom, I know you have so many important things to do, but I'm really in a bind, can you help me out... I need it by yesterday.) I know how to answer your questions about a life of godliness - and hey, I'm the first to admit that I don't live up to those things!

I'm humble, well, okay... that one's hard for everyone right, because I'm educated and I've read a thing or two about that subject and you don't know what you're talking about... and hey, this is important and I'd be willing to spar verbally with you to the death... it's not because I merely want to win the argument... it's because there's something critical and crucial - an issue, a cause, God's glory! - at stake. No, I only said those things in the heat of the moment, not because I meant to hurt you. You're hurt? Dang it, you're too sensitive. Geez. Do I really need to apologize for that? I'm the one that's right. You were pretty mean too. You hurt my feelings. You want to know how you hurt me? God help you. You're the one that's messed up. Of course I'm indignant, I'm right! I have a right to be!

And then you said, Please forgive me. And all of a sudden, all of my swords fell to the ground. Where did the piercing in my heart come from? You wielded no weapons, only honesty and humility.

And I feel like scum. God help me. God help us all.

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But that's not the end of the story. There's a lifting... because of UNCONDITIONAL GRACE. Yep, not because you deserve it, not because you're better than the rest, not because you're nicer or sweeter or give more time in service to the church. You don't deserve an iota.

"... for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus." - Roman 3:23-24

FREELY!