God's Beauty for Ash

Crystal Lewis had a song that was very popular when I was younger called “Beauty for Ashes”. It was one of my favorite songs and such a beautiful picture of what God does for His children. As I’ve prayed and contemplated the beginning of this blog, I asked for the input of friends on what to name it. I want this to be a place I can share my not so pretty, pathetic attempts at faith, the joys that Christ allows me to experience, and the revelations that accompany exploring the living, breathing Word of God that they may encourage you on your journey as well.

God has been working on my heart over the past three years or so about being authentic, real, and transparent. I think for far too long our Christian culture has suppressed the reality that we make mistakes, and as a result, we have forgotten how rich God’s grace is. I never want people to think I have it all together, or that I’m “perfect”. God has blessed me in amazing ways, but I have also had my fair share of mistakes, flaws, and just plain ol’ sin in my life.

I chose the title "Beauty from Ash" because I am in a season right now of learning that God WANTS me to rest in Him, to let go of my imperfections and embrace His righteousness. I did some research on the scripture that this quote comes from. It’s from Isaiah 61:3 and says:
        

         "To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair.  In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the LORD has planted for his own glory."  NLT 

I especially LOVE how this version translates this passage. The word for “beauty” here means head-dress, ornament, or turban. The root word of pĕ'er literally means to beautify or adorn. As I thought of what head-dress beautifies or adorns, only one word came to mind…a TIARA! If you know me, you know I’m a sucker for a good love story…especially fairy tales. The other side of this phrase is that of ashes. In biblical times, ashes were symbolic of mourning. Often people would literally cover themselves in ashes when they mourned or when they had sin in their life they were grieving over. What a picture of the season I’m in…that an Almighty, Holy God would clean off these ashes, and put a beautiful tiara on His little girl!

Thank you Father that you care so deeply for Your children. I pray that as my writing begins, it opens your eyes to all that God has for you when you allow Him to clean you off and adorn you with a crown on your head!