I started this book with excitement. As someone who runs the book club at her church as well as bible studies, I enjoy reading, and I get to read a lot of quality Christian books. But one thing I do not get to do is focus on myself and my ‘singleness’. Our church is mainly composed of families, so in planning events singles are rarely taken into consideration. So I sat down with eagerness to focus on me a little bit. Then it hit me, the emotion. I was taken aback when I saw my feelings in print. So yes, I struggled a bit, but the message in our chapter this week is just amazing ladies. Have you been thinking about your alabaster box?
Did you all know the meaning of the alabaster box? I had heard of it of course, but I did not know how significant it was, and how relatable it was to me as a single woman. Throughout the whole chapter I just kept wondering, “Could I, would I have done what Ruth did?” Recklessly abandoned. Am I? Are you?
We face a lot of challenges as a single woman in our society. The pressure to be pretty, to be thin, to be sexual and through all this we are trying to draw closer to Jesus. As you were reading did you think of each little section as I did? Like a little checklist to take my “reckless abandonment” temperature? I like to think that I am close to Jesus. I have used this time of my life to work on my spiritual growth. I lead Women’s Ministry at my church, I am a Youth Leader, I am the administrator for our youth group as well as our Worship Team, and I sing on the worship team. I run bible studies and retreats, I talk to trusted Christians to help me in my walk, I thought I was doing just fine. Sure, I’m close to Jesus! Then the “checklist”:
~ Am I willing to let friends go if they are standing in the way of my growth?
~ Am I willing to switch churches or jobs if that is what God wants me to do?
~ Am I spending enough time WITH Jesus instead of just trying to serve Him?
~ Am I willing to let go of society’s norms and take the chance of being singled out for being “different”?
I may be clutching my alabaster box a little more tightly than I thought I was. Letting a few drops out here and there, maybe even a little stream if I am feeling really good (or really bad) that day. But have I smashed my alabaster box at Jesus’ feet? I can’t say I have. I still struggle with the “missing puzzle piece” as Jackie and Debby call it. Knowing that the only way I will be complete is through Jesus. When I am lonely I wonder how that can be enough. Even as I just typed that out and read it as it went across my computer screen, I realize how dishonoring that is. How can Jesus be enough? Really Michelle? Did you just say that “out loud” for everyone to see? So yes, through the study of this book, I will be working on fully and completely smashing that alabaster box at the feet of Jesus as I ask His forgiveness. Are you with me?
Let’s Pray
Father God, we ask today for Your forgiveness. We are sorry for not being fully and recklessly abandoned to You. Please help draw us closer to You. We love You Lord and we want to trust in the truth that You are all we need. We will never be complete without You. No matter who comes into our lives, they will not be able to fill the void that only You can fill. Renew our minds and hearts as we seek to live fully in Your love. In Your Holy Name we pray. Amen.
Your Assignment
Please leave a comment below sharing whether or not you have broken your Alabaster Box at the feet of Jesus. Are you afraid to break your box? Why? How can we pray for you as you start this journey?
For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority (Col 2:9 – 10)
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Blessings,
Michelle Graziano
