Trash to Treasure

As I was out on my usual morning walk one day, I noticed a man riding through our neighbourhood on his bicycle. It wasn’t one of those leisure rides that has you gazing at the beautiful scenery around you, while the fresh air leaves you feeling renewed. No, this guy was on a mission. As I looked intently, I quickly discovered the purpose for his morning excursion, and it certainly wasn’t for pleasure, but for survival. I watched as he meticulously went through our neighbours’ garbage they had placed on the curb. One by one, he carefully picked and examined certain items from the recycling bin and placed them in his clear, plastic bag. I was surprised he didn’t appear bashful nor ashamed as I began approaching him - he was shameless in his pursuit of finding beauty in the rubble.

As I gazed, I couldn’t help but think, here is someone who isn’t concerned about how others may perceive him. What could cause someone to go through garbage? What could cause someone to become so desperate? As I walked and continued pondering, I was reminded of the times where I was willing to sort through the garbage of my own life - hoping I could find treasure in the midst of trash. Month after month, I would carefully examine the areas in my life where God so mercifully delivered me from - where He made jewels from my junk - not knowing that one day, He would use it to bless others. Unfortunately, many don’t think God can use their mess for His glory and the good of others, and I am reminded of those who are afraid to disclose their trash in fear of others discovering who they are. One thing we must remember is that each of us has trash, so why criticize those who so bravely throw theirs out? Well, here is the story of one brave woman who was willing to disclose her junk for the hopes of blessing others.

Earlier this week, I was reading a devotional entitled Why God Saved Me. The author openly shared about the time she attended her sister’s birthday party, and upon boarding the party bus, noticed a pole surrounded by flashing lights and loud music. At that moment, she knew it was going to be a wild night. Sometime during the trip, she got up and showed the guests - which consisted of family and friends - how to pole dance; however, middance, she had a brief realization that this was what her life could’ve been. She was sexually abused at age twelve, which led to a broken and promiscuous lifestyle. At that moment, she wondered if stripping would’ve been her lifestyle if God didn’t intervene, because although she had never poledanced in her life, that night it came so naturally. As I came to the end of her devotional, I discovered the goal of her post, which was the hope of reaching other women who felt they were damaged goods. Boldly, she placed her trash on the curb, knowing that was no longer who she was.

After reading the devotional, like most of us, I went straight to the comment section! I was surprised and rather disgusted by some of the overly-critical and judgemental statements I read; however, the comments were divided. Some bashed her for her actions, while others were supportive and showered her with encouraging words. As I scrolled, I wondered what her thoughts would be as she read those comments. As I continued scrolling, I felt myself becoming angry. I know what it takes to share your story with the aim to help others, and these people had no right to insult her like that!

On a random, but important sidenote, thank you to those who send me encouragement or call me after reading my posts. I truly appreciate you and the time you sacrifice to encourage me. Thank you! Knowing that God is using my story to help you, motivates me to continue writing.

Ok, back to my story! I can’t remember all the comments I scrolled through that day, but there was one in particular that resonated with me. There was a lady who stated, “that’s why I don’t like being transparent, because people will always make you feel ashamed sharing your story.” I felt those words, because I’ve been there before.

Although I was surprised by what the author did, it seemed as though most of the readers missed the underlying message. As I continued reading the comments, a few ladies were saying things like, “I really needed to hear this,” or “thank you for being so open and honest.” Well, of course I couldn’t leave without giving my feedback as well. I told her, although I didn’t like what she did, I was impressed with her courage to share despite the amount of backlash she could potentially receive. I encouraged her to remain sober, vigilant, and that I was praying for her. This author writes wonderful devotionals, and a few ladies occasionally send encouraging comments - including myself - however, that day, her comment section was filled with negative and positive comments. Why do we have the tendency to focus on the negative things people share and fail to see the transforming power of God in their lives? That’s a question I may never have the answer to...

A couple days after reading her devotional, my daughter sent me a video message, asking me to look at a video. After listening to the message, I read the passage in John five, regarding the account of a man who had been an invalid for 38 years. Day after day, he would sit by the pool in hopes of being healed. One day Jesus crossed his path, and asked if he wanted to be healed, which he did. Glory to God that after being crippled for 38 years, he was finally healed. As I continued reading, the most frustrating thing happened - the Jewish leaders appeared. Not only were they not moved by the miracle the man had just received, but they were more concerned that he was walking on the Sabbath day! Instead of rejoicing, they condemned him for breaking the Sabbath rules. What happened to their compassion? What is it about us that we can't see the good works Christ has done in someone’s life? How could we forget this man couldn’t walk for 38 years and now he could?

In the same manner, why can’t we celebrate the freedom God has brought in the lives of others? Why can’t we rejoice with them? Why do we choose to focus on their garbage rather than the gift of grace God has given them? Or are we like those religious men who choose to overlook the miracle and focus on the mess? Who choose to condemn rather than congratulate? I encourage you, please don’t sit around and criticize your brothers and sisters as they share their story. If you are going to ‘look through their trash’, look for something that is praiseworthy; that reminds you of God’s goodness. Look for those things that cause you to reflect and rejoice in God’s faithfulness and His desire and ability to transform lives for His glory.

While taking a break from writing, I felt the Lord prompting me to spend time reading Psalms 107. I prayerfully asked Him to speak to me as I read, and as I began, I abrublty stopped at verse 2, which read: Has the Lord redeemed you? Then speak out! Tell others he has redeemed you from your enemies. Hmm, what are you saying to me, God? I continued reading in other translations, and quickly became certain of the message - God was encouraging me to continue speaking and sharing with others, and my answer was a resounding, Yes Lord I will.

I continuously and consciously place the trash of my life on the curb, with the hopes of detering you from making the stupid mistakes I made, but also to encourage you as you witness God’s faithfulness in my life. I’m grateful for those who have left feedback or sent emails stating how my story has helped you. Dear friends, I encourage you to place your trash at the curb. Don’t be afraid of those who may snoop through just to see what’s in there, but focus on those who may use the trash of your life to develop treasure in theirs. Go ahead, share what God has done in your life! For He has truly bestowed on us a crown of beauty instead of ashes. Your story may not be like mine, however we all have one.

And always remember…

Don’t sanitize your story, in order to make others feel clean.

(Author Unknown)