I am the wretch the song refers to.

So, I have this t-shirt and it says "I am the wretch the song refers to" across the top in kind smallish type and that is it. I received it from my Bible Study leader in high school for graduation. When I got it, she thought it was THE funniest gift/t-shirt ever. I remember just being like, "oh, that's funny...weird...hmmm...probably won't ever wear this." I just don't think I got it at all.

Fast forward three years, and I LOVE THIS T-SHIRT! I get it. And because I get it, I too think it is funny, but SO true and powerful.

So what happened in those three years that changed my attitude toward the shirt and consequentially towards Christ? A lot. My (Our) life was turned upside down and suddenly I was looking face to face with my sin. I think that through that experience as well as through the ministry of RUF, Wil and I both became more aware of our sin--its depth, its permanence in our lives, and thus our incredible need for Jesus. Not that we didn't think we needed Jesus before, but I think it was a more shallow relationship, not one where we completely understood the significance and depth of the relationship.

I know that this is elementary probably, and quite obvious, but how in the world was I able to appreciate Christ's love for me and his sacrifice for me without having a deep understanding of my sin? Grace doesn't make sense without knowing that I am in need of it so badly--yet don't deserve it in the least bit.

I'm not sure how I got through 18 years without really being able to "get" my t-shirt. I am ashamed that I didn't get it. I think that I am going to hold onto this one for awhile in hopes that perhaps the summer after Wiley graduates from high school, he, too, will get it.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.