A dear friend recently gave me an amazing gift, a light blanket made out of repurposed saris. So many differing patterns are stitched together in the most beautiful compilation. Items that had seemed to outlive their beauty and usefulness are given new purpose and appreciation. It calls to mind that no matter how exhausted and spent we are from the many roles we play, there are those to whom we can offer ourselves, whatever condition we might be in. The friend who gave me the sari throw is an example of this sort of invitation, and I love that she has accepted me as I have been, whether full of brokenness and despair, or joy and victory. As the old hymn by Charlotte Elliott says: “Just as I am, though tossed about, through many a conflict, many a doubt, to Thee whose blood can cleanse each spot, O Lamb of God, I come.”

 

I’m also reminded of David Crowder’s song “Come As You Are”. On the rare occasion my pastor leads worship, this song is almost always featured. As one who has seen the ups and down and inward workings of ministry, often having the inside scoop on the disillusioning depravity of all men, he loves this song. He’s continually reminded that the heart of our gracious God is that wherever we’ve been, we can always come back and be restored. So let’s all receive that invitation again, knowing our God could never be disillusioned with us; He knew it all when He chose us as His own.

 

Come out of sadness

From wherever you’ve been

Come broken hearted

Let rescue begin

Come find your mercy

Oh sinner come kneel

Earth has no sorrow

That heaven can’t heal

Earth has no sorrow

That heaven can’t heal

 

So lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

Oh wanderer come home

You’re not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are