People Judged Her Harshly, for She Was Indeed a Sinner… But When She Came Humbly to Jesus… Everything Changed

If you’re unfamiliar with this story, I encourage you to check it out straight from the Bible itself, in case I leave anything out (& because God’s Words are more powerful than anything I have to say). (Luke 7:36-50)

But basically, this Pharisee has Jesus over for a meal & while there, a woman of questionable occupation comes in. “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” (Luke 7:39b) She was looked down upon.

And yet, when she met Jesus, He changed her… she saw the healing in His hands. She felt led to repent… to change her ways… to ask forgiveness, & turn to Him for HOPE.

And even though she didn’t speak the words out loud (at least not that is recorded here), Jesus knew her heart.

She Came Unashamed to the Feet of Jesus

She got mocked, probably got talked badly about in public… & yet she came & knelt at Jesus’ feet, weeping. And as her tears dripped over Jesus’ feet, she began to clean His feet with her hair.

If I had sinned in a way where everyone knew & I was ashamed to show my face & everyone talked openly about my shame, not letting me put it behind me… letting it define me in their hearts… I would be wanting to live in the shadows.

But she came to THE Light. She came to where true hope is found. And she humbled herself openly at His feet, in front of the whole world.

Once Upon a Time… I Worshiped Unashamed, Too

Tangent here, but I remember back when I attended Liberty University for my bachelors in Business Marketing, & while I can’t speak to the spiritual climate of the school today (I graduated in 2010), when I attended, everything in my life pointed back to Jesus. Everything in my life was about living for Him, surrendering more to Him, shining for Him, knowing Him, sharing Him, teaching others about Him.

And back then, worship was the air I breathed. My whole life literally revolved around Jesus.

I still remember one worship service where I knew I had been holding back, not wanting to look a fool, or have people roll their eyes or judge me… & I was trying to maintain composure with an acceptable “okay” amount of worshipful expression.

But that night… as I sang praises to God during the service… I felt the nudge on my heart, “Are you more concerned with how others think of you? Or in giving your all to Me, as I deserve?”

So, crying from the realization of that truth, I ignored all perceivable responses to my actions & I turned, knelt in front of my chair, bowed my head, & I lifted my heart in full surrender to Him as worthy of my all.

It’s not always seen as “acceptable” in every place though. People will judge. People will think you’re being dramatic for show. People will think you feel self-righteous, as if you think you’re somehow better than everyone. It’s embarrassing. People will think what people will think.

But Am I Willing to Move Past What People Think of Me… to Worship God in a Way That He Deserves?

Then I come to stories like this. A woman who was already being openly judged, her identity being tied to her poor life choices.

And yet she came unashamed, boldly… humbly… to the feet of Jesus… because she knew He deserved it…. & she knew that she needed Him. (2 Samuel 6:14-22)

I want to be again like the woman who washed Jesus’ feet with her hair… because I too know that He deserves it… He deserves my everything… no matter what anyone else has to say about it.

What Do You Praise More Excitedly Than the One Who Made You & Sent His Son to Die for You?

Another example is David, returning home, dancing wildly in abandoned praise before the Lord, his wife watching, judging him, annoyed with him for it. But David scolds her for trying to make him feel ashamed for giving his all to God in praise, not holding anything back. (2 Samuel 6:14-22)

What sets your heart in awe? What grasps your sense of wonder? What leaves you in stunned silence?

Do you ever think about or praise the God Who made it possible?

A huge up-close waterfall? A singer that leaves you with goosebumps? A 10-foot manta ray swimming just above your head? Seeing your baby for the first time? Seeing a sunset? Being at a concert even?

What pumps you up? What leaves you breathless? What do you jump up & down for? Is it ever Jesus & what He did for you?

Live Your Praise Out Loud

Do you allow that same amount of unrestrained praise come out for the God Who made you & gave everything for you? The Lord of Heaven & Earth? The God Who is the great I AM?

Do you worship Him unashamed? Or do you hold something back? Are you willing to pray about it?

SHINE HOPE by not being ashamed to be public with your worship & praise of God. Live your love for Him out loud. Let people judge. Let them.

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31)

***He is waiting for you… will you come?:***

***(Romans 3:23; Romans 5:8-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 10:9-10; John 14:6)***

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Coming Next Week

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As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

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Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Refuge Bracelet–Handmade in the Dominican Republic!

Create safe jobs for women rescued from human trafficking in the Dominican Republic when you shop the Refuge Bracelet. Each bracelet features African turquoise beads varying in shade with gold-tone and pink moonstone beads blocked throughout the design.

—Purchase the Refuge Bracelet to help fund a safe house for young girls in the Dominican Republic to experience real love and freedom.—

***SHOP Here, OR, Email me at michellehyde.tradesofhope@gmail.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!***

How Can You Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support MichelleHydeOnline.com?

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!