Three little words

I told my husband that I was going to write a post on "three little words" and his reply was "I love you" too.  Much to his disappointment, those were not the three words I had in mind.  However, it did open a conversation that led us to describing Bible Characters in only three words.  Here's what we came up with:

Noah........Build an ark.
Moses......Lead my people.
Isaiah.......Here am I.
Peter........No! Not me.
Herod......Dance for me.
Ezekiel....Dry bones dance.
Adam......Not my fault.
Hannah....Need a baby.
Leah.........Marry me first.
Enoch......See ya later.
Lot's Wife-Don't look back.
Bathsheba-Take a bath.
Jonah.......I'm not going.
Tamar......Hid her face.
Jesus.......It is finished.

So I started thinking about three little words when I had to go buy a new Bible.  I finally broke!  Sunday when I opened my Bible to read, Genesis through Numbers fell right to the floor.  James through Revelation were clipped on with a black super binder and the rest hung by threads. 

I have to admit, it is really difficult for me to let go of my Bibles.  The very first one I owned twelve years ago is special to me as I purchased it when I first came to Christ in adulthood.  I wore it out, however, I still go back to it for reference and notes.  The one I currently have is larger print [imagine that] and it has ample space to write in the margin.  Still, it has years of notes, memories, pictures, special verses and so much more.  I just didn't want to give it up. 

Finally, I went to one of the local christian stores and spent a while searching before I purchased a new one.  When I got home I realized it is exactly like the one I currently have.  You might think that would be easy right?  All the verses in the exact same place!  I can usually tell you what side of the page and what column a certain verse is on so keeping the same Bible [style] would be great! 

Unfortunately, I wanted a center column with additional reference so I took the Bible back and searched for another one.  This time, I had found a 30% off coupon and I found a new Bible and got a good deal for it. 

I know that the reality of it is that I had to let go of my comfort zone.  I had to let go of "familiarity" and start anew.  I know that what counts is intimacy not familiarity and the only way I will be intimate with God is to dig into His word and learn new things. It is just so hard to willingly give it up. 

I recall someone once saying that they didn't want to "buy a new Bible" because of the same reason as I gave except that she called it pride.  I had to re-evaluate and finally let go. 

So if my name were on the list above, and I was describing me....my three words would be:  Let it go!

Then Jesus said to his disciples "If any one would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.  For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it.  Matthew 16: 24-25