conviction

For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

- Romans 8:38-39

These are bold, bold words. I'm re-reading the first book in the Mark of the Lion series. I read it the first time around during college. Back then, it wasn't as enjoyable. I mostly skimmed and thought it too banal for my college-educated brain (disclaimer: I'm not entirely sure if this was the real reason.) For whatever reason, I didn't enjoy it. Now, I'm reading through it slowly and trying to absorb the gravity of these words in the context of living during the Roman occupation of Jerusalem. Heavy, heavy words.

To say that there was suffering, atrocities, and horror would only scratch the surface. At that point in history, if starvation didn't kill you, Roman soldiers would without mercy. I tried to put myself in the place of character Hadassah. The things she saw, smelled, and heard are indescribably horrible. And yet, she clung - even with a tiny thread - to the fact that God was there and he was still good. Nothing can separate us from His love. Nothing.

Not only are those words bold and heavy - for them (the Christians), they were a cause for punishment by death. I may need to absorb this for a little (or a long) while.

So what does this all mean to me now as a 21st century-er? Well, my first thought is that my life would never be the same if I truly believed this and applied it. I may yell out Braveheart-style "FREEDOM!!!"

There is a freedom from fear, anxiety, and even crippling self-doubt when one is filled to capacity with love. And nothing (and I mean, nothing) can change God's love for us.

Ruminating...