This month my squad leader Teagan suggested her favorite novel, Redeeming Love. A story based on the book of Hosea. It tells the story of Sarah, a prostitute who was forced begin her trade at the young age of 8 years old. She was given the name of Angel, and with it came a new identity of someone whose worth was determined by her body and nothing else. She was only as good as the services she provided to those granted access by the men who owned her.
All this changed when Michael Hosea came to town. From the first moment he saw her he heard God tell him she was the woman he would marry. Although it did not make sense, he paid his way to see her, only to be met with a stubborn, shut down woman who had only expected the usual demands from a man, not a conversation. He continued to pursue her and had many conversations to no avail. Although he saw no change being made, he had planted a sense of curiosity inside her. She didn’t know how or why, but Michael Hosea seemed different. He seemed sincere and safe, unlike every other man she had met. As the story continues, they do marry as God said and thus ensues trial after trial of Michael relentlessly fighting to show Angel she is loved. She not only struggles with believing his love is unconditional, but that it will stand the test of time.
Angel doesn’t know what love is. To her, it isn’t real and fades once one realizes there are better options. Sex is a currency; a service used to keep someone interested and pleased. It is all she knows to do. But Michael is persistent and shows her time and time again there is more to love than what she has been shown. He offers her a new way of life but she can’t bring herself to take it.
Throughout the novel, Angel runs from Michael both physically and emotionally. She doesn’t understand the love he describes for her and convinces herself is isn’t real. Unconditional, relentless love is so foreign to her she cant even believe it is feasible.
This book has changed how I want to live my life. As I read I felt more commonality with Angel than anyone else. Although I hadn’t been through the same horrors, I understood her disbelief in Michael’s love for her. Aside from a handful of people, I have not witnessed this type of love. As I read, it made me think of past relationships and see I never knew this kind of love was possible. It seems unreal to think someone would make sure I know without a doubt I am loved. Someone who will fight for me no matter the distance I run. Who will see when I am hurting, even if it doesn’t make sense and ease my mind. Someone who ensures I know how precious and treasured I am, by them and ultimately by God, just as I am. Most importantly, someone who makes God apart of our relationship, who calls on him when they are frustrated and listens for how to love me best.
I also understood her struggle to accept this kind of love; if in front of me I’m not sure I would believe it either. Time and time again in my past I can see where people have reached for my heart only for me to block them out. I push away their love because it seems impossible. I can’t bring myself to believe the things they are saying, so why would I give it a chance to fail. Its better to not believe it in the first place than to later discover the lack of authenticity of their words.
Because of this only a few have ever been let inside; these are the few who I have received the love I read about in this book. Thankfully, there consistency eventually broke down the barriers around my heart and I let them show me the love I long for. The love I can hardly believe in.
Can you even imagine? Being loved by someone so much that you could never do anything to change their mind. To know before asking, you will be forgiven. This book made me realize and appreciate those in my life who already offer me this unconditional, redeeming love.
I also realized I have had this relationship with my heavenly Father my entire life. How beautiful? Like I said, this book has changed how I will live my life. Not only do I want to seek out these kinds of relationships, I want to provide them for others. I want to love how God loves. I want to show someone they are so loved and cherished, nothing can separate them from me. For them to rest in knowing forgiveness and love are given freely and without ceasing.
In times I struggle giving this love, I will to turn to God; asking what He loves in this person. To remember all the times I messed up and felt unworthy, only to be greeted with open arms and an open heart from God.
To anyone who has ever questioned their worth, their ability to be loved, or has settled for a less than love, I encourage you to read this book, and more importantly, read the Bible. It is God’s love story to you! Read it like a letter to yourself from you Father, because all the sacrifices and trials within it were done on your behalf.
A teammate asked me the other day, “If you could send a ten word or less message to everyone in the world, what would it be?”
I truly wish everyone could receive the message, “You are unconditionally forgiven and treasured by your Heavenly Father.”
So this is my message to you all. In ten words, that is all I want this world to know. If we all knew and believed this in our heart, imagine the change it would cause in our lives.
Your job, money, body, relationship status, or education wouldn’t determine your worth. Only the fact that you are a son or daughter of the one true King; that you are someone worth dying for.
My challenge to anyone reading this is to believe this, not only in your mind, but also in your heart. Invite God to show you how you should be loved and how to love others. Once you see this, nothing else will compare. You will no longer accept a love less than this because you know what God intended for you. He knows your worth; it is enough to give up his only son. Never forget what a beautiful, treasured, adored child of God you are.
