Why “The One of Ninety-Nine?” Growing up, I was told that if I were in a group of one hundred people looking at the same thing, I would have a different perspective than the rest of the ninety-nine. For a long time, I didn’t like this about myself because, as we all innately desire, I wanted to belong. And I thought that meant being like everyone else. I felt like no one could understand the depths of my heart, which led to a deep sadness and, unfortunately, hesitancy to let God in. I appeared to be thriving, but inside, I felt broken.
Jesus told a parable in Luke 15:1-7, which says He will leave the ninety-nine to go after the one who needs Him. What makes a person the “one?” Anyone who wanders, strays from, or resists His love. We are all the “one” at some point in our lives. We all have unique stories and pain that led to us being the “one” Jesus needed to leave the ninety-nine for. Some of us might still be that “one,” while others can say they have been the “one” Jesus found and restored. The good news is He desires to save us all, no matter how far we’ve strayed. No matter how hard it is to trust. No matter how damaged and unlovable we may feel.
What I find people don’t talk about enough, and is the inspiration behind the content of this blog, is the aftermath of being the “one.” How even after we accept Jesus’s grace, we have wounds that still need profound healing and aspects of our lives (and ourselves) that don’t make sense yet. That our pain doesn’t automatically leave us once we make it to the other side of our hurtful experiences. In fact, this is where our healing can truly begin. I believe the healing process is primarily slow because God wants us to profoundly understand who He created us to be instead of who we believe we are based on our experiences in a broken world.
Just like we are all the “one” that needs to be saved, we are also the “one” that God fearfully and wonderfully made. In my journey, I’ve realized my ability to see differently than others is not a hindrance to acceptance but a gift that sets me apart for His purpose. He does not make mistakes, and He intentionally created me this way so I can use my perspectives to bring clarity and encouragement to others. My hope and prayer for you is that, through my blog, you will learn more about what sets you apart while receiving insights that prompt you toward further healing, understanding, and growth.
