A Crown of Thorns for a Crown of Glory

By, April Sliwak
Founder and Executive Director
This season has been an amazing “Beauty from Ashes” journey. Here we are, Holy Week. Observing Jesus’ last week on earth in our own traditions and places of worship. We’re women, (and girls), looking upon the pain, suffering, betrayal and crucifixion of our Savior.
Contemplate…..
(BTW, who says Jesus can’t relate to what we going through? I would have to argue otherwise.)
So, why did He do it….?
Well, the Bible says:
“by His stripes we are healed” 1 Peter 2:24
“Christ has truly set us free” Galatians 5:1

God paid the price for our Ashes:

• The Lies of guilt, shame, condemnation
• Feelings of unworthiness, being incapable, helpless, hopeless, insecure, unloved
• The Pain of loss, betrayal, sexual assault, abandonment, injustice, abuse
• Addiction to drugs, food, alcohol, sex, porn, control, perfectionism, social media, busyness, lying, gossiping
• Captive to laziness, insensitivity, anger, rage, worry, fear, defensiveness, entitlement, regulations instead of relationship with Jesus
• Unaccepting of Jesus’ forgiveness, grace, faithfulness, love, love, love…

Jesus accepted the pain and suffering for us, sinners. For he loved us while we were still sinners and has offered the sweet gift of salvation for anyone who repents and believes. The gift is free. We don’t have to do a thing for it except receive it. By His grace alone we can enter into the loving relationship with him and receive “Beauty for our Ashes.”

We are healed. Made whole.

FREE from the bondage. FREE from captivity.FREE from believing the lies.
FREE to live the full life Jesus died for us to have.

We’re in a season of sharing our beauty stories with one another in the Oasis Bible Studies and online. Stories of victory, freedom, putting on the “new” woman, being a Display of His Splendor. These are stories where the enemy has been defeated because of Jesus’ resurrection. He conquered death so we can be made whole, beautiful, worthy and saved.

For me, it was a long process for freedom, I have to confess. Longer than I would have liked but God’s redemption, restoration, peace, grace and love have been more than I could have imagined or hoped for.

This Easter I’m wearing the Crown of Beauty that he has offered me. It was my prayer this season of Lent that we would all be wearing that same crown that he offers to each one of us!

Thank you, Jesus. Thank you.