Song of Solomon 1:5 and an update

... I am black but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem, Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.

I am dark...

The Bride has an acute awareness of her sin. She realizes before the only One who is white, she is dark. Even her best deeds on her best day does not make her white enough to stand next to her Beloved. She has a reality check on her own weaknesses. But, she possesses a willing spirit. A willing heart. She's not rebellious toward God, but a sincere one with weakness. Recognizing her own humanity begins the journey of humility so when her passions are ignited she's not caught in pride.

... but lovely.

Her willing spirit, the "Yes!" in her heart confirm her sincere intentions towards God. She's lovely to Him because of the righteousness of Jesus, her Beloved. She doesn't have to be perfect or mature to be lovely before Him. Just willing, unable to continue in sin once she recognizes it in her life. "Yes!" I want to do your will, Father. I want to take my place as Your Son's bride.

... Like the tents of Kedar, Like the curtains of Solomon.

The tents of Kedar were grayish black and common in the areas outside of Jerusalem. They were made from the dark skins of wild goats. So, in the Bride's cry to the Father about her humans condition, she recognizes that her own "flesh" is dark.

But, she's grown to understand the inward working of God's grace. Solomon's curtains were bright white, and hung in the holy place in the temple. They were not seen in the outer court, but hidden from the common person. This speaks of the beauty that is in the Bride, in YOU, that only God sees. There's beauty in the hidden places. Don't be afraid of the hiddenness. People will see the outer, dark part of you. Of me. But God knows and sees the inner beauty. He will take care of the rest.

You are not defined by your weakness, nor your strengths. You are defined by Jesus, the worthy one.

. . . Dark, but lovely am I. Dark, but lovely... dark by lovely.

YYYYY

The weekend "Raising the Bar" young women's conference went well. The Lord visited us and blessed the young women and set a plumb line in their lives. We really challenged them to set there standard by Jesus, not by the world. Be who He says they are, not what the world says they are. Let's respect ourselves. Let's overcome this two cleavage society. What's up with that? Let's be woman, real woman, and fulfill our destiny. All of creation longs for us to be who He called us to be.

We are not wanna-be men. Let's stop trying to be like them and be us! We are naturally modest. Naturally nurturing and loving. We love our babies. We don't abort them. "And ladies," I said, "We got it, they want it, let's keep it lock up for a ring, date and wedding vows!"

Cassie led worship and was wonderful. Saturday she started a contemplative time at 8:30 and the anointing was so strong my eyes watered when I walked in the sanctuary.

So, all in all, a grand time. I love my young teen girls. I'm just getting to know them, but they are a good group and I'm excited for what God has for them.

Well, I need to get writing. Be blessed.