Before Jesus

Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will.

 Romans 12:2

Last night, I picked up Katya and her friend from the mall. Her friend's in 8th grade and they'd spent a few hours hanging out, shopping and talking about boys. On the ride home, I listened to their conversation about high school (oh, how they know it all!) and heard Katya say, "My mom was terrible. I could never have been her friend!"

I smiled. Yes, I smiled because for years I'd told my kids about what an awful, miserable person I was
 
          Before Jesus.

I was vengeful, vindictive, foul-mouthed and filthy. Really. They didn't believe me. They thought I was exaggerating until a few months ago, when my mom pulled old letters and yearbooks out of some boxes she'd stored away.

Finally, the proof I'd never thought I'd see. Katya plowed through them immediately and all I heard was, "Mom!" "Oh my gosh, Mom!" "How could you say that?"

I can't show you what I scribbled over people's pictures and the cruel captions I added, but I can give you a quick snapshot of my old life

          Before Jesus.

Check out our freaky mascot!

In denial about what I actually looked like.

Bobby W says, "your so mean."

My fave teacher calls me a "wild lady"
and tells me I should try to quit smoking!

So there you have it, proof that I was a mean and wild lady

      Before Jesus!

What about you? What words would describe you, before Jesus?