I take another sip of Dr. Pepper and stare at this blank Word doc. The charm on my bracelet hits the base of my laptop every time my right hand moves from mouse to keyboard, so I need to take it off. It’s unique with tiny multi-colored beads in no discernable pattern. Pastels and metallics mix, featuring one plastic pearl and a dangling pink seashell. It’s a handmade gift from one of my church kids.
Days after receiving this sweet little bracelet, I learned a new something from a friend who is preparing to walk the Camino in Spain. I didn’t want to admit that I know absolutely nothing about this pilgrimage hike, so I tried to pay attention to any details she shared. She showed me a symbol associated with the walk-- a blue and yellow shell. When I asked about its meaning, she explained that the shell is a symbol of sanctification, “Like a speck of dust in a shell, God will transform you into something more beautiful than you can imagine.”
This imagery of the Lord taking our sandy, dirty sin and making us righteous through His sacrificial gift of salvation is beautiful. This new layer of understanding adds another dimension to our comprehension of the cross.
I thought of my growing collection of beach treasures and the many shells cluttering my shelves. I remembered a day many years ago. Not long after divorce, I felt completely depleted. I tried to pray but only managed to stare down at my hands, lacking any useful words. On the ring finger of my right hand, I wore a silver flower with a pearl in the center. It seemed like the Lord could have cleared His holy throat as He drew my attention to the shimmery, creamy sphere that started life as a humble grain of sand. It was probably painful to the mollusk, an uninvited guest inside its shell. The creature secretes a substance to protect itself from the irritant, and over time the layers of pearl form. The hurtful sand is now a beautiful treasure.
“But here’s the thing,” I felt the Lord saying to me. “The mollusk doesn’t keep the pearl to itself.” I enjoyed the beauty of my pearl ring. I have a close friend who collects pearls. Other people give them as special gifts or to celebrate occasions. I don’t know a single person who does not delight in the wonder of a pearl. What began as a source of pain to a small aquatic organism became gifts to countless human beings. I’m not sure that mollusks have the ability to imagine, but if they do, I’m confident that their impact is beyond their comprehension.
“So not only am I transforming your pain,” the Lord continued, “but it’s not for you to only keep yourself.” I remembered Simon Peter in Luke 22:32. Jesus told him about coming difficulty and said, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”
Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 1:3-4:
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.”
Years have passed. The pain of divorce has shifted and changed as God heals and helps me process it all. It’s mixed with other pain, of course, because life is a complicated salad of difficulty, joy, and a garden variety of experiences. But there are also pearls to give. Without walking through valleys along rocky paths, I wouldn’t be able to relate to others navigating rough journeys. The treasures and tools I’ve found along the way can encourage and strengthen fellow weary travelers. Additionally, I am beyond thankful for comforting encouragement that I have received as well. The privilege of carrying God’s love to hurting hearts is sacred. I am forever grateful for that honor. These are pearls I’m happy to spend years cultivating with Him if it results in a healing gift to give.
The past seven days have included a sweet seashell bracelet, scallop shell symbolism, and even collecting new treasures from our local beach (pictured above). When God brings such things together, we can be certain it’s not coincidence. In this case, I think He is reminding us of His goodness, from soul sanctification to how He transforms the pain in our daily lives. We have been given beautiful pearls and now we have the blessed opportunity to share.
Beautiful Mal.
Thank you.💜
Malinda this is so good - thank you! It really resonated with me.