What Had Happened Was

What had happened was I went clubbin’ the other night and got looped. My boss had been riding my back all week for no reason other than he could. To add misery to sorrow, I had accidentally shredded a report that I’d been working on all week. The icing on the cake was when I arrived home that night from my nightmare job, I found that my dog had forgotten all of his training and had left little surprises all over my house. I deserved to get drunk.

What had happened was I met someone. No, he wasn’t a Christian, but he owned his own company, drove a Jag, traveled all over the world, and owned 5 homes—3 of which are in other countries. He showered me with flowers, jewelry, and attention. He made me feel like a million bucks. He gave me so much; I wanted to give him something in return. Okay, so I slept with him. The Lord knew my weaknesses, if He hadn’t wanted me to go there, He should have sent me a saved man a long time ago.

What had happened was I added a design to my ex’s car. I didn’t have to use fancy tools to do it, either. My car key was very effective. I just put metal to metal, added a little pressure and voilà—a new design. What? He deserved it. He was a lying cheat who worshipped that car’s tire tracks.

What had happened was I told people some things that were shared with me in secret. This girl I know was a prostitute before she accepted Christ as her savior. Listen, I wouldn’t have said anything if she didn’t act like she was all that and a honey bun now that she’s saved. Granted, she hasn’t exactly done or said anything out of line, but she is what she is. I know what you’re thinkin’, but you can keep your scorn to yourself. All I did was speak the truth.

What had happened was I saw myself in the mirror and became sick. My reflection was a clear image of sin. I had exercised my right to make choices, and had made some wrong choices. My heart hammered against my ribs, and I fell to the floor in despair. I rocked and cried like a baby until I was empty. Then I asked the Lord to forgive me and wash me clean. I rose from the floor and stood before the mirror again. My reflection was covered in blood—Christ’s blood—because what had happened was I had been forgiven.

Written by Toni V. Lee