Dara Maclean - You Got My AttentionSample

Suitcases

One Sunday morning my Dad was speaking and I heard him say "You can't run when you're holding suitcases". It hit me like a ton of bricks, but in the best of ways.

I think about the metaphor of baggage and feel like it’s one we can all relate to. Imagine attempting to navigate through life carrying these massive suitcases (my job requires a lot of travel and I have a lot of stuff with me when I do. Believe me, it ain't pretty.) For fun, let's say one of those suitcases that we crammed too full of junk flies open and out pops a picture of an old boyfriend or girlfriend from the past. Or a baby blanket that represents fears, hurts and insecurities.

Think about all the things we've allowed to stay in those suitcases…the things we almost guard like treasure. Reminds me of when my parents felt led to help this bag lady on the street. My Dad said we would love to take to get you some new clothes and buy you groceries and find you a place to stay, she of course agreed. As she went to get into the car, she began to place all of her bags of trash in the seat next to her.

My parents quickly realized what she was doing and told her, “you can't take that trash, leave it here, we want to give you new things.” But she would not leave her trash. My parents drove away, watching the lady clinging to her trash like treasure... We think this is a given and even silly, but we do this every time we hold onto the past and deny the power of the cross that has lifted our heavy load once and for all.

Today, let this chorus echo like an anthem and let it be a reminder that baggage was created only to steal from us, but collectively, we can set those bags aside and run free and unafraid towards all He has for us.

In it together,

Dara

Hear 'Suitcases' at TheOverflow.com