Hello Amanda.  This is Jennifer Woodrow - my husband and I have been participating in the marriage enrichment seminar this year through First Baptist.

I’ve been meaning to write to you regarding our last large group session, particularly the part involving nailing our written sins to the cross.  We received an email commentary after that session (from you/Jack) about it being such a powerful symbol of our forgiveness.  For me, the symbolism was slightly different.

I had a very hard time bringing my paper up the aisle.  I had an even harder time actually striking the hammer to the nail.  It was as if I was being transported 2000 years into the past… being present at the Crucifixion… and that it was not a Roman soldier piercing our Savior’s hands and feet, but ME.  It was MY sin.  At that point in history, Jesus already knew me… knew the sins I would commit in my lifetime… and yet was ‘paying it forward,’ to borrow current slang.

I felt deeply convicted during that retreat.  It made me very aware that, each time I sin - in big or small ways, each day - I am striking that nail yet again.  Rather than feeling liberated from my sin, I find it more a reminder to strive toward living a better life, so that I don’t CONTINUE to drive those nails into my Lord.

The old, rusty, railroad nail you gave us is sitting here, not 2 feet from my face.  I see it each morning, and every time I come to our computer.  I wish it were practical for me to wear it around my neck, on my wrist, or somewhere else on my person.

Thank you for your efforts in helping us to keep our focus where it should be - on Jesus Christ.

Warmly,

Jennifer