I Was Hiding The Cover Of The Book I'm Reading

"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure..."

Hebrews 13:4

Call it pride, but I was hiding the cover of the book I am currently reading. Why? I didn't want people to come to conclusions not founded in fact, or to make assumptions based on my book selection, or to misjudge me by the cover of the book. The title of the book does not apply to me, by the grace of God. I love and respect my husband intrinsically. I revere my God and His Word. I don't plan on making any stupid mistakes. Yet I am flesh, and I am sure now-author Lyndell Hetrick Holtz never thought the title of her own book would apply to her.

For months, I saw this book advertised. The title "Confessions of an Adulterous Christian Woman" grabbed my attention and gave me immediate respect for the author who was willing to transparently share her own story. The subtitle "Lies That Got Me There; Truths That Brought Me Back" made me hungry for wisdom. After weeks of hesitating to order the book, wisdom called for me to take heed. Wisdom won over my pride. I need to be equipped.

Proverbs 2:1-11

My son, if you accept my words and store up my commands within you,
turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding,
and if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding,
and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure,
then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.
For the LORD gives wisdom, and from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
He holds victory in store for the upright, He is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
for He guards the course of the just and protects the way of His faithful ones.
Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good path.
For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Discretion will protect you, and understanding will guard you.

"Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it." Matthew 7:13 I want to stay on His narrow path that leads to life. We are all just one foolish decision away from destruction. One misstep off of the narrow road can bring death. My heart wants to "understand what is right and just and fair--every good path." I want discretion to protect my family and understanding to guard us.

I am still working my way through the book, but I want to share a snippet with you from Lyndell Hetrick Holtz's introduction to her book:

"My purpose is telling my story is twofold. First, to serve as a warning. Adultery brings enormous loss and untold pain. Second, I tell my story to hold out hope to you as I left up the One who is able to redeem, restore and rebuild broken lives. The story of my descent is not easy to tell, but I rejoice in telling of His power and redeeming love that transformed a broken and ruined life. Today I can only marvel at the power that took me from utter despair to the relentless devotion of Jesus Christ. I hope you will be touched by His power in this story of grace."

Be aware of warning signs. Cease any compromise. Weed out sinful thoughts. Devote yourself to the Redeemer. Soak in God's truths. Yield yourself to the Way, the Truth and the Life. Stay on the narrow road that leads to life.

Do you want to be aware of the lies that got Lyndell into adultery? And the wonderful, redeeming truths that brought her back to God, to life and to her husband? Read this real-life testimony. You can order it by clicking HERE. Tell them Sharon sent you. And I promise not to come to conclusions, make assumptions or misjudge you based on the title of this book you are reading. (smile)