"I'm Sorry" - Brenda Lee
She only stands 4'9 by most accounts, but her large voice is immediately recognized when it comes on the radio. She has been successfully married to the same man, Ronnie Shacklett, since 1963, which is a surprising feat in the recording industry. Equally popular in Europe, she is part of an exclusive group of American artists. On her United Kingdom tour in the 1960's, the opening act was a little known beat band from Liverpool. Maybe you have heard of The Beatles? She has been able to crossover from pop to country and remain incredibly successful.
Her music has been heard by people all over the world. Her record of 9 consecutive top ten hit singles from 1960 - 1962, wasn't broken until 1986 by Madonna. She has been a recording and stage presence for over 50 years and has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2002), Country Music Hall of Fame (1997), Rockabilly Hall of Fame, and is a member of the Hit Parade Hall of Fame. She is known around the world for "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree"(5 Million copies to date), but it is her 1960 #1 hit, "I'm Sorry" that made Little Miss Dynamite, Brenda Lee, a worldwide sensation in the 60's.
Luke 23:33-35
New American Standard Bible (NASB)The Crucifixion
33 When they came to the place called The Skull, there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. 34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves. 35 And the people stood by, looking on. And even the rulers were sneering at Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if this is the Christ of God, His Chosen One.”
For
believers, the above passage is the definition of grace. God has
forgiven our sins, (past, present, and future) due to the pleading of
Jesus on the cross. In truth, most of the time we don't know what we are doing. The very thought of that kind of mercy should cause us to fall on our
knees in gratitude and repentance. All that is required is for us to
ask for the blessing of this forgiveness. To simply say....I'm sorry.
When we do this, the Bible says we are adopted into the family of the
Living God and become joint heirs with Jesus in the inheritance that has
been planned for us since the beginning of time.
We
are not transported immediately to heaven at the time of our
redemption. We still must live among humans as an example of Jesus
mercy and grace. I can only speak for myself in saying that I never do a
great job of this. In fact, I confess to the self centered nature of
man as being one of my biggest hang ups in my walk with Jesus. I tend
to want things my way, based on my vision, in the direction that I want
it...yet, that is not always God's plan. This friction between my way
and God's way will always cause interpersonal relationships with others
to be fractured. For this I am truly sorry.
To
my family: I'm sorry for the times that I have been sarcastic when I
should have been loving. I'm sorry for the times that I have taken
instead of given. I'm sorry for the times that I spent on me and not on
us.
To
my friends: I'm sorry for the times I have been a snob instead of
being a listening ear. I'm sorry for taking care of my needs instead of
helping you with yours. I'm sorry for telling you about all kinds of
musical things when I should have been telling you about the Creator of
those musical things.
To
my former and current co-workers (bosses and employees alike): I'm
sorry for being disrespectful of your time, energy and
responsibilities. I'm sorry for discounting your creativity. I'm sorry
for not being the employee or employer I should have been. I'm sorry
for treating you in an unfair manner or disregarding you as a person.
To
my Savior and Lord: I'm sorry for not always following the example
that Your Word puts in front of me. I'm sorry for not assisting your
Holy Spirit in making and training disciples. I'm sorry that I have
allowed other things to distract me from carrying out your plan for my
life.
To all of you: I ask your forgiveness, your mercy, and I thank you for being graceful.
As
I have gained experience with the passing of years, I have come to find
that if I desire a change in the world, that change must first begin
with me. Nothing else will change it for me. I choose to start this
change with forgiveness. Forgiveness that I ask for as well as
forgiveness I give.....that being said.....
"I'm sorry....so sorry....that I was such a fool..."
'Til Tuesday,
Serving HIM by serving you,
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