A story about two kids and God’s love
by Jennifer Greene-Sullivan
Last Wednesday, I loaded up Harper and Liam and headed to Bible Study at our church. Harper brought along her super cute Yeti cup—you know the kind that practically screams, I have my life together—and slid it neatly into my truck’s cup holder. But not long after that, we were all hit with the worst smell. We looked around, confused, trying to figure out where the STINK originated.
Church happened. We fellowshipped, studied the Word, and enjoyed our time together. Then, back in the truck afterward, Harper casually said, “Hey, I think the stink might’ve come from that weird yellow goo under my cup.”
Hmm. That’s when it clicked.
As the kids climbed back into my F-150, I reached into the cup holder—without looking—just to investigate. What I didn’t know was that I was about to scoop up one of the most disgusting, foul-smelling messes I’ve ever encountered. Turns out, it was the remains of a rotten egg—an egg Liam was supposed to collect and refrigerate last week from our hens. But instead, he had tucked it safely away in my cup holder… where it baked in the hot Georgia sun for several days.
Y’all. It was gooey. It was stinky. It was country-life horror in the middle of town.
I had to sneak back inside the church and wash my hands without drawing attention, praying nobody caught a whiff of what smelled like a sulfur bomb had exploded on my skin. It felt like one of those “country girl goes to town” moments I’d prefer to never repeat.
Later that night, Liam got a stern talking-to (aka he was in trouble) for the Egg Debacle of 2025, especially since Harper found another rotten egg—still intact—in the passenger door panel. Bless it.
Here’s what stuck with me:
That rotten egg is a perfect picture of sin in our lives.
We think we’ve hidden it. We hope we’ve forgotten it. We cover it up with something shiny and hope no one will notice. But just like Harper’s cup couldn’t cover up that rotting smell, nothing we do can hide our hearts from God.
The truth is—God already knows. He sees what’s been stuffed away in our minds, our habits, and our histories. However in His great love and omnipotence, He doesn’t shame us—He offers us grace. His mercies really are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23).
Yes, Liam had to face discipline, but afterward, he got another chance to care for those chickens.
And the same is true for us.
Don’t wait until you’ve got rotten egg on your hands before you come to Jesus. Don’t wait until the stink of your mistakes forces you to act. God isn’t waiting with a wagging finger—He’s waiting with open arms.
Maybe you’ve been on the edge of surrender, but pride or distraction has kept you from giving Jesus your heart. The time is NOW. Come as you are. Mess and all.
Give it to Jesus today.
🕊️ How Do I Become a Follower of Jesus?
All of us have sinned—every one of us has fallen short of God’s standard (Romans 3:23). But the good news is this: Jesus saves. He came to rescue us, not to condemn us. Through His death and resurrection, He offers us forgiveness, freedom, and a brand new life.
You can begin a relationship with Jesus today. It starts with a prayer—a sincere conversation with God.
🙏 A Prayer for Salvation:
Father,
Your Word tells me that I can be saved when I confess that Jesus is my Savior. I know Jesus died to save me from my sins.
He was raised again and lives so that I am a new person.
Father, from this minute forward, I am a new creation in Jesus.
Amen.
💡 A Challenge for You Today:
If you prayed that prayer, you are now a follower of Jesus—a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)! Welcome to the family of God. 🎉
Don’t keep it to yourself. Tell someone. Find a Bible-believing church. Begin reading God’s Word, and talk to Him daily.
And if you’re local, you’re always welcome to join us at the Tiny House on Tuesdays from 7–8 PM for prayer, Bible Study, and encouragement. We’re here to walk with you.
Scripture Study for this Post
🥚 Sin Can’t Stay Hidden / We Try to Cover It Up:
- Numbers 32:23 (ESV)
“Be sure your sin will find you out.” - Hebrews 4:13 (ESV)
“And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” - Luke 12:2 (ESV)
“Nothing is covered up that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known.”
💧 God’s Mercy and Grace Despite Our Mess:
- Lamentations 3:22–23 (ESV)
“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” - Psalm 103:10–12 (ESV)
“He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities… as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.” - Romans 5:8 (ESV)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
✝️ Plan of Salvation:
- Romans 3:23 (ESV)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Romans 6:23 (ESV)
“For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 10:9 (ESV)
“Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”
🔥 Invitation to Respond / Surrender:
- Acts 3:19 (ESV)
“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out.” - Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.”
#CrackingUp #FaithInTheMess #JesusSaves #CountryLifeLessons #RealTalkRealGrace #SinStinks #NewCreation #GraceWins #GiveItToJesus #MerciesNewEveryMorning
The Aging English Major 