Prayer for grandmothers

Father, Your Word says to go to Jesus outside the camp and share in His reproach. Hebrews 13:13.

The camp has always been a tempting place to stay. It was warm. There were familiar faces. The food was passed around. Outside the camp was lonelier.

There were years I was good at staying outside. There were years I crept back in. Today the camp has rearranged itself again, and the question is the same. Where is He? If He is outside, that is where I need to go.

The reproach in my season looks small. A few opinions. A few raised eyebrows when I say what I actually believe at the lunch table. A few invitations not extended because I declined the others. These are not crosses. They are reminders.

Help me carry the small reproach without making it bigger than it is. He went outside the gate for me. The least I can do is follow. And I do not want to keep one foot in the camp as my backup plan.

Amen.