Don't hide it,,,, get rid of it..

     While we lived in Kentucky, we went many times to the fairgrounds in Louisville, KY. The fairgrounds in Louisville was the home of two arenas, Freedom Hall and Broadbent Arena. Freedom Hall was obviously home of the Louisville Cardinals basketball team for many years. Anyway, we used those two location arenas for Quarter Horse barrel racing. While we were there, I would drive by Churchill Downs many times. Although Christina has always wanted to go, we have never made the trip to Louisville for The Kentucky Derby.
     As many of you may have watched this past weekend, the Derby ran and the splendor of it all was captured on video and broadcast to millions of people. The beautiful twin spires standing in the sun. All the women dressed and adorned in their hats. The men in their finely tailored suits. The infield buzzing with excitement waiting for that moment when the call come from Coach Calipari for the jockey's to mount their horse.
     However, if you have actually ever been to Churchill Downs, you know there is a part of it that no one mentions in polite society. Its the back street of The Downs. This street is covered with broken down old homes and shacks. It also has Jockey quarters along the back street. This isn't a place of splendor or glory. There is no majestic feel as you drive down this street. Its the side of Churchill Downs that no one wants you to see or even know about. While its pretty and easy on the eyes on the front, it is despicable and ugly on the back.
     How about us? Do we go through this life like we are the Churchill Downs of living? We put forth this persona that everything okay. We put make-up on and dress our hair as we walk out into the world to demonstrate to them how together we are. Yet, on the inside we know we are falling apart. We take that last minute look at our hair and straighten our jacket as we exit our home to go into this world that we are trying to make better, but on the inside, we actually need the help ourselves.
     There is only one place we can find help for the inside and that is with Jesus Christ. I have to come to grips with the need for change. I have to realize that I need some fixing up on the inside. I have to swallow pride and recognize that I can never fix it myself. I know what you're saying. You have always been able to solve your own problems. You have lived on your own since you were three and you walked to school up hill both ways in a foot of snow with no shoes. I get you're tough, but you don't have what it takes to solve this. This is a sin problem. Jesus is the ONLY one who can deal with your sin problem. It's okay, you're not alone. We have all been there. I was a mess on the inside, but Jesus took all of that away.

I am John Sowders and I am Second..!!!!