The Letter ‘A’

The Scarlet Letter is an 1850 work of fiction in a historical setting, written by American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. The book is considered to be his “masterwork”. Throughout the book, Hawthorne explores themes of legalism, sin, and guilt.

In June 1642, in the Puritan town of Boston, a crowd gathers to witness the punishment of Hester Prynne, a young woman found guilty of adultery. She is required to wear a scarlet “A” (“A” standing for adulteress) on her dress to shame her. She must stand on a scaffold for three hours to be exposed to public humiliation. As Hester approaches the scaffold, many of the women in the crowd are angered by her beauty and quiet dignity. When demanded and cajoled to name the father of her child, Hester refuses. (From Wikipedia on The Scarlet Letter)

I, too, have worn the letter A in deep red. It symbolizes my sin:  Past, present and future. While I am no longer condemned but forgiven by Christ’s innocent blood, my flesh can still see my red stained letter.

However, I have Accepted my fallen nature for what it is. It is not an excuse for me to continue in my sin but I have stopped battling against what I am and who I am. I now embrace God’s bountiful grace on me as His new creation.

Because I have Accepted this truth, I am no longer Ashamed. I am released from eternal punishment of separation from my Heavenly Father and have a growing relationship with Him through Christ. I am not Ashamed of working out my salvation or taking my sin or sorrow to the throne of Grace.

And because I have Accepted my position and am not Ashamed of who I am before God, I can now walk Authentically in my shoes on the ground God gave me knowing His love, grace and mercy are abundantly mine in Him and Him alone.

As I walk Authentically in Christ, you will see my flaws, stumbles and imperfections; I do not fear, for He who began a good work in me will perfect me until the day of Christ Jesus (from Philippians 1:6). To do all of this humbly is my heart’s desire.