“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 (NIV)
If I’m being honest…
I shouldn’t even be here.
Not building a brand.
Not writing a devotional.
Not talking about Jesus like I know Him personally — but I do.
Because He came and found me when I wasn’t looking for Him.
I didn’t grow up quoting Scripture.
I wasn’t living clean.
I chased attention, escape, validation — whatever numbed the pain underneath.
I had people fooled, but I was falling apart.
And Jesus still chose me.
Not the cleaned-up version of me.
Not the one that knew all the “Christian” answers.
The real me.
The one full of regret. Full of pride. Full of broken patterns.
That’s the me He died for.
Romans 5:8 says:
“While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
That’s not a verse you just highlight in your Bible.
That’s the foundation everything else is built on.
Because if He loved me at my worst —
That means His love doesn’t depend on my best.
But here’s what I want to say today…
I’m still learning.
I’m still growing.
I’m still figuring it out one day at a time.
And that’s exactly the point of Thorn & Grace and The Collective.
This is not a brand built by someone who thinks they’ve “arrived.”
It’s built by someone who was rescued —
And now wants to help as many people as possible experience that same grace.
We’re not here to act like we’re perfect.
We’re here to grow together — from wherever we are right now,
into the life that Jesus has planned for each of us.
You don’t have to have it all together to start.
You just have to say yes.
So if you feel far from God today…
If you’re battling shame, addiction, doubt, or numbness…
If you’re barely holding on or too exhausted to fake it anymore…
This is your moment.
You are not too far.
You are not too dirty.
You are not too broken.
Jesus didn’t wait for the cleaned-up version of you.
He died for the real you — right now.
You don’t have to earn this.
You don’t have to perform your way in.
You don’t have to climb your way back.
You just have to come home.
Truth to Hold Today:
Jesus didn’t die for the version of you you’re trying to become.
He died for the real you — and He’s not giving up.
Reflection:
- What parts of your past are you still trying to hide from God?
- What lie keeps making you feel like you’re not “ready” to walk with Him?
- What would it look like to start growing in faith — not perfectly, but honestly?
Pray with us…
Jesus, thank You for meeting me right where I am. I’m tired of pretending. I’m tired of performing. I want You — fully and honestly. I give You my past, my regrets, my pride, and my fear. And I trust that You’ve already paid for it all. Help me grow — day by day — into the person You created me to be. Not alone, but with You. And with people who are walking this path too. Amen.
Join the Collective:
This is why Thorn & Grace exists.
Not for the perfect — but for the growing.
For the ones who are learning, stumbling, and getting back up.
We’re walking this out together — and there’s a place for you here.