(image from Pinterest)

 

 

 

 

 

*Disclaimer – I understand that the Old Testament (and the entire Bible for that matter) can be extreme and gruesome. I also understand that the back story to Lot’s wife and the Pillar of salt is far more complicated than I have explained here. Indeed it is loaded with all kinds of prejudices and shockers. Not to mention that it is the Woman’s fault again! However I have studied the Bible extensively when I was a more traditional Christian,  and still find it to be a book of more love and compassion than is always asserted. I use the scripture in this blog post as a metaphor to keep moving forward in life, I hope it does not offend anyone – that is not my intention.

 

 

One of the most memorable biblical stories has got to be that of Lot’s wife who turned into a pillar of salt after looking back at the ruined city of Sodom and Gomorrah.

 

The story goes that two Angels prompted Lot and his family to leave his home in the city, as it was due to be destroyed by God, because of it’s inhabitants ‘bad’ behaviour.

 

The religious message that we are supposed to take from this is one of obedience to God – you see they were warned to not look back, but Lot’s wife did anyway.

 

^” By the time Lot reached Zoar, the sun had risen over the land. ²⁴ Then the Lord rained down burning sulfur on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the Lord out of the heavens. ²⁵ Thus he overthrew those cities and the entire plain, destroying all those living in the cities—and also the vegetation in the land. ²⁶ But Lot’s wife looked back, and she became a pillar of salt.”

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Genesis 19: 23-26

 

 

However,  I don’t think the message of this story lies in punishment for disobedience.

 

I think the message is far simpler than that.

 

When you are fleeing for your life, don’t look back.

 

At the beginning of the year we are all looking forward to the new things we want, or about to start.

 

This warning to not look back needs to be heeded at this time more than ever.

 

It is so hard to not look back over things in our past, that may not have worked out.

 

It is hard to understand that in order to move forward you may have to leave people behind that you loved and cared for once, maybe still do.

 

It is hard to really believe that you can leave behind old habits and addictions.

 

But moving forward unencumbered, one foot in front of the other is the only way we can avoid getting stuck forever.

 

Sometimes it feels as though we are fleeing for our lives as we begin to move forward.

 

As though something is hot on our heels trying to grab us and force us backwards.

Lot’s wife did what most of us would have done. After being forced to leave her home, even if for her own good, she glanced back at what she was leaving.

 

One glance was all it took.

 

Don’t be like Lot’s wife – keep it moving.

 

 

Much love Txx