Good Friday. It brings a mix of emotions—shock, wonder, sadness, joy… and a dose of reality when I think about the two thieves beside Jesus on the cross.
Because the truth is—we’re not just like one of them.
We are one of them.
Both had broken pasts. Both were guilty. Both were equally close to Jesus in that moment. But one rejected Him… and one reached for Him (Luke 23:39–43).
And that’s the difference.
Sometimes we like to soften our story, but if we’re honest—we’ve all wandered, messed up, and found ourselves in places we never thought we’d be. We don’t stand at the cross as spectators. We hang there in need of grace.
And yet, Jesus doesn’t meet us with condemnation.
He meets us with grace.
The thief didn’t offer a résumé. He didn’t perform. He didn’t clean himself up.
He simply said, “Remember me.”
And Jesus responded, “You will be with me.”
No checklist. No perfection. Just a heart that turns toward Him.
It’s never too late.
The question isn’t whether we’ve failed—the question is how we respond when we’re face-to-face with Jesus.
Do we turn away… or do we turn toward Him?
When we stumble, we don’t need to hide in shame. Shame isn’t from God. That’s not His heart.
Run to Him.
His arms are open. His grace hasn’t gone anywhere—it never has.
Get back into the Word. Let Him speak to you again. Because shame isn’t from God—love is. Grace is. Forgiveness is.
That’s the kind of Savior Jesus is. Yesterday, today, and forever.
Happy Easter.
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Published by toddagordon
Meet Todd Gordon, a seasoned educator, coach, and activities administrator who dedicated an impressive 37 years to shaping the lives of students within the realm of education. His career has taken him on a remarkable journey through nine different school districts, ranging from the intimate setting of a small school to the dynamic landscape of a large, multi-high school urban district – truly everything in between.
In 2022, Todd embarked on a new chapter, retiring from his illustrious career in education. However, retirement did not signal an end to his passion for making a positive impact in the realm of sports and activities. Todd joined BOUND, a leading sports software company, where he continues to contribute his wealth of experience and knowledge to support activity administrators and coaches.
Beyond the professional arena, Todd’s personal life is a testament to dedication and enduring love. Married to his wife, Deb, for an impressive 40 years, they have navigated life’s journey together. Their family has grown to include three married children, each on their unique paths, and six delightful grandchildren who bring joy and laughter to their lives.
Todd authored and published his first book, “The Power of One. One Word Leadership”, in 2022.
His newest project is the “The Pursuit”, and it starts with new writings on a new page on this website. Todd delves into the essence of your daily pursuit of excellence, offering insights on growth, resilience, and the power of redemption. By weaving daily Scripture insights into our exploration, we bridge the timeless with the contemporary, inviting you to reflect on leadership principles grounded in spiritual wisdom.
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