Lauren McLemore
About the Author

Lauren is a college freshman from Little Rock, Arkansas who loves Jesus, America, and all things literature. She is passionate about encouraging the women in her life through writing and is in constant pursuit of hunting down the best tacos in the South.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
Find more at DaySpring.com
(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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  1. Lauren, this is the most practical application of Hosea’s sad and confusing story that I have ever read. Loving always comes with risks, but loving the one who has made a point of being unlovable over and over again . . .
    We need God for that.

    • You are so right, Michele. It’s such a challenge. How wonderful to have a Father who makes the seemingly impossible possible! Thanks for reading!

  2. Lauren,
    Humility….perhaps that’s why it’s mentioned over 160 times in the Bible. I know it is easy for me to get up on my high horse or get angry or frustrated or disappointed when someone (particularly a family member) keeps rebuffing my attempts at having a relationship. It’s hard to love someone who doesn’t want to be loved and often acts unlovable in terms of their behavior. Your post has really challenged me to dig deeper, to look at God’s mercy upon me (also a runner), and to keep on extending love. So thankful we have a God who doesn’t get frustrated, or disappointed. He keeps pursuing us with His love no matter how far or how fast we run. I really needed this reminder this morning….thank you and God bless you. Wonderful post.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

  3. Lauren,

    I often thought of Hosea as being like Israel. God takes Israel in and loves on them. They turn & run away to other Gods. He takes them back each & every time. I never thought about it in terms of my life. How often have I turned from God. Ignored him for a day or two, did life on my own, etc. Yet every time I come back He is there ready to take me back. I pray that we can become people of mercy & start loving each other. Tired of all this unrest & hated. This country-nah the world needs more mercy & love.

    Blessings 🙂

  4. Lauren, I am interested in knowing how you mission trip worked out living in that orphanage. Have you written a book about your experiences?

    • Hi DKS! I actually have not written a book, but I do have a blog that I updated regularly while on the field. You can find more stories about my time abroad at laurenmclemore.theworldrace.org 🙂

  5. Hosea’s story softened me to yield to God in college. Since then it’s been a favorite, but it’s not an often preached story. Thank you for your post, Lauren. I love how you word it that God doesn’t look for scraps of grace to give us, He desires to show us mercy. Praise God for that!

    • Hi Pearl! The story is a favorite of mine as well. It’s such a beautiful depiction of His unconditional love. Thanks for reading!

  6. Such an incredible article. Thank you for the constant transparency overflowing with humility. Thank you for always being a reminder of God’s grace and mercy. Pointing people back to scripture and ultimately back to our Savior.

  7. Miss Lauren,

    Thank you for sharing your story with us. I can relate heavily to both sides of the story… On one hand I know what it is like to feel as though you are the only constantly reaching out trying to help/fix/love the other person. It is hard. Relationships are hard. But, so worth it. Learning to set boundaries (and practice and purpose to keep them) has been life changing. On the other hand I was very good at building walls juuust so, to where I could still see other people but, also staying nice and safe behind my little wall… Thank God that He put a Mama in my life who would not stop (and still hasn’t) taking down my wall brick by brick. I simply do not deserve her and the family God has blessed me with. On behalf of all those girls, who maybe can’t see it now but will, thank you. What a blessing from God to have someone who cares for us so deeply. May you, your family and all of those at the orphanage have a blessed day.

    This side of Heaven,
    Summer Rae

    • Hey Summer Rae! These seemingly one-sided relationships can often be draining and feel unfair and I’m so glad you brought up the idea of boundaries – so important! As long as we continue to live a life of purpose within these relationships, we are bringing Kindgom here and loving the way the Lord intended!! Thanks for your kind words!

  8. Lots of frustrations as we dig out of this Harvey mess here in Houston – aptly times devotion- thank you!!