(P.S. You’d think these photos might have been taken in NJ, but actually they were taken while we were visiting friends in the Keys. Our friend, Billy Butler, grabbed my camera while we all quietly watched from the car, and took these beautiful photographs!!!)
As I write this, I’m sitting in the makeup aisle of our local Target store. A friend recently texted me from a different makeup aisle and told me it felt like one of the most oppressive places in the world. I wanted to find out what he meant. And now that I’m sitting here, I’m beginning to agree with him. Words have power, and the words on display in this aisle have a deep power. Words and phrases like:
Affordably gorgeous,
Infallible,
Flawless finish,
Brilliant strength,
Liquid power,
Go nude,
Age defying,
Instant age rewind,
Choose your dream,
Nearly naked, and
Natural beauty.
When you have a daughter you start to realize she’s just as strong as everyone else in the house—a force to be reckoned with, a soul on fire with the same life and gifts and passions as any man. But sitting in this store aisle, you also begin to realize most people won’t see her that way. They’ll see her as a pretty face and a body to enjoy. And they’ll tell her she has to look a certain way to have any worth or influence.
But words do have power and maybe, just maybe, the words of a father can begin to compete with the words of the world. Maybe a father’s words can deliver his daughter through this gauntlet of institutionalized shame and into a deep, unshakeable sense of her own worthiness and beauty.
A father’s words aren’t different words, but they are words with a radically different meaning:
Brilliant strength. May your strength be not in your fingernails but in your heart. May you discern in your center who you are, and then may you fearfully but tenaciously live it out in the world.
Choose your dream. But not from a department store shelf. Find the still-quiet place within you. A real dream has been planted there. Discover what you want to do in the world. And when you have chosen, may you faithfully pursue it, with integrity and with hope.
Naked. The world wants you to take your clothes off. Please keep them on. But take your gloves off. Pull no punches. Say what is in your heart. Be vulnerable. Embrace risk. Love a world that barely knows what it means to love itself. Do so nakedly. Openly. With abandon.
Infallible. May you be constantly, infallibly aware that infallibility doesn’t exist. It’s an illusion created by people interested in your wallet. If you choose to seek perfection, may it be in an infallible grace—for yourself, and for everyone around you.
Age defying. Your skin will wrinkle and your youth will fade, but your soul is ageless. It will always know how to play and how to enjoy and how to revel in this one-chance life. May you always defiantly resist the aging of your spirit.
Flawless finish. Your finish has nothing to do with how your face looks today and everything to do with how your life looks on your last day. May your years be a preparation for that day. May you be aged by grace, may you grow in wisdom, and may your love become big enough to embrace all people. May your flawless finish be a peaceful embrace of the end and the unknown that follows, and may it thus be a gift to everyone who cherishes you.
Little One, you love everything pink and frilly and I will surely understand if someday makeup is important to you. But I pray three words will remain more important to you—the last three words you say every night, when I ask the question: “Where are you the most beautiful?” Three words so bright no concealer can cover them.
Where are you the most beautiful?
On the inside.
From my heart to yours,
Daddy
Like the last letter I wrote to my daughter, I wrote this first for her and the day I’ll eventually read it to her. But I also wrote it for every woman who needs to hear the words of a father. Women, no one else can define your beauty for you. But they’ll try.
My daughter is four years-old now. If her awakening to the makeup aisle comes at the typical age, I figure we have about five years to radically alter the arc of history and the subjugation-by-image of the female gender. We’ve got a lot of work to do. And it begins in the heart of each and every woman.
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Disclaimer: My writings represent a combination of my own personal opinions and my professional experiences, but they do not reflect professional advice. Interaction with me via the blog does not constitute a professional therapeutic relationship. For professional and customized advice, you should seek the services of a counselor who can dedicate the hours necessary to become more intimately familiar with your specific situation. I do not assume liability for any portion or content of material on the blog and accept no liability for damage or injury resulting from your decision to interact with the website.
Kelly is a licensed clinical psychologist, practicing at Alliance Clinical Associates in Wheaton, IL. He is also a writer and blogs regularly about the redemption of our personal, relational, and communal lives. Kelly is married, has three children, and enjoys learning from them how to be a kid again. You can find him on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.
To believe that wholehearted commitment to Him is more important than any other thing or person in our life.
To know that nothing we do in life will ever matter, unless it is about loving God and loving the people He has made.
True faith means holding nothing back; it bets everything on the hope of eternity.
This whole swimming-upstream, pursuing-Christ, taking-up-your cross, counting-the-cost thing isn’t easy.
The road is narrow and few will actually find it!
We can’t afford to just assume we’re one of the few on the narrow way.
Be totally in love with Christ.
Even Heaven would be a desolate place without Christ.
Don’t just let life happen.
Love and desire Christ, for when we love, we are free!
Let God change us.
We need to let Him in our life.
We need God to help us love God, and if we need His help to love Him, a perfect being, we definitely need His help to love other fault-filled humans.
Don’t hold back, be consumed with Christ.
We need to show a “Love” that is crazy to the world.
True love, a kind found nowhere else, but through Christ.
Don’t be lukewarm, be obsessed with Christ.
People obsessed with Christ…
Love people and are friends to all…
They’re crazy risk takers for Christ…
They’re humble…
They serve…
They give…
They think about eternity…
They’re engrossed and delighted with God’s Word…
They’re passionately in love with God…
They’re unguarded and open with Him…
They meditate, are nourished by, and are rooted in the Word…
They’re dedicated and faithful to Christ.
They know they’re a child and a friend of God.
Let’s evaluate our lives…
Is what we’re doing, what we want to be doing, when Christ returns????
Taken from: Crazy Love by Frances Chan
Lukewarm is completely useless…
Neither like hot water (as in a comfortable bath)…
Nor like cold water (as in a refreshing drink)…
Interpret “hot” and “cold” in light of the historical context of Laodicea…
It had no permanent supply of good water…
Efforts to pipe water to the city from nearby springs were successful…
But, it would arrive lukewarm…
Located close to both natural hot springs by Hierapolis…
Often used for medicinal purposes…
And a cold, pure stream by Colossae…
Both hot and cold water are desirable…
Both are useful for distinct purposes…
All believers can be used of God…
The spiritual state of this church…
More closely resembled the tepid, lukewarm water…
That eventually flowed into Laodicean pipes…
Neither hot nor cold…
It was putrid!
The metaphor condemns Laodicea for not providing…
Spiritual healing (being hot)…
Or, spiritual refreshment (being cold) to those around them…
Revelation 3:15 is a condemnation of their lack of works and lack of witness.
They spread spiritual disease…
What disease?
They believed they were spiritually rich…
When in fact they had gone bankrupt…
They thought they could see…
But they were blind…
They thought they were healthy…
But they were corrupt….
They thought they were fully clothed…
But they were naked…
The difference was in their opinion of themselves…
vs reality…
They thought they were well off…
But they were starving to death…
They were spiritually content and self-satisfied…
Although actually they were wretched and pitiful…
In Revelation 3:17, they had the audacity to say…
“I am rich, and have become wealthy, and have need of nothing.”
The problem with being lukewarm…
And the case against Laodicea…
Revolves around the idea of self-deception…
They were self-deluded…
The church at Laodicea was made up of Christians…
Who were trusting in themselves and their wealth…
Or, what they thought their wealth could buy them!
Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words, says,
Lukewarm…
Useless and self-deceived…
They thought they were of great value…
But were hypocritical…
Promoting themselves, as those who saw the truth…
When in fact they did not…
Actively covering their sins with a cloak of religious observance!
Lord…
Help us to be obsessed with You…
Show us where we’re lukewarm…
Give us the strength to deal with these areas…
Do whatever it takes…
For us to please You…
We need constant infilling of Your Presence…
A constant love relationship…
Constant prayer…
Constant worship…
Constant renewing of our minds…
With the Word of God…
We don’t want to be lukewarm:
A believer who isn’t a threat to satan’s kingdom,
A person who is unable to accomplish anything for the Lord,
Who no longer brings God glory,
Who no longer accomplishes His will,
Who no longer builds His kingdom.
Refresh!
Rekindle!
Our lukewarm hearts…
Restore!
Us to a heart perfect in its commitment to You!
Amen!!
Lukewarm is not enough…
Try Crazy Love!
Ahhh…
My new non-lukewarm refrigerator!!!!
Cold and Colder!!
To match my repaired non-lukewarm dryer…
Hot and Hotter!!
Forget lukewarm!
If a dryer’s not HOT…
Or, a refrigerator’s not COLD…
They’re useless…
And so are we!!
Amen!
Don’t sing these Top Ten Songs Of The Lukewarm Christian!!!
1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do – See more at: http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-ten-songs-of-lukewarm-christian.html#sthash.IJf1kito.h1RhYzKB.dpuf
1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do – See more at: http://diggingtheword.blogspot.com/2010/03/top-ten-songs-of-lukewarm-christian.html#sthash.IJf1kito.h1RhYzKB.dpuf
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have in my hands a copy of today’s top ten list.”
“Today’s list is top ten songs of the lukewarm church.”
1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do
Let’s be fired up this Sunday when we sing. Our Savior was passionate for us and we need to be equally as passionate for him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I have in my hands a copy of today’s top ten list.”
“Today’s list is top ten songs of the lukewarm church.”
1. Blest Be The Tie That Doesn’t Cramp My Style
2. Pillow of Ages, Fluffed for Me
3. I Surrender Some
4. I’m Fairly Certain That My Redeemer Lives
5. Sit Up, Sit Up For Jesus
6. What An Acquaintance We Have In Jesus
7. Where He Leads Me, I Will Consider Following
8. He’s Quite a Bit To Me
9. Oh, How I Like Jesus
10. It Is My Secret What God Can Do
Let’s be fired up this Sunday when we sing. Our Savior was passionate for us and we need to be equally as passionate for him.
(Sunset photo taken at Ponce de Leon Park by my friend Marian!)
Isaiah 41:10
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Psalm 37:5
“Commit your way to the Lord; trust in Him and He will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.”
Foes are many…
Rise against you…
Hold your ground!
Don’t fear the wars or storms…
Your help is on the way!!
Our God will not delay…
He’s our refuge and strength…
Always!!!
His promise is true!
Our God will come through…
Always!!!
Trouble surrounds us…
Chaos abounds…
My soul will rest in You!!
Lift your eyes up…
Your help comes from the Lord!!
Always from You Lord…
Always!!
Psalm 124:8
“Our help is in the Name of the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.”
Psalm 121
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and earth.
He will not let your foot slip— He who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord watches over you— the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.
The Lord will keep you from all harm— He will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”
Where does your help come from???
Look to the Lord…
He’s always right here!!
With His Love…
His Promises…
His Strength…
His Help!!
Always!!
Exodus 15:2
“The Lord is my strength and my defense; He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise Him, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him.”
Joshua 1:9
“Have I not commanded you?
Be strong and courageous.
Do not be afraid;
do not be discouraged,
for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Psalm 28:7
“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and He helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise Him.”
Psalm 73:26
“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.”
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
Ephesians 6:10
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.”
I’ve been the one to shake with fear And wonder if You’re even here I’ve been the one to doubt Your love I’ve told myself You’re not enough
I’ve been the one to try and say I’ll overcome by my own strength I’ve been the one to fall apart And start to question who You are
You’re the One who conquers giants You’re the One who calls out kings You shut the mouths of lions You tell the dead to breathe You’re the One who walks through fire You take the orphan’s hand You are the One Messiah You are I AM You are I AM
I’ve been the one held down in chains Beneath the weight of all my shame I’ve been the one to believe That where I am, You cannot reach
The veil is torn And now I live With the Spirit inside The same One The very same One Who brought the Son back to life! Hallelujah, He lives in me!
You are the One Messiah You are I AM Hallelujah, He lives in me! You are I AM Hallelujah, He lives in me!
(This beautiful sunrise photo-by my friend, Marian!)
What’s Wrong With Seeing With My Own Eyes ???
Isaiah 5:21
“Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes
and clever in their own sight.”
Proverbs 23:26
“My son, give Me your heart
and let your eyes delight in My ways,”
What Does God See Through His Eyes???
Job 28:24
“…for He views the ends of the earth
and sees everything under the heavens.”
Job 34:21
“His eyes are on the ways of mortals;
He sees their every step.”
Psalm 33:13-15
“From Heaven the Lord looks down
and sees all mankind;
from His dwelling place He watches
all who live on earth—
He who forms the hearts of all,
who considers everything they do.”
Matthew 6:4-6
“…so that your giving may be in secret.
Then your Father,
who sees what is done in secret,
will reward you.”
2 Chronicles 16:9
“For the eyes of the Lord
range throughout the earth
to strengthen those whose hearts
are fully committed to Him…”
How Does God See Us Through His Eyes???
Zechariah 2:8
“For this is what the Lord Almighty says:
‘After the Glorious One has sent me
against the nations that have plundered you—
for whoever touches you touches the apple of His eye—'”
Psalm 33:18
“But the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear Him,
on those whose hope is in His unfailing love,”
Mark 8:18
“Do you have eyes but fail to see,
and ears but fail to hear?
And don’t you remember?”
Matthew 6: 22-23
“The eye is the lamp of the body.
If your eyes are healthy,
your whole body will be full of light.
But if your eyes are unhealthy,
your whole body will be full of darkness.
If then the light within you is darkness,
how great is that darkness!”
Looked down from a broken sky Traced out by the city lights My world from a mile high Best seat in the house tonight
Touched down on the cold black tar Hold on for the sudden stop Breathe in the familiar shock Of confusion and chaos
All those people going somewhere Why have I never cared?
Give me Your eyes for just one second Give me Your eyes so I can see Everything that I keep missing Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted The ones that are far beyond my reach Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten Give me Your eyes so I can see
Step out on a busy street See a girl and our eyes meet Does her best to smile at me To hide what’s underneath
There’s a man just to her right Black suit and a bright red tie Too ashamed to tell his wife He’s out of work, he’s buying time
All those people going somewhere Why have I never cared?
Give me Your eyes for just one second Give me Your eyes so I can see Everything that I keep missing Give me Your love for humanity
Give me Your arms for the broken-hearted The ones that are far beyond my reach Give me Your heart for the ones forgotten Give me Your eyes so I can see
I’ve been there a million times A couple of million eyes just moving passed me by I swear I never thought that I was wrong
Well, I want a second glance So give me a second chance To see the way You see the people all alone
What Does It Mean To Have God’s Eyes???
Matthew 7:1-5
“Do not judge,
or you too will be judged.
For in the same way you judge others,
you will be judged,
and with the measure you use,
it will be measured to you.
Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye
and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?
How can you say to your brother,
‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’
when all the time there is a plank in your own eye?
You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye,
and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”
Psalm 19:8
“The precepts of the Lord are right,
giving joy to the heart.
The commands of the Lord are radiant,
giving light to the eyes.”
Matthew 13:13-16
“This is why I speak to them in parables:
‘Though seeing, they do not see;
though hearing, they do not hear or understand.
In them is fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah:
‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding;
you will be ever seeing but never perceiving.
For this people’s heart has become calloused;
they hardly hear with their ears,
and they have closed their eyes.
Otherwise they might see with their eyes,
hear with their ears,
understand with their hearts
and turn, and I would heal them.’
But blessed are your eyes because they see
and your ears because they hear.”
When You Pray…
“Lord, Give Me Your Eyes!!”
Be Prepared To See What You’re Missing…
To Really See What God Sees!!
Are You Ready???
“Yes, Lord…
I don’t want to see…
With my eyes…
They see nothing beyond myself in the mirror…
With my heart…
It feels nothing beyond my own little safe world…
My arms…
They touch nothing for eternity…
And only reach for pleasures in this life…
I NEED…
Your Eyes, Lord…
They see lost and hurting people everywhere…
Direct me to them…
So I can minister through Your Holy Spirit!
Your Heart, Lord…
Which feels deep love for everyone of Your children…
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A text & video blog striving to honor Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through Bible lessons, devotionals, Sunday School studies and small group studies.
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