I Fell Down

...and it wasn't pretty. I have lunch with my prayer group every Wednesday. My parking space was a gift, right by the restaurant door. I stepped out of my car and took a step, tripped, and crashed down on my bad knee, then sprawled prostrate on the concrete.Slow motion, surreal, floating. On my way down I saw two grown men come out of the restaurant, look right at me, and then they turned and walked...away. No, it was more of a saunter, toothpicks protruding from their mouths.

Not me...google free image, lol

The disbelief, hurt and anger actually helped me get myself up. A kind woman rushed over and picked up my purse that went one way, and papers that went another. I'm afraid I did call in the direction of the two men, "Thanks for your help." I don't know if they heard me, but they just kept on keepin' on.

Oh, well, I was fine. I went in to the comfort of my friends.  Knee hurt the next day, but I got over it. When I finally got home that night, I cried about it. I had to sit down and figure out why.

I've heard of this happening before. We've all seen Facebook videos of people being beaten to a pulp while others walked by without rendering aid. The value of human life has diminished to a great degree. I know there are all kinds of reasons for that. But what I want to talk about today is this:

The feeling that came over me as I lay on the ground and watched those two men walk away was shocking to my system. I felt completely worthless, abandoned, afraid, just down right hurt. Angry too. Prayer helped me forgive those two guys, but there was more working in my spirit. What could I learn from this?

I sensed the Father telling me that

1. There are people all around me feeling abandoned and worthless.

2. Many can't pick themselves up and enter the comfort of friends and family.

3. They need the love of Jesus, and I am to be a vessel for that.

So, I'm not quitting my job and joining the Peace Corp or anything, but I am motivated to try and be aware of the those around me needing to be "picked up off the ground."  Father, open my eyes:)

Nerdy Inspiration

Here's a little poem I wrote for myself several years ago. It keeps me on track with my goals (not in the order of importance). I was inspired by the Narnia, Prince Caspian movie. I'll be sharing in weeks to come what each of these phrases mean, and why they help keep me on track. I know, I'm weird:)

Drink only diamonds
Eat from the earth
Dance in the moonlight
Sing every verse

Spin pretty yarns
With pen and with hook
Soften the faces
Upon whom you look

The Word of the Lion
Hide in your heart
In all your connections
Do more than your part.

©Jody Bailey Day

What do YOU think some of these phrases mean?

Surprised by Fear

I'm turning 57 on Sunday (19th). Those numbers have never bothered me. Strangely, though, I didn't expect this about getting older. Didn't see it coming. Fear. Yes, I'm a person of faith,. I know we're not supposed to be afraid and I do know where it comes from. Still, I struggle with it sometimes. Just being honest here.

Health issues, finance issues, the state of our country, our children, our spouse, the future. The list is infinite if I let myself think about it. Am I the only baby boomer struggling with fear? I doubt it. I just don't hear anyone saying so. 

It's my thinking that's the problem. I have to remember that the same thing is true now that was true when I was young and strong.

1. God is in control. He's got my back.

2. His steadfast love never ceases, never comes to an end.

3. He has a plan for my life. Random is not in His vocabulary.

I wonder if this struggle is why dear old Prue Benson always sang the same song when it was his turn for a solo at church. "His Eye is on the Sparrow, and I KNOW He watches me." Praise God!

Are you ever afraid?

Embracing the Uncomfortable

So we've got our goals written down, our mind pumped up, and the new year looks victorious! Then...we get leg cramps from going to the gym after a 5 month break, we come home from work exhausted and would rather drive through than eat the salad we diligently prepared ahead of time, and our word count is lacking for the day. The recliner looks better than the computer chair. UNCOMFORTABLE = QUIT!

Somebody posted a cute, and very true, snippet on Facebook last week. "It's time for my traditional January 1 through January 3rd diet." Something like that. I don't want to give up this year on my goals. I know you don't either. We have to face the fact that our pumped up drive and resolve will face the Enemy. 

Maybe we could look at UNCOMFORTABLE as our friend. He (let's make him a 'he', good looking, and our cheerleader, lol) gets us there, teaches us discipline, wants the best for us. Wait, that's Jesus! He's beautiful, encourages us with His Word, so wants the best for us. 

So I'm wrapping my arms around Uncomfortable. Are you with me? Normally I try to write about encouraging things, life through Love Colored Glasses. This is maybe a negative take on it, but it's where I am now.

Where are you? How do you fight the Uncomfortable?

"The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.' The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31