I Know Who I Am…

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People are so righteous with their judgements and cruel words dressed up in politeness. I wonder if saying these hurtful words make them feel good. I went back to staying alone in a crowd and I thought I had done a good job. I am still friendly, because I am not going to change who I am and will always say kind words before moving on. Then someone said, “you look colorful today,” as I walked by. I half turned and said, “thank you.” I found myself frowning as I walked farther back into the church. I had on a burgundy skirt with mustard yellow, dark blue colored dots, over burgundy legging, and a mustard colored blouse. My coat was red, because it’s the only dressy coat I have. I admit the red may not have matched, but I was warm and to me that’s all that mattered.

Matthew 7:2 NIV [2] For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. https://bible.com/bible/111/mat.7.2.NIV

I found my seat and opened my Holy Bible app. I was slowly calming down, then out of nowhere a question came to mind. Has anyone gotten a gift and you say, “thank you” but you don’t call or text to keep repeating those words. Does that make you ungrateful?

Then that person who gave you the gift calls and berates you for over ten minutes telling you how you have no self-esteem, because you are overweight and you should be looking for a better job. Telling you the amount of the gift, going out of their way to get the perfect gift, and…

In a calm voice, I cut them off by saying, “I know who I am, and I am beautiful no matter my dress size. I know I am loved and no man, woman, or child has the right to judge me. I’m glad you learned from our late pastor and you can quote the Bible, but…..

I stopped talking and let my words sink in. I wasn’t surprised when that phone call ended. I don’t know if she actually understood my words, but I’m good. 

1 Peter 3:3-4 NIV [3] Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewelry or fine clothes. [4] Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.  https://bible.com/bible/111/1pe.3.3-4.NIV

Bye IV Now, LD*

My Road

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The only thing I was thinking about as I walked through the doorway to my so-so job was “vengeance or forgiveness”? I know that was the wrong thing to be thinking and then this thought popped in my head –

Exodus 8:8 NIV [8] Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Pray to the Lord to take the frogs away from me and my people, and I will let your people go to offer sacrifices to the Lord.”

https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.8.8.NIV

Exodus 8:12-13 NIV [12] After Moses and Aaron left Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the Lord about the frogs he had brought on Pharaoh. [13] And the Lord did what Moses asked. The frogs died in the houses, in the courtyards and in the fields. 

https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.8.12-13.NIV

That wasn’t even half of what happened to the Pharaoh, because he just wouldn’t let go. God was patience and with each act Pharaoh’s world was slowly coming to an end until – 

Exodus 12:31-32 NIV [31] During the night Pharaoh summoned Moses and Aaron and said, “Up! Leave my people, you and the Israelites! Go, worship the Lord as you have requested. [32] Take your flocks and herds, as you have said, and go. And also bless me.” 

https://bible.com/bible/111/exo.12.31-32.NIV

I knew I had to clear my mind. I turned my music up, (wish i can recall what was being played on my Mary-Mary playlist on Pandora) but sadly I do not.

I thought I had that thought out of my head, but just for a second it came back. A co-worker said, “GoodMorning,” and asked how I was. I told her what I was thinking. Then once I said those words out loud and she asked, “what does the Bible say about that?”

I smiled, because I knew I was in the wrong and I am woman enough to admit it and repent for those thoughts. I also know, well I am thinking it says “vengeance is mine the Lord had said”. I don’t know where that is in the bible, but I will in a few minutes.

Nahum 1:2 NIV [2] The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and vents his wrath against his enemies.

https://bible.com/bible/111/nam.1.2.NIV

Nahum 1:2 AMPC [2]  The Lord is a jealous God and avenging; the Lord avenges and He is full of wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on His adversaries and reserves wrath for His enemies. [Exod. 20:5.]

https://bible.com/bible/8/nam.1.2.AMPC

I was able to breathe more clearly and I had meaning behind my smile. I know who I am and who I am standing with and there isn’t anyone who can bring me down. I will win in the end. 

People should learn from Pharaoh and not take the long road, because they will always lose in the end. My road may not always be smooth, but I will always get back up.

Bye IV Now, LD*