It’s been quite a week around My Place!
On multiple levels (and in multiple places) I’ve been privy to some heavy discussions in my community. May I just remind us all that Satan is alive and well—and we can’t ever forget it?
Lots of disappointment, hurt feelings, and mishandling of too-long-ignored issues. Lots of name-calling. Sometimes . . . too much keeping quiet; not taking a stand.
Too much choosing “sides” and forgetting community.
It’s Five Minute Friday, and today’s word prompt is bursting with expectations and preconceived stories. Having grown up Baptist in the South, I could give you the “I was raised in a Christian home and became a Christian when I was 10 years old” version, but not today. Testimony is so much more than that . . .
START
Evidence or proof provided by the existence or appearance of something
Everyone has a testimony. Everyone’s life gives evidence of something.
Is my life proof—testimony—that I’m selfish? Egotistical? Arrogant? Sometimes.
Does my life give evidence that I love my family, friends, and even strangers? Those “neighbors” Jesus so clearly reminds us to love. Sometimes.
Every day I give testimony of my priorities. Every.single.day.
Kinda scary, huh?
The testimony I want to have is the one that says I’m learning to love others as God loves them. To see others as God sees them. To love and see those around me as God loves and sees me—as inexplicably worthy of His love.
I want the testimony that brings His light into the darkness of my world, my community. I want people to see hope and kindness, caring and sacrifice, sharing and selflessness. I want to be His face to those around me . . . and I fall so short of that so often. But that’s my prayer for myself.
It’s my prayer for you, too.
STOP
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Matthew 5:16 NIV
Joining Inspire Me Monday at Create With Joy
Beautifully transparent post, Susan. Love this.
If Jesus dropped in unannounced,
would He sigh, and make no comment?
or (after Mad Kitty’s pounced)
would He have a face-palm moment?
Would He close His eyes and wince in pain,
thinking maybe grace is out of reach,
or would His sigh bring on a hurricane
that would level West Palm Beach?
I’ve really done the best I could
(at least, that’s what I say to me),
but in thinking with a head of wood,
guess it’s futile to stand on dignity.
Maybe He’ll just clasp my hands,
then wipe His own upon His pants.
Andrew, I love the way you think! I’m not sure if your last two lines were written from a place of humor or humility, but both work! Blessings to you, brother, on this Saturday morning. Praying for as much comfort and peace as possible for you today.
I love this take on the FMF prompt, Susan! So true – our lives always point to what is important. It would be amazing if people looking at our lives could see more and more of Jesus!
We live in hope, Lesley!
Great job on this post. Made me stop and think. Blessings to you and yours.
Your neighbor on Five Minute Friday (21).
Everyone’s life gives evidence of something. -Amen to that! And that it so often gives testimony to my priorities, as well as to my heart in general, is plain sobering. I need to allow that truth to dictate my choices and plans each morning.