The Shadow of Your Wings

How precious is Your lovingkindness, O God! Therefore ... [I] put [my] trust under the shadow of Your wings ... For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light. Ps 36:7, 9

Perceptions

flutterby | May 07, 2008 13:18

I’ve been thinking about how we are perceived by others. I mean, when I read the words of various writers on this site or in books I start to get a “feel” about the “who” of them. Even those missives that aren’t really personal in nature reveal the personality of the author. Sometimes I even dare to think that I actually “know” them.

I have been so blessed by the comments left on this page by folks who only “know” me through these scribblings. Such kind and encouraging compliments. I thank you all. But I’ve been thinking about the poor, dear people who know me in “real” life. The ones who know that when I stub my toe “owwie” is probably not the first word to escape my lips. Or those who’ve patiently listened to me rant or whine when someone has hurt my feelings or made me angry and know that the thought to pray for them often comes after I’ve overcome the urge to “lay hands on” them. What do those folks think? Knowing me as they do, are they still able to recognize me in the writing? And, of greater importance, knowing me as they do are they still able to recognize Christ in my living?

Writing comes easily to me and has always been my preferred method of communication. It allows me to express my thoughts and feelings most honestly, most thoroughly, without the distraction of interjections or interruptions. It is the one, the only, thing over which I have complete control. I can easily strike a line that doesn’t say exactly what I intend, or take the extra moment to look up the perfect word to describe the situation. When I write I am free to be me.

Or at least that’s my perception.

How then does that translate to the everydayness of living? How do I unveil my heart to reveal the glory of Christ in me to those who must suffer through the tedium of “real life” with me. Do the four and five letter words of Christianity - love, life, grace, peace - pervade my speech as freely as they do the script? Or am I better known for the other phrases that grunt and grumble up my sentences? When someone sees me do they see Jesus? Do they hear the still, sure voice of the Spirit over the noise of my words? Does the way people perceive me distort their perception of the truth and beauty of Christ? God forbid.

God, forgive! Lord, You are the One who is the Word become flesh. I ask You to cause my words and my flesh to become one, that what I say and what I do complement one another to Your glory.

General | Next | Previous | Comments (7) | Trackbacks (0)

Comments

Perceptions

Brent | 05/07/2008, 16:18

The world cannot see what you are because they choose not to. The world will look for each and every flaw, in other words when you stub you toe they want to let you know you "messed up". Christian people fail God daily. We were made in the flesh and sin is in the flesh. Just remember being saved does not mean you are perfect, it does however mean you are forgiven. God Bless You Sister.

One more thing...

Brent | 05/07/2008, 16:23

I am proud to know you only by "these scribblings."

Perceptions

Steve Coombes | 05/07/2008, 16:30

How true that we often display the selfish, unthinking, coarse self to those around us - especially those close to us - even though we truly desire to offer a Christ-like testimony with our words and actions. It is often my prayer that my family, friends, and coworkers would see Christ through me, yet I struggle daily with the impatient and selfish heart that often tries to take over instead. May God grant each of us the resolve to live our lives in a way that brings Him glory! May our tongues and actions be controlled by him!

Perceptions

cmj | 05/07/2008, 16:58

The reason a reader "feels" he knows the "who" of a writer has done one of two things: 1) He has created a persona who narrates a story (fiction) or gives an opinion or argument (essay). 2) He or she speaks sincerely, personally from the best and basic of what he is. I believe that you speak sincerely from the heart,from what you honestly, intrinsically are. It seems to me that your expectations of bringing your "real" life into harmony with Christian thoughts and behavior is what Paul struggled with in Romans 7:23-25. While Christ's blood has set "the law of our minds" free, our flesh still struggles with "the body of death." With Paul we say, "There is therefore no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit" (8:1). So, we walk with the Holy Spirit and allow Him re-train our flesh to come into harmony with our minds and spirits. The Holy Spirit (Jesus has promised) will teach us how to edit out those "un-oowies" and how to iron out those rants until there are gradually less of them. We shouldn't expect to be perfect ever until we stand before Him. However, again with Paul, we do "press forward to the prize of the mark of the high calling" of what He expects us to be (Phil. 3:14). We are all on the same journey, the prize before us, and the Holy Spirit to guide us. You , honest pilgrim, are on the right Way Home.

beautiful you...

loreelle044 | 05/08/2008, 01:49

It's ironic, I was just thinking things along these lines. This reminds me of something I say about my "werds". Often I stutter and stumble when trying to convey feelings and writing is my preferred method of communication. I have been known to use that with my children or spouse more than conversation. This also makes me think of one of my favorite authors who claimes "writers are cowards" and he says it in the way that applies to me. I get flustered and cannot speak as well as I write at times in that respect. I understand what you mean, though, and don't misinterpret my reference to 'coward' in your case. It seems I constantly encourage others to keep their tempers at bay, to remember not to react until they pray...but myownself -- ha ha! He sees me display quite a character. But as Brent said in his comment, we are not perfect. The fact that you stumble and get back up is a testimony of it's own to those who would scrutinize your werds. ;) I came here (to your page) on purpose to tell you that your words of encouragement rang in my heart all weekend. I thank God that you continue to press toward the mark and share with us, as it will NEVER EVER EVER matter to those who believe if you stumble. It only serves as a reminder that we are human and to look at Him. I just wish we could convey that to those who look harshly upon us and refuse to acknowledge Him based on other humanoids. I love you in Him, sister. Loree

Knowing You

Cindy | 05/08/2008, 12:20

I enjoy knowing you. I enjoy your writing. I mentioned you in my own blog today. If you have the time please take a peak.

Knowing the "real" you....

Jennifer | 05/08/2008, 18:29

To answer your question....YES! We see christ through you in your writings as well as in your own personal life. As a Mother (seeing as you are mine) or a friend (as you are that to me as well) I've always seen Christ through you. Your words have NEVER distorted the truth of who God is, who you are. You are a wonderful messenger for Him and always have been and always will be whether it be in your writings or your "real" life. I Love you
 
Accessible and Valid XHTML 1.0 Strict and CSS
Powered by LifeType - Design by BalearWeb - Hosted by New Technologies.