Wednesday, August 22, 2012

The Ole Baby Powder Trick!


Psalm 51
Hi Ya Gang...

     This week has been a "mock speed, hair on fire" kind of week, if you know what I mean.  In fact, I've had to use the ole 'baby powder in the hair' trick on the days I haven't had time to wash my stringy locks.  My friend even asked me one day, "Rebecca, have you washed your hair yet?"  We joked that I'd be like the dusty guy on Charlie Brown and if anyone touched me or patted me on the back, a puff of powder would fly up all around me! 

     As far back as I can remember, I've always resisted washing my hair.  I hate the feeling of getting my head wet. As much as I hate dripping strands, I love clean ones more!  So, on days I requiring the powder trick, I always feel off kilter.  On the outside I look acceptable, I suppose.  In fact, a lot of times my hair does better on the powder days, but I know it's dirty so it's a constant distraction.  It's itchy and dull feeling. I'm self conscious that maybe everyone will know my hair is dirty or maybe it smells bad...  (Hence the question you may have heard me ask before: Would you rather look good and smell bad or look bad and smell good?  Anyway...I digress)  Truth is that powder trick will keep me socially acceptable for a short period of time, but eventually if I don't make time to wash my hair bad things begin to happen! ...not to mention how awful I feel on the inside.  

     I thought of that this morning as I cleaned up to face another day.  I thanked God continually for the privilege and relief of being clean and smelling fresh.  I remember an interview with a Jewish man released from a concentration camp.  He explained that one of the most debilitating, emotionally difficult parts of the whole prison camp experience centered around not being able to get clean... no soap or clean underwear or fresh clothes for months... Can you even imagine?  

     I don't think anyone would discredit the importance and positive psyche associated with a clean clothes and body.  But what about a clean soul?  Do you realize how much stress and discomfort comes into your life when you ignore your inside?  Unfortunately, I've wielded "baby powder tricks" for my soul and heart and conscious.  And you know, for a while it may appear to work...at least on the outside.  But eventually if I don't take time to deal with my heart, bad things begin to happen!  

     Just a gentle reminder today to you and to me... don't neglect your inside cleanliness any more than you would your outside.  It's important to God because He has abundant life He wants for you! He can't offer it to us if we refuse to deal with our hearts :)  And take it from me, once you take the time to meet with Him, it's worth every bit of pride and self you've had to sacrifice to make your heart right with Him!   Psalm 51:10 "Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Hope & Glory! to You~ Love
Rebecca 
PS ~ I’d love to connect with you on Twitter @RebeccaFussell

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Smells like cocky...


Smells like cocky…
Psalm 31

     You can spot them a mile away…Funny, while it’s obvious to everyone else, often the person of reference thinks no one knows.  I’ve been guilty.  I’m talking about the person who thinks they’re all that and a bag of chips.  Weird isn’t it how we can almost smell when someone is just a little too big for their britches?  I’m not sure what gives it away, but there is a certain air around those who believe they are God’s gift to mankind or to the workplace or to the neighborhood block party…I can't speak for anyone else, but like I said, I've stunk to high heaven with it myself.
     I’d like to think many of those days are behind me as I’ve matured and grown to understand more of my need for Christ as my daily life.  I do, however, recall with vivid memory the first time I realized how ridiculous I had been acting after thinking initially how cute and flirty I must be.  It’s embarrassing…
     I was in Jr. High.  My youth group gathered in someone’s home for something. I had a crush on someone whose name I don’t remember or even recollect what he looked like.  I do recall sitting on the couch convinced I must be making a darling impression on him when something clicked.  It was almost as if I could see myself apart from myself, like in a movie, and I realized how ridiculous I actually acted.
     I thank God for that memory…strange how certain things will stick out in your mind.  I can barely remember what I wore yesterday, but I recall that feeling from 30 years ago clear as a bell.  
      I say all that to say just be who you are.  Don’t worry about impressing anyone.  Dress with a desire to honor your King.  Treat others with respect and the humility of realizing when you look into their eyes they are a person created in the image of God.  Each person is someone of value.  Each person puts his or her clothes on the same way.  All must brush our teeth to have clean breath and all have uniqueness to be celebrated. 
     So instead of flitting around vying to make a good impression or slipping into the shadows in hopes of being lost in the crowd, take it as it comes.  Every person you come across is a person to look into the eye gate of their soul and hopefully share the love of Jesus with a warm smile and kind word. 
     I’m challenged and guided by the verses in Ps 31… I remember reading it the night I came home from that activity, embarrassed and needing a new plan of action!  “In Thee O Lord do I put my trust; let me never be ashamed…Into thine hand I commit my spirit…My times are in they hand…Make thy face to shine upon thy servant…Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man…Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart…”

Hope & Glory to you my friend,
Rebecca