The Hard Thing
As many of you know I had the opportunity to speak to a Christian group in Pakistan via skype recently. When I first received the invitation, I can tell you I was both excited and hesitant at the same time. I mean it’s no secret that Christianity is not exactly accepted in Pakistan.
– Who exactly was this group?
– What were they teaching the people in the group?
– Were our beliefs the same?
-Would their views align with mine?
These were just some of my concerns as I contemplated whether or not this was something I wanted to do. After kicking the idea around and after having a conversation with the voice of reason <my mom>, I realized I really didn’t have a choice in the matter. It was an assignment given to me by G-d and not only would I carry it out, but I would carry it out with a cheerful heart.
Blessed to be a blessing were her exact words!!
…And she knew exactly what she was talking about like all good momma’s do.
You see this group reminded me of how we ought to ask G-d for The Hard Thing.
About 20 of them gathered in what seemed to be an empty room with a banner displaying their name in the back. On their knees and sitting in rows on the floor they greeted me with the most genuine smiles showing both appreciation and reverence. I’m not sure if my favorite part was when they asked me to sing a worship song or when they waved hello at me through the camera. And for those of you who know me, you can breathe now…No, I did not sing! I’ll save that for the next time <wink, wink>
My message was about G-d’s faithfulness. Yet in spite of the fact that I was the one who brought the Word, I can tell you that they were the ones that brought the testimony!
There was no fancy sanctuary filled with comfortable chairs, nor were their flashy lights or top of the line instruments. All there was, was a people who had learned to ask and depend on G-d for The Hard Thing.
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For peace amongst the turmoil
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For water in the dry place
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For protection in the middle of the chaos and violence
For all the things that you and I take for granted every day because they come with our territory.
You see for them, this is The Hard Thing. What can only happen on a daily basis with the intervention of a faithful G-d.
Like always, my mother was right…the blessing was for me. I will not settle for the little things but will confide in an all-powerful G-d to perform The Hard Thing(s) in my life.
Praying you do the same….
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I’m Getting My Groove Back
40…yeah that was the magic number! I certainly wasn’t going to be one of those women. Long beautiful flowing hair from the back that leads you to think she’s 16, but one glance at her from the front and you realize she’s actually 60.
Just as my birthday approached is when I made up my mind…long hair after 40 was a Don’t for me… and so I chopped it all off!
It was basically an overnight decision. I made the appointment at the salon, went in and without remorse watched as they swept away my mane which was enough to make a wig or two out of.
I left feeling light and refreshed and as if 20 years had been taken off me…ok, maybe not 20 but at least 10.
I’m not sure what it is about milestones in our lives. But they cause us to do some of the craziest things. Things that we would normally not do.
That was October of last year and today as only time can do, it has revealed certain truths that 9 months ago I wouldn’t have understood.
You see my whole life I never had the courage to cut my hair past my bra strap. It was as if though my identity was found in my hair. Without it, I just knew I wouldn’t feel like myself and all my strength and everything pretty about me would be gone. But turning 40 and believing that crazy story about long hair at 40, pushed me to finally take the step I had been scared to take my whole life.
Although it seemed to be about the hair, it really wasn’t.
It was about a mindset!
…A mindset that was comfortable with the familiar and didn’t want to let go of what it had always known. A misplaced identity that didn’t know how to separate physical beauty from internal value and worth. Both of which kept me
growing something for so long for the wrong reasons.
None of the things I thought would happen when I cut my hair happened.
-The sky didn’t fall
-Elephants didn’t fly
-I didn’t lose my strength
-….and the Jensing still thinks I’m cute
The only thing that changed was my mindset. Because sometimes we have to cut things off in order that they may grow back at a different time and for the right reasons.
Whether short or long, my hair isn’t the sum of me but just an expression! Short was fun while it lasted but now it’s growing and I’m getting my groove back!