Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: PRIDE (inflated opinion of one’s self) (02/19/15)
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TITLE: Not Routine Anymore | Previous Challenge Entry
By Linda Gage
02/26/15 -
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“The mirror does not lie,” she thought as she began her morning getting-ready-for-work routine.
She leaned in for a closer look at a new flaw, when irony jolted her thoughts.
“Here I am trying to cover my face, but sneers, criticisms and judgments from the heart can’t be covered.”
Her mind drifted to long-ago days. When looking in the mirror wasn’t so difficult. Beside the fact that she was a lot younger, no gray hair and needed less make-up. She went to church, was a faithful wife, did ‘good’ and knew that she was okay with God. Her heart was full of self-satisfaction.
“The Bible is like a mirror, revealing the heart,” the memory of her pastor’s words resonated. “It’s the only Book that when you read it, it will read you.”
That it did. God showed her the error of her ways, ideas and beliefs; the lie that told her God loved her for what she did or did NOT do. The prideful thinking that she could earn God’s love.
It had been over 10 years since she had accepted and realized the truth that Jesus paid the price for her sins. That there is nothing she can ‘do’ to make God love her more or less than he loved her. His grace, mercy and loving kindness revealed the pride of her heart and changed the course of her life to true salvation.
“Thank you Lord.”
She gazed past her reflection, peering into places of herself that she did not want anyone else to see.
“Why, then Lord, do I have to fight and contend against my pride over and over?”
Her morning routine turned into a plea to God. She blotted on concealer that faded the dark circles, age spots and freckles. A thick cream filled wrinkles.
“Lord help me to NOT use this face to criticize or judge anyone today. But to show kindness and gentleness to whomever I should meet.”
Eye shadow in the right places for highlight.
“Lord please help me use my eyes to show compassion and understanding.”
After fumbling through a myriad of lipstick shades, she chose a pale pink and colored.
“Lord, please set a guard over my mouth and keep watch over these lips. Keep me from sinning against you with words.”
Thoughts flood in like a tidal wave that can’t be stopped.
“What if I outburst, what if sneer at someone, what if I act like I’m better, what if…what if. ”
She squeezed the tears back that would smear the whole pallet of her face.
“Lord, thank you for showing me the sin of my pride. It creeps, it sneaks it slithers its way back into my thoughts and actions. It slips out of my mouth in sarcasm and bursts out from emotional upsets. It sways my mind with irrational critical thoughts of others. But greater are You in me than my pride.”
She took one last look in the mirror. Make up in place, wrinkles hidden, dark circles lightened, eyes enhanced and lips colored. On the outside her appearance seemed acceptable for the day.
“Lord thank You for renewing my heart.”
Then, in a spontaneous act and no time to spare, she scrubbed every bit of make-up off. Leaving to ‘face’ the day with her heart in tow and the Holy Spirit within. Her satisfaction resting in a LORD and God who saves.
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WEll done.
God bless~