[Who is] Your Mirror?

Right now my church, Pathway, is going through the book of James. I decided that I would read through it over and over, throughout the sermon series. It has quickly become one of my favorite books of the New Testament.

James 1:19-25 says,

"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do no merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does."

From a very young age, we learn that taking a quick "mirror check" is what one does before leaving the house. I am pretty sure I have never left the house without doing so. It is second nature. It's as if we allow this piece of glass to determine our worth, as our reflection silently proclaims whether or not we are "put together" enough to face the day. Whether a good or bad hair day, this image is usually what sticks with us...

Needless to say, I was pretty convicted after reading what James had to say concerning where our focus should rest. I quickly realized that, far too often, a piece of glass that can shatter in an instant takes more priority in my life than "the perfect law that gives freedom." And the latter does not fade. Or shatter. Or disappear. Or distract. Or distort. 


"But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it- he will be blessed in what he does."

Look intently. The Word of our God gives freedom like no earthly piece of glass can ever give. But don't just look once and walk away. Continue to peer through the pages of the Word of Life. At times, the reflection may be painful, and not exactly what we hoped to see as we are hit with the drastic truth of our depravity. But the Gospel does not stop there. This perfect and priceless Mirror paints the most beautiful picture of Grace you have ever seen.

Who is your mirror?

Two for One.

I am my father's daughter. Always thinking, ever-analyzing, my wheels never cease to turn. It is mind-boggling how I end up conjuring dazzling, deep, and detailed meanings from simple everyday objects and experiences. Although quite odd at times, I praise God for those unexpected, random moments that He uses a seemingly meaningless moment to give me a different, refreshing glimpse into His heart... for opening my blind eyes to those things my Creator made for me and gently placed in my path to truly see Him for who He is... Ultimate Beauty.

Needless to say, I love those things with double-meanings... they sure help to keep this wandering soul focused on my Destination. I lose perspective like it's my job. The waters rise and the storms rage and just like that- my perspective sinks to the depths of the sea. Living in a world like this, one must have a battle plan. It is nothing less than vital.

I discovered very early on that I am a full-fledged visual learner. If I see  something even once, chances are, I will remember it. I quickly integrated this with my plan of attack- to weather even the most treacherous of storms.

Because if you haven't figured it out yet... life is full of them.

So about three years ago, I began to "wallpaper" so-to-speak, the "walls" of my life. Items such as my cellphone, laptop, desk, car, and on the serious war-zone days- even my hands.

I desperately needed to see reminders of hope, truth, and grace wherever I looked.

For those who know me well, know that anchors are my thing. After all, they are pretty cool lookin'. But it's deeper than that (no pun intended). I was reading the book of Hebrews a couple years ago and came across Hebrews 6:19- "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure..." referring to the hope in the power and promise of Jesus Christ.

So now do I not only see steadfast and secure strength when I see this symbol, but also something I so ardently need and desire- HOPE. And this hope does not disappoint [Romans 5:3-5].

Praise God for practicalities such as this to keep me deeply rooted... because recently I have seen anchors EVERYWHERE... and immediately the Son shines upon my gloomy outlook and perspective of despair.

Isn't our God GOOD?

I have debated starting a blog for quite some time now. I am in a continuing season of refinement- and refinement requires much processing. I process as I write... and need to be in a better habit of doing so. God is teaching me too much for me to allow these moments to slip by only to be swallowed up by busy schedules and demanding time lines.

So I'm going to give this blog idea a shot. We shall see.

Of course, I didn't want the title to be simply thrown together without purpose... so I have been pondering for awhile. I began to think about what seems to be the theme of all I have been learning these past three years...

TRUST.

In the midst of overwhelming and undesired circumstances, I must have a foundation. A foundation that can withstand fire, storm, and the deepest of heartaches. After demoing a few potential "promising"candidates, I have seen firsthand that my Savior Jesus Christ is the One and Only survival remedy- no matter the reading on the rector scale.

My only option in the midst of the chaos? ...Trusting Still.

Despite what this life throws my way, my God asks that I still trust His WORD, for it alone endures [Psalm 130:5; Isaiah 40:8]. I have seen people and things I thought could be trusted, relied on without reserve, crumble from underneath me in an instant.

But the Love and Word of my God knows no end.

And that enables me to continue in Trusting Still. To shout from the rooftops an unashamed proclamation of "nevertheless".

But this type of reckless trust demands further surrender. This naked and vulnerable dependence pleads with and cries out to us to be STILL. To hand over the reigns to the One who sees beyond the horizon of our shallow skies. To present our deepest, dearest desires, fears, "entitlements", and dreams to the Creator of the human soul. To stop striving for control and success and start to be still in the promise that in HIM all things hold together [Colossians 1:16].

To be still in His presence and in our pursuit of Him... to trust in Him.

So this is me and where I am at in this journey called life. No matter the storm, by God's grace, I will continue in trusting [Him] still.