“Mom! I don't need your help. I have driven a stick-shift before.”
Fear fueled her anger, which fueled mine. Once, we were driving again on flat roads I asked her, “What was that all about back there!? Why are you mad at me?”
“Mom, you get me nervous,” she stated matter-of-factly, her eyes staring straight ahead.
“I get you nervous? Seriously?! But, I barely said a word.” Was she using me as her excuse for her poor driving performance back there?
“I can't explain it Mom. You get me nervous.”
My presence was powerful in her midnight blue Elantra. I had no idea. Words didn't need to be spoken for her to know how I was feeling while sitting in the front seat beside her. I couldn't help but think about how as Christians we bring an invisible presence wherever we go too.
A mighty presence of the Holy Spirit, Christ in us. A sweet perfume to some, the scent of death to others. For we are to God the aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are the smell of death; to the other, the fragrance of life. 2Cor. 2:15-16
My feelings were hurt again. I'd invited someone over for dinner and at the last minute they called to say they couldn't come. I wanted to throw my triple-layer chocolate cake out the window.
"Why do you continually poke yourself in the eye, Joanne?" Paul asked. He's such a cool drink on a hot day.
"I guess I always have hope they will want to spend time with me."
"Sweetheart, they're just not that into you." Encouragement is not his greatest gift.
But, the above scripture came to mind. Even though I don't bring up Jesus in every conversation, could it be they feel His presence here in our home?
I'd like to think so.
I have the rotten stench of death to some. No matter how hard I try, there will be people who don't want to hang out with me, even people I love.
What about you? Do you stink around some people you know? How have you handled those situations?
9 comments:
Ouch.
You stepped on my toes!
I can think of a few people I am less than encouraging too...because of the past and other things.
I think I need to step back and take a harder look at me.
Apparently I do(I must stink too). But we must remember it is not us they are rejecting, it is the fragrance of Jesus. What a privilege it is to stand with Him...even when it means being rejected by others. I say, let us stink to high heaven!
And eat the cake!
I think you smell sweet:)
Good Morning Joanne, This was a interesting post! I think because of our "Human Nature"(does not justify sin), we all have a tendency to "stink"! in fact just Saturday when out shopping, I became very irritated at the sales clerk, she had a very stinking attitude! and I just kinda let go on her! When I left I knew I was not a sweet smell and I blew it again! and yes immediately I was convicted because I did not pass the test! So that was the event that I allowed Satan to use me! Kinda just put a dent in my day! but all in all I know that I am forgiven even when I fail the test! Because God has already paid the price for me! Thank You Lord! Thank you for your honesty, because your post helped me today! Blessings! for today!
Yes! We just talked about this in my women's Sunday school class. His presence in us...
Love this passage of scripture, it is so encouraging when the feelings of rejection come.
Bless you!
I think you stink pretty, Joanne! It's amazing the opposite affect we can have on those who don't have the Spirit of the Lord in them. Years ago while at a Harvest festival, some freaky people upon seeing the fish symbol on my necklace, made a face and scooted as far away from me as possible as we passed on a narrow ramp into a shop. I couldn't help but smile. Need someone to share that cake with??? :)
Awesome reminder.
Oh God has marked that verse for me. Lately I have been smelling like a rose. ha! the rose of Sharon. I see hungry people in the desert so far but I have stunk it up before as well. I like this post. B
Oh what a thought provoking post! I sure hope not but probably so. I hope at least your second story was made up. It made me sad for you. I would gladly come and eat cake. LOL. I really enjoyed this post. I actually came over looking for the 'What Love Looks Like.' I hope you haven't stopped doing it. I have missed some weeks. I am going ahead and writing a post today and I will link you anyway. Hope your day is Blessed.
Sherry
Yes, literally today I stink! Figuratively speaking, I imagine yes as well. I think I'm a bit over the top for most people. And here I thought it was them...
Love you, friend. Keep working hard on that book. I'm so very proud of you.
peace~elaine
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