It was a strange sense of deja vu to be in a theater I'd performed in for years, this time being an audience member. The crusty blue seats had been replaced with plush red ones, but other than that nothing had changed. There was still the distinct scent; the red curtain was still there, and the expectant friends and family were finding their seats or standing and chatting with other parents. I found an aisle seat, feeling slightly out of place. It had been four years since I graduated from high school... what in the world was I doing back here?
High school had its fun and awesome moments, to be sure, but there was a constant sense of competition when it came to girls and beauty. High school girls are infamous for their drama and cattiness, and being back in the old building I felt all the old insecurities and fear rushing back. All these girls I knew, all the pretty and flirtatious girls... I wondered what they would think of me after four years... would they be judging me?... I had a fleeting urge to get up and leave.
Suddenly the lights dimmed and the first choir took the stage. It was the freshman womens' choir - I had been standing there eight years prior. They filed up onto the risers and began their first piece.
As they sang, something strange happened. I was scanning the faces of these young girls, some fidgeting, most with deadpan expressions, and a thought came into my mind: These girls are so beautiful. I blinked a few times and looked again. It was true - every girl up there, regardless of body type, height, whether she was wearing makeup or not - was truly beautiful.
When I was in high school, there was a small collection of girls who always seemed to stand out as being more beautiful than the rest - better hair, nicer smiles, better bodies. Had girls just gotten prettier since I graduated? Or was God giving me eyes in that moment to see that these girls - these women - were imagebearers of Him and so were incredibly beautiful? I couldn't believe it. I think I almost started to cry. During those teen years, beauty always seemed so far away to me, something to be chased down and grasped firmly lest it fly away at the first sign of a pimple or a pound gained.
In 1 Samuel 16:7, God tells the prophet Samuel that "man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." The Hebrew for "look" is the word ra'ah, meaning to see, perceive, or gaze at. God alone is capable of gazing at our heart while at the same time gazing at our outward appearance. He sees what we look like, both physically and spiritually. Beauty in His imagebearers, yet marred by sin. Only Christ can make us spiritually beautiful.
That night He gave me a glimpse past the superficial American standards of beauty, and I was able to see His mark on each woman standing on that stage. It was a privilege.
How has He opened your eyes to the beauty surrounding you?
- Grace Marita
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Heart of God Booklist
As I write this, there are many things in my life right now that display the beauty of God. My brand-new baby niece, who (praise God) is growing up thirty feet from this blogging couch. She is a medical miracle, and a gift from the Lord of life. The ominous storms we've heard the last two days have finally blown over, revealing brilliant blue sky and streaks of sunlight coming in through the window. I listened to a sermon at church this morning on John 9, God's inescapable glory displayed in disability. And I have a family who loves me, and whom I love. Beauty.
One of my purposes in writing this blog is to seek to minister to others, women especially but men as well, who struggle with the concept of physical beauty as I have (and still do). In order to do this, I've created a Heart of God booklist that I'll add to weekly. Each book on this list was chosen prayerfully. The authors may write from different angles and time periods, but all of them address beauty, God's and ours. I pray that each book might serve to open your eyes to the exceptional beauty of our Creator and the beauty with which He sculpted you.
**Note: I'd be remiss not to say that the Bible should be the first place we go for insights into beauty. This list should really start with number 2.... Thus, it will :) **
2. Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge.
3. Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.
4. God's Passion For His Glory, by Jonathan Edwards. (This link is to a book/commentary on this essay written by Dr. John Piper, but you see the Edwards text as well. It's meaty. It's wonderful.)
The books that will be put on this list are books that I have read and can wholeheartedly recommend to you. I will not put any resources on this blog that I don't support myself either theologically or stylistically.
Enjoy. Drink deep. Worship.
~Grace Marita
One of my purposes in writing this blog is to seek to minister to others, women especially but men as well, who struggle with the concept of physical beauty as I have (and still do). In order to do this, I've created a Heart of God booklist that I'll add to weekly. Each book on this list was chosen prayerfully. The authors may write from different angles and time periods, but all of them address beauty, God's and ours. I pray that each book might serve to open your eyes to the exceptional beauty of our Creator and the beauty with which He sculpted you.
**Note: I'd be remiss not to say that the Bible should be the first place we go for insights into beauty. This list should really start with number 2.... Thus, it will :) **
2. Captivating, by John and Stasi Eldredge.
3. Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers.
4. God's Passion For His Glory, by Jonathan Edwards. (This link is to a book/commentary on this essay written by Dr. John Piper, but you see the Edwards text as well. It's meaty. It's wonderful.)
The books that will be put on this list are books that I have read and can wholeheartedly recommend to you. I will not put any resources on this blog that I don't support myself either theologically or stylistically.
Enjoy. Drink deep. Worship.
~Grace Marita
Monday, May 9, 2011
Isaiah 52, Bandaged Feet Seeking Wisdom
My black dress heels have been in poor shape for some time. Scuff marks around the toes, scratches along the sides. The stiletto heels look like they've been munched on by a tiny dog (which may well have been the case), and the metal spike in one heel has long since worn through the rubber on the bottom. For weeks I had a very distinctive stride around the office - tap click tap click tap click... it was impossible to mistake me for someone else.
The time finally came when I decided to replace them. After searching two or three stores, I found a pair that seemed to suit me. They were very similar to my previous pair - black patent leather, slightly pointed toe - and a whopping four inch heel.
I was a little hesitant to try to work the heel, but I thought it would be okay.
Oy.
This morning I put them on in my usual rush to get out the door while trying to walk the dogs, fill their dishes, put them in kennels, and grab a lunch for myself. By the time I got out to the car a sense of foreboding was spreading over me... I knew it was a bad idea to buy these dreadful black things but it was too late to turn back.
Needless to say, my day was spent baby-stepping along the hallways of the office while co-workers gaped at my sky-high purchase. Beauty is pain? No. Our idea of beauty is pain.
The most interesting reactions came from some of the men I work with. They cast a look at my feet, shook their head, and sighed while remarking, "I don't know why women kill themselves wearing those things."
Isaiah 52:7 reads, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news!" Whether we choose to wear heels, sandals, or just go barefoot in life, it's not what's on our feet that makes us beautiful. It's the message we bear while on our feet, the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Our beauty is wrapped up in completely knowing that we are His, and that we are sent. We put Band-Aids on our blisters and walk through life proclaiming, "Jesus! Yeshua! Messiah!" The life of Christ.
(Side-note: If your call is to go trekking across the mountains to tell people about the saving work of Christ, don't plan to wear 4-inch patent heels.)
-Grace Marita
The time finally came when I decided to replace them. After searching two or three stores, I found a pair that seemed to suit me. They were very similar to my previous pair - black patent leather, slightly pointed toe - and a whopping four inch heel.
I was a little hesitant to try to work the heel, but I thought it would be okay.
Oy.
This morning I put them on in my usual rush to get out the door while trying to walk the dogs, fill their dishes, put them in kennels, and grab a lunch for myself. By the time I got out to the car a sense of foreboding was spreading over me... I knew it was a bad idea to buy these dreadful black things but it was too late to turn back.
Needless to say, my day was spent baby-stepping along the hallways of the office while co-workers gaped at my sky-high purchase. Beauty is pain? No. Our idea of beauty is pain.
The most interesting reactions came from some of the men I work with. They cast a look at my feet, shook their head, and sighed while remarking, "I don't know why women kill themselves wearing those things."
Isaiah 52:7 reads, "How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news!" Whether we choose to wear heels, sandals, or just go barefoot in life, it's not what's on our feet that makes us beautiful. It's the message we bear while on our feet, the message of Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Our beauty is wrapped up in completely knowing that we are His, and that we are sent. We put Band-Aids on our blisters and walk through life proclaiming, "Jesus! Yeshua! Messiah!" The life of Christ.
(Side-note: If your call is to go trekking across the mountains to tell people about the saving work of Christ, don't plan to wear 4-inch patent heels.)
-Grace Marita
Thursday, April 21, 2011
The New King James Bible, and Barbie
Beauty is unexpected.
Sunday morning I sat in church and listened as the pastor took us through John 8:31.. "If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed." It was a great compelling sermon as he broke down each word.. abide (gotta love NKJV).. in... WORD...
The pastor then looked out at us triumphantly and called the Word nourishment, revelation... and beautiful.
Huh?
I'll be honest, I love the Bible. I think of it as eye-opening, wonderful, true, and inspired, but I've never really thought of it as beautiful.
That one point so stuck in my head that I wandered off for a few minutes, as we all do, and started reflecting. Why don't I ever think of Scripture as 'beautiful'? What do I think of as beautiful?
I think flowing silky fabric is beautiful. I think dark curly hair is beautiful. I think a ninety-year-old couple holding hands on a park bench is beautiful. I think watching beams of pink and orange and purple light shoot across the sky at sunrise is beautiful. I think the way a man gazes at his new bride is beautiful.
Then I realized that what I consider 'beautiful' tends to be external or fleeting. Ooh, that was tough to see. But it was true.. Everything I had just listed mentally had to do with outer beauty, not character. That's the way our culture views beauty, as purely an external presentation using clothes, hair products, and great posture. Enter Barbie, who by those standards alone would win the beauty contest year after year. Perfect hair - which in thirty years will go gray - perfect teeth - which will be replaced by dentures - and impossible measurements in the bust and waist. A finite, temporary example of beauty. Not like the Bible.
What makes the Bible beautiful?
It's true. It knows the human heart as both exceedingly passionate and hopelessly wicked, and still through Jesus God offers us grace.
It's lyrical. I mean, "You are clothed with honor and majesty.. Who cover Youself with light as with a garment.. who stretch out the heavens like a curtain... He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters.." Psalm 104. That's breathtaking!
It is unfailing. Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, and the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." Bleach-white teeth and curly hair only go so far in this life. Our employment fails. Our families fail. Our bodies fail. But the Word cannot fail. God is incapable of failure, and because of that is utterly beautiful.
Toward this I strive, seeking the unfailing beauty that can only come from knowing and living God's Word rather than the failing beauty of Barbie, whose proportions make her the most likely candidate to fall over and then break in half because her size 3 foot slipped out of her size 3 high heel in its daily battle to support her 39 inch bust. Oy.
Biblical beauty is puzzling to the world, because at first glance it may not be noticeable. It's the beauty of "a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." It's the beauty of faithfulness in marriage. It's a young child who wants to serve God. It's a man standing up to a giant. It's a King washing the feet of his followers. And, this Easter weekend, it's an empty tomb and a risen Savior.
Take that, Barbie.
- Grace Marita
Sunday morning I sat in church and listened as the pastor took us through John 8:31.. "If you abide in My Word, you are My disciples indeed." It was a great compelling sermon as he broke down each word.. abide (gotta love NKJV).. in... WORD...
The pastor then looked out at us triumphantly and called the Word nourishment, revelation... and beautiful.
Huh?
I'll be honest, I love the Bible. I think of it as eye-opening, wonderful, true, and inspired, but I've never really thought of it as beautiful.
That one point so stuck in my head that I wandered off for a few minutes, as we all do, and started reflecting. Why don't I ever think of Scripture as 'beautiful'? What do I think of as beautiful?
I think flowing silky fabric is beautiful. I think dark curly hair is beautiful. I think a ninety-year-old couple holding hands on a park bench is beautiful. I think watching beams of pink and orange and purple light shoot across the sky at sunrise is beautiful. I think the way a man gazes at his new bride is beautiful.
Then I realized that what I consider 'beautiful' tends to be external or fleeting. Ooh, that was tough to see. But it was true.. Everything I had just listed mentally had to do with outer beauty, not character. That's the way our culture views beauty, as purely an external presentation using clothes, hair products, and great posture. Enter Barbie, who by those standards alone would win the beauty contest year after year. Perfect hair - which in thirty years will go gray - perfect teeth - which will be replaced by dentures - and impossible measurements in the bust and waist. A finite, temporary example of beauty. Not like the Bible.
What makes the Bible beautiful?
It's true. It knows the human heart as both exceedingly passionate and hopelessly wicked, and still through Jesus God offers us grace.
It's lyrical. I mean, "You are clothed with honor and majesty.. Who cover Youself with light as with a garment.. who stretch out the heavens like a curtain... He lays the beams of His upper chambers in the waters.." Psalm 104. That's breathtaking!
It is unfailing. Isaiah 40:8, "The grass withers, and the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever." Bleach-white teeth and curly hair only go so far in this life. Our employment fails. Our families fail. Our bodies fail. But the Word cannot fail. God is incapable of failure, and because of that is utterly beautiful.
Toward this I strive, seeking the unfailing beauty that can only come from knowing and living God's Word rather than the failing beauty of Barbie, whose proportions make her the most likely candidate to fall over and then break in half because her size 3 foot slipped out of her size 3 high heel in its daily battle to support her 39 inch bust. Oy.
Biblical beauty is puzzling to the world, because at first glance it may not be noticeable. It's the beauty of "a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God." It's the beauty of faithfulness in marriage. It's a young child who wants to serve God. It's a man standing up to a giant. It's a King washing the feet of his followers. And, this Easter weekend, it's an empty tomb and a risen Savior.
Take that, Barbie.
- Grace Marita
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
The Unwelcome Critic - aka Satan
I just came out of battle. While I may not be covered in blood and blue paint as William Wallace in Braveheart was, I bear the marks of a fierce fight.
Every woman has those days when she doesn't feel beautiful or desirable by any stretch of the imagination. For me it was very recently. I wasn't feeling very well that morning, I was operating on a hairpin trigger and was irritated and moody... girls will understand why ;) Standing in front of the bathroom mirror that morning and looking at myself, sans makeup or cute clothes, I felt like a blob.
On cue, my accuser showed up.
Look at yourself. You're not pretty.
"No! No! Not true. I'm the daughter of the King. I'm beautiful because I bear His image to the world.."
Your teeth aren't white enough. Your face isn't symmetrical.
"It's a lie! It's a lie! He loves me just as I am... He made me.."
Then the zinger came.
You're not beautiful. No man will ever find you attractive.
I lost ground. But even as tears filled my eyes and I started believing him, I fought back, though starting to weaken.
"You're lying. You're the father of lies. You were too proud of your beauty, that's why God threw you out of heaven."
Silence. I was alone, at this point curled up on the ground weeping. It wasn't true... but it felt true...
"Jesus.... Jesus... help me... tell me it's not true... why am I beautiful? Am I?"
I had no more verses to hurl at Satan; my mind was frantically searching for them and coming up empty. I was totally drained mentally and spiritually. Where do we go from here? How do we battle against the ultimate liar of all time?
We wield the power of the Word, which is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, the writer of Hebrews tells us. We get up off the mat and raise our sword once more. We fill our minds and hearts with more promises and truths than Satan can handle, and keep replenishing our weapons for such a time as this. Each promise from God to us is like a grenade to Satan. By claiming it, we remove the pin. By reciting it, we are lobbing it into Satan's camp. So claim the promises. Strap on your armor, put on that blue paint, and get ready to get dirty. We may be struck down but we are not destroyed. Jesus has won the war, but there are smaller skirmishes yet to be won.
Let's suit up.
-Grace Marita
Every woman has those days when she doesn't feel beautiful or desirable by any stretch of the imagination. For me it was very recently. I wasn't feeling very well that morning, I was operating on a hairpin trigger and was irritated and moody... girls will understand why ;) Standing in front of the bathroom mirror that morning and looking at myself, sans makeup or cute clothes, I felt like a blob.
On cue, my accuser showed up.
Look at yourself. You're not pretty.
"No! No! Not true. I'm the daughter of the King. I'm beautiful because I bear His image to the world.."
Your teeth aren't white enough. Your face isn't symmetrical.
"It's a lie! It's a lie! He loves me just as I am... He made me.."
Then the zinger came.
You're not beautiful. No man will ever find you attractive.
I lost ground. But even as tears filled my eyes and I started believing him, I fought back, though starting to weaken.
"You're lying. You're the father of lies. You were too proud of your beauty, that's why God threw you out of heaven."
Silence. I was alone, at this point curled up on the ground weeping. It wasn't true... but it felt true...
"Jesus.... Jesus... help me... tell me it's not true... why am I beautiful? Am I?"
I had no more verses to hurl at Satan; my mind was frantically searching for them and coming up empty. I was totally drained mentally and spiritually. Where do we go from here? How do we battle against the ultimate liar of all time?
We wield the power of the Word, which is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, the writer of Hebrews tells us. We get up off the mat and raise our sword once more. We fill our minds and hearts with more promises and truths than Satan can handle, and keep replenishing our weapons for such a time as this. Each promise from God to us is like a grenade to Satan. By claiming it, we remove the pin. By reciting it, we are lobbing it into Satan's camp. So claim the promises. Strap on your armor, put on that blue paint, and get ready to get dirty. We may be struck down but we are not destroyed. Jesus has won the war, but there are smaller skirmishes yet to be won.
Let's suit up.
-Grace Marita
Friday, March 25, 2011
Spiritual Armor All
I was standing next to a filthy sink yesterday, in a green jumpsuit and steel-toed boots. In front of me was a paint-covered shopping cart filled with chemicals which I was to open and dump down the filthy sink as quickly as possible. Sound strange? For me it's just another day working at the Eco-Site.
People bring in funny things to us sometimes. For example, in this particular cart, those chemicals deemed by the public to be "hazardous" included 24-hour oral rinse, shampoo, pet lice shampoo, and hand lotion. The horror!!!
I reached into the cart for the next bottle and glanced over I had just grabbed. The label caught my attention.
People bring in funny things to us sometimes. For example, in this particular cart, those chemicals deemed by the public to be "hazardous" included 24-hour oral rinse, shampoo, pet lice shampoo, and hand lotion. The horror!!!
I reached into the cart for the next bottle and glanced over I had just grabbed. The label caught my attention.
Armor-All
Protects and Beautifies
I've worked with Armor All before.. it's meant to polish leather car seats and other things, but at that moment I thought instead of the Holy Spirit.
I know. You can laugh; I did when I saw that on my computer screen.
But truly, the Holy Spirit in us acts as a Protecter, Comforter, and Guide in our lives as we follow Christ (John 14:26). He gives us gifts to edify the body and ourselves (1 Cor 12). And yes, indeed, He does beautify us. He renews us (Titus 3:5)! He works in our lives to sanctify us and make us more like Jesus. God is the most gloriously beautiful Being in existence because of His absolute holiness, so having the Holy Spirit teach and mold us gives us a taste of His beauty in this life. Can you believe that we'll actually get to experience His full beauty and holiness for all eternity? I mean, can you BELIEVE that?
It boggles the mind. God promises us His presence in this life, and that's what He's given us - so thank Him for your Spiritual Armor-All.
-Grace Marita
Saturday, March 5, 2011
She held my face in her hands, gently but firmly. With the tenderness of a mother but the determination of a sister, she spoke truth to me. "Don't be afraid. You can trust Him. You can trust Him." The tears on her cheeks in no way diminished her message.
I was part of a group that traveled down to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville this year, with the purpose of networking, conducting interviews, and going to seminars. I knew it would be a chance to meet and learn from people professionally; God surprised me with a shower of spiritual blessings as well.
The morning our team left for Nashville we needed to meet at our pickup location at nine am sharp. I (as with many mornings) left the house a tad later than I planned. With a new layer of snow on the ground from the night before and a high level of stress at packing/airport/travel, I drove a tad faster than I should have. I fishtailed on the slippery roads and almost rear-ended another car, but God in His providence protected us both. I drove very carefully after that. Thank You, Lord.
I normally get stressed and frantic when I have to fly.. it has something to do with the whole security screening I guess.. but even more so now. Maybe this is only an issue for women, but I'll just lay it on the line. I am not comfortable with the thought of stepping into a booth and having some stranger scan my body for dangerous objects. I'm even more adamant about being patted down. My body belongs to me and to my husband; I want to save it for him. I don't want to put myself in a position to be touched in that way; quite frankly, that small procedure was giving me more anxiety than the flight itself.
So after getting thoroughly worked up about going through security, our group was able to pass through the checkpoints minus a body scanner OR a patdown. WOW. Thank You, Lord.
My first interview in Nashville was with an energetic young man with a passion for reaching lost teens on the Internet. (I say young because he's within five years of me... I felt quite young the whole weekend:)) After spending much time talking and getting to know each other, my new friend and brother in Christ asked if he could pray for me (how wonderful it is to have another Christian pray over you!). I ran into him several times that weekend and each time his energy and passion for Christ encouraged me beyond words. Thank You, Lord.
Sunday morning I heard a strong, convicting message by James MacDonald and was able, after much searching/staking out his booth, to shake his hand and thank him for his commitment to biblical teaching. I think I came off as a stammering six-year-old girl (my accomplice assures me I didn't), but when God uses a Bible teacher to grow you, your heart is to thank them earnestly. He was gracious - he called me Sweetie, which seemed strange in the moment but I am young enough to be his daughter/niece - and thanked me. Thank You Lord.
Sunday afternoon I had another interview with a well-known author, whose books have blessed me greatly. When she greeted me with a huge hug, I knew it would be another blessed interview. We found a quiet room and she promptly kicked off her heels when we sat down - a kindred spirit. I loved it :) We spoke at length about her book and then she asked me questions about myself and my passion. She asked if she could pray for me, and asked God to give me wisdom and direction and patience and courage.. when I lifted my head after the prayer she was weeping. She took my face in her hands and would not let go until I looked her in the eye and heard what she was saying.
"Don't be afraid, Grace. You can trust Him. You can trust Him."
***Insert another post here***
Thank You, Lord.
Monday I was standing in the pressroom area when another teacher walked by who has greatly influenced me - Dr. Ravi Zacharias. I was just talking on my cell phone, and here he comes, just strolling right past me. I was sort of in shock. God's used his ministry to equip millions of believers - myself included - in practicing apologetics. I had a press conference to attend, so with great regret I entered the room and didn't expect to see Ravi again. When the half-hour press conference was over, I exited the back doors and - in God's awesomeness - Ravi had been in the room next door the entire time. I took a deep breath, walked right up to him and introduced myself. I was super-nervous, but I had to thank him for what he was doing.
A friend of mine has said that he'd be really intimidated to ever meet Ravi in person, because he's so intellectual and can think on his feet better than most people. Another friend of mine has said "Ravi wouldn't ever have to physically take you on - he'd just rip you apart with his logic." :)
I'm happy to say, in person, Ravi is very kind, soft-spoken, and welcoming. Thank You, Lord.
That night I met with a potential future employer with a heart for reaching oppressed women believers worldwide. That meeting also ended with prayers and tears. Thank You, Lord.
All in all, a very eventful, amazing, insightful weekend in Nashville. One thing stood out above all else - we tend to put well-known Christians on a pedestal. I'm guilty of this many times. I was so excited to meet all of these Bible preachers and radio personalities in person, but I tend to have high expectations for them. I was able to meet two amazing godly teachers, but chances are they've forgotten who I am. GOD NEVER FORGETS. He asks, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast ...? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (Is. 49:15-16).
He holds our face in His hands.. He will not forget us. We can trust Him; sometimes it takes another believer holding our face to remind us of that.
- Grace Marita
I was part of a group that traveled down to the National Religious Broadcasters Convention in Nashville this year, with the purpose of networking, conducting interviews, and going to seminars. I knew it would be a chance to meet and learn from people professionally; God surprised me with a shower of spiritual blessings as well.
The morning our team left for Nashville we needed to meet at our pickup location at nine am sharp. I (as with many mornings) left the house a tad later than I planned. With a new layer of snow on the ground from the night before and a high level of stress at packing/airport/travel, I drove a tad faster than I should have. I fishtailed on the slippery roads and almost rear-ended another car, but God in His providence protected us both. I drove very carefully after that. Thank You, Lord.
I normally get stressed and frantic when I have to fly.. it has something to do with the whole security screening I guess.. but even more so now. Maybe this is only an issue for women, but I'll just lay it on the line. I am not comfortable with the thought of stepping into a booth and having some stranger scan my body for dangerous objects. I'm even more adamant about being patted down. My body belongs to me and to my husband; I want to save it for him. I don't want to put myself in a position to be touched in that way; quite frankly, that small procedure was giving me more anxiety than the flight itself.
So after getting thoroughly worked up about going through security, our group was able to pass through the checkpoints minus a body scanner OR a patdown. WOW. Thank You, Lord.
My first interview in Nashville was with an energetic young man with a passion for reaching lost teens on the Internet. (I say young because he's within five years of me... I felt quite young the whole weekend:)) After spending much time talking and getting to know each other, my new friend and brother in Christ asked if he could pray for me (how wonderful it is to have another Christian pray over you!). I ran into him several times that weekend and each time his energy and passion for Christ encouraged me beyond words. Thank You, Lord.
Sunday morning I heard a strong, convicting message by James MacDonald and was able, after much searching/staking out his booth, to shake his hand and thank him for his commitment to biblical teaching. I think I came off as a stammering six-year-old girl (my accomplice assures me I didn't), but when God uses a Bible teacher to grow you, your heart is to thank them earnestly. He was gracious - he called me Sweetie, which seemed strange in the moment but I am young enough to be his daughter/niece - and thanked me. Thank You Lord.
Sunday afternoon I had another interview with a well-known author, whose books have blessed me greatly. When she greeted me with a huge hug, I knew it would be another blessed interview. We found a quiet room and she promptly kicked off her heels when we sat down - a kindred spirit. I loved it :) We spoke at length about her book and then she asked me questions about myself and my passion. She asked if she could pray for me, and asked God to give me wisdom and direction and patience and courage.. when I lifted my head after the prayer she was weeping. She took my face in her hands and would not let go until I looked her in the eye and heard what she was saying.
"Don't be afraid, Grace. You can trust Him. You can trust Him."
***Insert another post here***
Thank You, Lord.
Monday I was standing in the pressroom area when another teacher walked by who has greatly influenced me - Dr. Ravi Zacharias. I was just talking on my cell phone, and here he comes, just strolling right past me. I was sort of in shock. God's used his ministry to equip millions of believers - myself included - in practicing apologetics. I had a press conference to attend, so with great regret I entered the room and didn't expect to see Ravi again. When the half-hour press conference was over, I exited the back doors and - in God's awesomeness - Ravi had been in the room next door the entire time. I took a deep breath, walked right up to him and introduced myself. I was super-nervous, but I had to thank him for what he was doing.
A friend of mine has said that he'd be really intimidated to ever meet Ravi in person, because he's so intellectual and can think on his feet better than most people. Another friend of mine has said "Ravi wouldn't ever have to physically take you on - he'd just rip you apart with his logic." :)
I'm happy to say, in person, Ravi is very kind, soft-spoken, and welcoming. Thank You, Lord.
That night I met with a potential future employer with a heart for reaching oppressed women believers worldwide. That meeting also ended with prayers and tears. Thank You, Lord.
All in all, a very eventful, amazing, insightful weekend in Nashville. One thing stood out above all else - we tend to put well-known Christians on a pedestal. I'm guilty of this many times. I was so excited to meet all of these Bible preachers and radio personalities in person, but I tend to have high expectations for them. I was able to meet two amazing godly teachers, but chances are they've forgotten who I am. GOD NEVER FORGETS. He asks, "Can a mother forget the baby at her breast ...? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands" (Is. 49:15-16).
He holds our face in His hands.. He will not forget us. We can trust Him; sometimes it takes another believer holding our face to remind us of that.
- Grace Marita
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