Monday, January 10, 2011 - Baring Our Souls

    I saw the movie "On Golden Pond" when it came out in theatres in 1982 because I loved Katharine Hepburn and wanted to see what might be her last film, but it was the 40-year old Jane Fonda who stole the nation's attention when she pranced onto the big screen in a bikini, looking beautiful, skinny and fit. Evidently women didn't know they could have bodies like hers at 40 and maybe many secretly wished she hadn't proved otherwise. When asked how she did it she answered with her aerobics videos and single-handedly started a national craze that included a new dress code for exercising.  
     Although Jane Fonda has been more than controversial in her political past, she obviously found an answer people wanted and they flocked to her. We could learn a lesson from her on how to present our Answer to a searching world. The actress had been working out and eating nutritionally for years before the movie was filmed, but nobody paid attention until they saw the results for themselves. Anyone can use clothing to cover flaws but seeing Jane in that bikini was proof positive she had answers. If we follow suit by exercising our faith and feeding on God's Word as a part of our daily lifestyle, when the cameras and lights come on and our souls are bared, people will see something - or better Someone - they want. No one's interested in or notices layers of spiritual cliches or pretension. When crises rock the world, people want to see real answers and lasting results. Our goal is to learn to live out the faith God has given us so they ask "How do I get a faith like that?" 
     Father, search our hearts, minds and souls again today and extract all our excuses and substitutes for real faith. Replace them with Truth and strengthen us in Your Word. Turn this day into a joyful step-up in our relationship with You. Guard us from trying to airbrush ourselves into looking good for people. Change our hearts into hearts that beat after the same treasures Your heart wants for us. Take away our fear of being real with people because we're afraid they'll discover we're not perfect. Thank You for Your patience with us and may Your Peace and Love rule our thoughts and actions. When life's crises rock our world, help us hold on to You and reach out to others whose eyes have been opened to their need for You. 
In the name of Jesus, the One who opened the eyes of the blind and lived so needy people flocked to Him for answers

"I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light,

and from the power of Satan to God, 

so that they may receive forgiveness of sins 

and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me."

Acts 26:18

"When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 

In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; 

I will not be afraid. What can mortal man do to me?" Psalm 56:3-4

"But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." Matthew 6:20-21

Inspired by My Utmost for His Highest and Jesus Calling