John 12:1 – 8 Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair.
Mary was a lady, whom, when Jesus was at the cross, let her long-flowing-pride-and-joy hair down to demonstrate her true love for her ‘brother’, despite how ‘immodest’ and ‘immoral’ she appeared to others. Wouldn’t you do the same for your brother or sister?
Church is a magical place. From the year I was eight until eighteen I was a regular church goer. McGregor Baptist was my ‘other home’. And, I am so grateful that I was expected to stay committed, regardless of my temporary disinterests and motivation. But, nine times out of ten, I can honestly say, “Wow, I’d wish these memories, friendships, laughters, hugs, tears upon anybody.”…VBS (Vacation Bible School), camps, youth groups, Sunday worships, picnics…good stuff.
I just went on a tangent and got personal. Felt good.
Let me keep going…there is a point, promise…lol…
So, then, I went off to Florida State University and never stepped foot in a church. I didn’t really communicate with Papa either. I’d say Papa was, overall, proud of me, though.
I came back to Fort Myers upon completion of college, and ‘church hopped’. I hopped clear across the bridge and into Cape Coral, hoppin’ along. It was in Fort Myers, that I came across Faith Fellowship. Magic, beauty, power, strength and intelligence filled the room. Being a predominantly congregation and filled with all walks of life, the love for Papa was ginormous. Everybody was ‘letting their hair down’! Yes! Finally!!!
Point is, there was a difference in how I felt between the two churches. I felt a little restraint, reserved, a feeling to ‘conceal my faults to appear strong’. Whereas the latter, I was able to ‘reveal my weakness to find strength’.
Go to church or don’t go to church (meaning a brick and mortar). But, let’s not hold back our true identity to appear a certain way to please others. Just please, Papa. You’ll find yourself being a kid again. 😛
“Search me, God, and know my heart….See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.”
Hope this finds you well.
Love,
Lisa