So tonight, as I was grabbing food at a race track for myself and six other people, a few drunken jerks (much stronger adjectives come to mind) decided to assume that the three 10" pizzas in my hand were all for myself (yuck) and snicker to each other. Now, at this time I had rejoined my mom and brother in the drink line and my mom noticing their rude behavior went over and put them in their place. I cant tell you how proud I was at that moment to be her daughter. But even ,though it had been delt with, I was pissed. It wasnt the things they said, I've heard every fat joke and slur out there and anymore its water on a ducks back, and it wasnt shame, but I was so mad that these people could be so cruel to someone they had no clue about and that they would NEVER know the person that is under the weight.
Would they have said anything if they had known my weight was from years of struggling with eating dissorders? or that it was the result of abuse as a child. Those people tonight will never know that I'm funny, that I love Disney movies, have worked with disabled children and adults, and would do anything to make my family or friends happy, instead, they just see the shell that holds the pearls within.
How often do we assume the worst about people we dont know? We see a pregnant teen or a young single mom and assume they are easy or whores when in reality they were raped, or their husband is in Iraq fighting. we see a bald person and assume they are a skin head when in reality its the result of painful chemo therapy. We judge before we even know a person's character.
Wouldnt it be terrible if God judged us all that way? what if He only took a quick look at the outside and ignored the beauty of the person within? The Bible says that when Jesus came to earth that he was ordinary and not what we would consider a beautiful person.
Isaiah 53:2 (KJV) "For he shall grow up before him as a tender plant, and as a root out of a dry ground: he hath no form nor comeliness; and when wee shall see him, there is no beauty that we should desire him.
Imagine all the poeple who probably looked at him and turned away because of his appearance. They never got to witness the love and miracles that Jesus showed. They never realized they were looking at the face of God. What if I had been one of those people?
Thankfully, I grew up as an outcast (just like my savior), I saw and heard the contempt of others and learned to see past the facade of looks and into the heart of people. I was taught not to judge (something I struggle with it every day). And I reread Psalm 139 to the point where I can almost quote it by heart.
13 For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
15 My frame was not hidden from you
when I was made in the secret place,
when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.
16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;
all the days ordained for me were written in your book
before one of them came to be.
17 How amazing are your thoughts concerning me, God!
How vast is the sum of them!
18 Were I to count them,
they would outnumber the grains of sand—
when I awake, I am still with you.
My God created me. In his eyes I am perfect and if God thinks I'm perfectly made, why should I let others tell me it isnt so.
Tonight I'll be praying, not just that those people at the race track learn to see past looks but that I also remember to stop before I begin to judge someone. And I'll also be praying for those who have been where I have (havent we all?); dont let the world tell you that you are less than perfect, because you ARE fearfully and wonderfully made!! YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
Luke 6:37-42 Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.” He also told them a parable: “Can a blind man lead a blind man? Will they not both fall into a pit? A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone when he is fully trained will be like his teacher. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?
