Sunday, October 19, 2008
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Proactiv for the Soul
I love looking at before-and-after pictures of people whose skin goes through some amazing anti-acne or anti-wrinkle treatment or men whose hair grows back. Some of the before-and-afters look like two different people, and not because of the fresh skin or new hair; it was the expressions.
I'm fascinated by the change in some of these people. You can see a happiness in them that was lacking before. More striking is that in some of them, the person had a look of shame and burden upon them, and one simple treatment and one outward adjustment changed their entire aspect. Only the treatments aren't simple and quick, and often require continual use to maintain the new results.
I've been trying to figure out why certain traits in me result in the same expressions of so many before-shots. Without the acne or receding hair, I often notice in me a hardness or shame. Why can't I always be happy and light? There needs to be an internal change, and for the last year or so I've been telling God I'll ask him about it eventually. Eventually...because I knew that once I brought it to God, he'd begin the digging, painful treatment.
Yesterday, I repented of bitterness. I knew there was a source for all the anger and shame, but I thought it was because of what people had done to me, not what I had done to myself. Betrayals and lies that were preplanned to serve another's purposes made me angry and hateful. But regardless if the anger stemmed from bitterness or birthed it, I need to repent. Can you imagine if Jesus grew bitter against all those people who intentionally hurt him? We'd all be damned.
I'm sick of the easy, superficial fixes, the ones that are painless and mostly ineffectual. I'm not sure about the hair-loss treatments, but I know the acne-ones work provided you can get through the period of inflamed, itchy, dry skin. In the same way, I know God's fix isn't going to be pleasant, no mere matter of taking a multivitamin and hoping it works.
Have you been trying quick fixes for a problem that just won't go away?
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Comments (8)
Sure. That's why I'm overweight, turning to food instead of God for what I legitimately need.
DIDO!!
no. if you need medical treatment; go to the doctor and get it professionaly done. not whatever you read as the cure on the internet.
This is a really good post. For years I was addicted to prescription drugs and alcohol. During most of my life I was very slim and looked pretty good by the "world's" standards but I didn't feel good on the inside. True beauty comes from within - I know what you mean - I've seen really attractive people who are "hard" on the inside. And peace comes from within too - When I turned everything over to God - totally surrendered to the fact that I could NOT do this alone - I began to heal. I will be "God willing" clean and sober 4 years in December. Today I work with others suffering from addiction - giving back some of what I was given. I still have tendencies toward the "quick fix" such as using food for comfort - but when I get real with myself and God - I know it's not necessary. Thanks for a great reminder!
I struggle with bitterness, too, from time to time, and I tend to keep things bottled up inside, rather than try to patch things up immediately. (Most of the time, my patch-up attempts didn't work because the other parties involved weren't in a position to listen to me at the time I came to them.)
I certainly have been. Good thoughts on this subject - you should develop this idea further if you ever have the time/inclination. This could be a great sermon.
@mo_chic_for_jesus@xanga - i know how you feel, i think... Still, sometimes I just think I adore food too much.
WoW! I just finished writing my blog then I read this one. Have a look at my blog I must of prayed for you as well mate.