A Look From the Inside Out.

A look from the Inside Out.

Have you ever had someone stay with you unexpectedly and they go into your junk drawer or open up a closet that’s well - - a mess. You make excuses, as we all have from time to time, about not being the most organized person. It actually can feel kind of intimidating to know that they may stumble across something else that’s not quite -- perfect.

It’s funny how we can go to mucho trouble to wash the car on the outside but skip the inside; or vacuum the house but not move the furniture. How do your clothes lay in your chest of drawers, neatly folded or shoved in nice and tight? Would it bother you if someone were to see the house you kept on a regular basis? Do you wear designer stuff or do you own a real good imitation? (Ouch!! Time out. Let me take my shoes off. My Goochi stilettos are hurting my toes and ruining French mani– what Goochi is spelled Gucci? – and toes are called pedi? Hhhmmm, whatever!! Some people think they know everything! Where was I?)

Getting past the visual, physical and material things in our homes and lives in general, what kinds of behaviors, attitudes and beliefs do we lack knowingly and unknowingly and sometimes expertly or amateurly camouflage within ourselves? Do we speak with a prejudiced tongue when we say we are not? Do we promote gossip in others when we claim to not gossip ourselves? Do we argue that we are busy and keep a messy looking desk to hide our lack of knowledge and organization? Do we claim to be poorer than poor just so that someone else might pick up lunch again while you squander your little pesos on cigarettes, alcohol, clothes, lotto tickets or tuck it away for a rainy day?

When someone points out a weakness or an obvious flaw or perhaps has the opportunity to look beneath the outer surface or see a side of you that you’ve managed to hide until now, it can cause a rather uneasy feeling and may even bring on a bit of insecurity, anxiety or distress to you personally or even add an uncomfortable element to your relationship.

When the picture we have taken years to paint and protect is distorted in a matter of seconds, how deep into the well will we go to calm the stirred up waters or maybe even change our course. Or in the alternative, how often will we blatantly turn our cheek and ignore the obvious ugly truth. (To change is work, and who wants to do that, right?) At what point does a person stop to think “I need to grow,” “I want to change,” “I don’t like this about me,” “I’m okay,” or “wow, I just didn’t realize I’m a mess.”

Okay maybe some of us haven’t consciously tried to create a certain impression or image for the sake of others. However, no one is perfect. (Yeah, well your bubble just went pop! Now what? We still love you man!!). However, some still might argue and say, “I am who I am and I don’t care what anyone else thinks of me.” “Who do I need to impress anyway?”

For starters, we should not be out to impress each other. However because we are human all evidence points to the contrary (I know you are out to pleasure yourself. Riiiiggght!). The point here is that we are working on HOPE and openness for personal improvement – stay with me --keep your options open People we’re not done yet!). Wheew, now that I’ve got you back, let’s take it up a holy notch.

We can’t fool our creator, cuz He sees e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! When you get down to it, when we do things for the right reasons (God’s way) all deeds are for the good of others. It may not always run smoothly (what would be the fun in that?). Be cautious not to feel shamed just because others will not agree with you when you are doing the right thing. Working for the Lord can make you a bit unpopular. However, there is nothing to feel shameful about even if a little dirt is turned over and a few people chit chat a bit about you (don’t let them hurt your little feelings you’ve got a bigger friend on your side!).

You’re living the good life now. Our former “selfish” motives are now softened to “self-less” alms (charitable donations) and the feeling it produces is positive and heavenly even in the midst of life’s hiccups.

The truth of the matter is that we can’t fool God, our creator (and that my friends, is where it all begins and ends). Genuine efforts, true values, and good morals are par for the course. Being true to God gives you peace inside. It’s the only way to live.

Read, study, and share to improve your values and morals with positive people (gaining a little confidence helps with any new venture). Then take it to the streets. Know where you are going before you put your best foot forward. Practice makes almost perfect and God r-e-a-l-l-y appreciates someone who is working at being better.

The ultimate goal is to be an imitator of Christ. Wow, incredible shoes to walk in and an amazing journey to say the least. Your creator will reward your genuine efforts even when your weaknesses and flaws are exposed.

Have a blast with your new stride, the new soft path you carve out will become a popular wider and more permanent foundation as you bring others along for the ride. (Yeah, your cup is half full and change is “FUN”.)

You’ve got a fresh perspective and new look from the inside out. From where I’m sitting the world is looking like a better place because you are in it! Have a great walk!


Inspired by:
Luke 11:37-41

While Jesus was speaking, a Pharisee invited him to dine with him; so he went in and took his place at the table. The Pharisee was amazed to see that he did not first wash before dinner. Then the Lord said to him, "Now you Pharisees clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside you are full of greed and wickedness. You fools! Did not the one who made the outside make the inside also? So give for alms those things that are within; and see, everything will be clean for you."