The leaves are falling at my house, maybe where you live they don’t fall or they are already on the ground.
Once the leaves have fallen the branches are ‘uncovered’ for us to see. We get to view what has been hidden–a skeleton that held layers of greens, then golds or reds.
People are like this tree. Make up, hair, high fashion, GoodWill couture are distractions from what is on the inside. Under the bright pink sweater may be a woman in dire need of understanding or a hug because her underpinnings are weak.
Some wear that ‘different’ look–you know the one that makes you back up and wonder about the person with the piercings and tattoos–is she safe, will he try to take something from me?
This weekend at our book signing Marty and I witnessed such a person.With a bit of encouragement J. spoke with us. Her tattoos were in Greek and Hebrew, one of them meant forgiveness.
I try hard not to judge people by what they appear to be, sometimes it’s hard. I tend to turn to fear rather than God. This time I let God work and was blessed by meeting a charming child of God, one who volunteers talking to runaway children about God’s love. She’s studying to a nurse, would like to write a book to help runaways understand what God’s love can do for them and feels led to learn Thai.
Then she did the unexpected, she offered us a love offering. She carries a few dollars with her for that purpose. We refused to take it, asking her to use it in her ministry.
The few minutes J. spent talking with us blessed both Marty and I. For me it was a message to take time and uncover the person under the layers, because there are jewels waiting to be discovered.
for more a2z please visit Patty Wysong’s blog.
posted by Diana Lesire Brandmeyer
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So cool, Diana!! Tatoos in Greek and Hebrew… this answers one of my pressing questions for my next mss. =]
I love how God sends blessings like that. Loved this!!
Hugs!
Amen, Diana! Funny, the tatted and pierced have to remember not to judge the tidy, church-lady types, too!
Great reminder and beautiful encounter!
Thanks for a great post and reminder about looking past the surface!
We lose out on so much when we don't take the time to search deep in our young people. Not always, but more often than not! Thanks for sharing this, Diana.
How cool that J. was not only a blessing to you, but a blessing to all of us as well.
A wonderful lesson and reminder to look for the “jewel” inside each person! Wow!
Oh, Diane – I SO needed this post. Judging from the outside is SUPER easy – but we're all different under the surface. Thanks for the reminder.
You know that many of those kids are hiding under all the tats and piercings. Good for you for reaching beyond them!