Makeover Madness
Today we have a guest blogger. She’s also the lady I live with. That’s right, the divine Mrs. Bassett is in the house! Both literally and figuratively. This is a great piece she wrote several years back and she just found while cleaning up old computer files. As I read it on her facebook it took my breath away. File this one under, “I Wish I Could Convey Feelings Through My Writing Like That.”
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Okay, confession time. I’m addicted. I could watch home reno shows 24/7. I just love how they take these sad little places and make them into something wonderful. Further confession: I live my life vicariously through these shows since those of you who know me know I haven’t used one single bit of the information gleaned from these shows to further the decor or ambiance of my own home. Who has time???
Well, God’s makeovers may require more than we’re sometimes willing to give, but they reap eternal rewards with peace as a great side benefit! Ha!
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners,
to proclaim the year of the LORD’s favor
and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
and provide for those who grieve in Zion
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
a planting of the LORD
for the display of his splendor.
They will rebuild the ancient ruins
and restore the places long devastated;
they will renew the ruined cities
that have been devastated for generations. (Isaiah 61:1-4)
It’s time! Let’s get rebuilding. Have you ever been hurt so badly that you couldn’t breathe? You know, like the wind knocked out of you? It’s terrifying! I mean, you’re fairly certain you’ll survive, but for a moment you have total understanding of the human body’s need for air in a real and meaningful way. You panic. You struggle for air. You may even do stupid stuff because you’re just trying to breathe.
I’ll ask again. Have you ever been hurt so badly that you couldn’t breathe? This time, I mean by life. Maybe a loved one dies, a child strays, someone you trusted wreaks havoc in your life, a dream dies, a job is lost, a spouse leaves, you’re in financial ruin. You can’t breathe. You struggle for life. You do stupid stuff.
It’s okay. You’ll live through it. I promise. Just breathe.
There are two movies that come to mind when I think about this. One is Deep End of the Ocean where a mother turns around and her two year old is gone. Michelle Pfeifer is the most amazing actress in the scenes that follow. I practically collapse with her each time I watch it. You might be wondering why I would watch it. It’s a reminder. It’s a battle cry for me. My heart so breaks for that desperate mother. I remember how many mothers and fathers are out there living in that desperate moment, and I plead with God for them. I stand in the gap for them knowing that He is faithful to provide peace.
The other movie is Ever After. This is an all-time fav. I’m hopelessly romantic and I love a happy ending. Especially when the villain’s lies are brought to light and justice is served. The scene I picture first though, is where Danielle (Cinderella as it were) has finally mustered up enough courage to get all dolled up and go to the ball to claim the love of her life and to tell him the truth about herself. However, before she can do that, the villain, the evil stepmother, takes it upon herself to discredit her in front of God and everybody. Defeated, she runs away from the purpose and the plan she was created for. To add insult to injury, she is then sold into slavery to the most hideous of men.
How ironic, don’t you think? It’s always when we turn and run from the plans and purposes God has for our lives that we end up bound in a cycle of slavery. Hmmm.
Have you ever felt like that?
Are you still suffering the consequences of those events?
Do you feel defeated, deceived, and destroyed?
It’s time to rebuild! That’s right. It’s just that easy.
Deal with it! Get before God and choose joy. Release any hurt, and humble your heart before Him. Let forgiveness reign.
Decide today to take hold of every one of those thoughts that WILL return to you…”don’t you remember what they did to you…don’t you remember how you felt…God doesn’t care about you or He wouldn’t have let this happen to you.”
Determine to break the chains of hurt and hostility that bind you. LET IT GO – every hour on the hour if needed. Speak it into your life. You will be victorious!
Diva Up and put on your crown of forgiveness – forgive not just those who have hurt you, but yourself if you’ve made mistakes that made it worse. Then, go to your closet and pick out your designer garment of praise. This is your armor to defeat the enemy that would keep you bound up with an ineffective testimony of hurt, doubt, anger and shame. Put on the oil of gladness and stink pretty! Create an aroma that is life-giving to those around you.
Declare the Word of the Lord over your life! Let Him be your defender and your shield.
The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me,
because the LORD has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
to proclaim freedom for the captives
and release from darkness for the prisoners.
You will be called an oak of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor. You will rebuild the ancient ruins and restore the places long devastated; you will renew the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations. Praise His name!
You are chosen for His greatness! So, let’s get this makeover started – get dressed, and get rebuilding!
Tags: cinderella, deep end of the ocean, everafter, jennifer bassett, makeover, michelle pfeifer