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How cute is this??!!
Humble Pie January 21, 2012
If you saw the movie or read the book, The Help you might remember the scene when Minny gets her revenge. If not – well, take a look—>Click Here
ah – sweet revenge – nothing feels better….at least for a moment.
Many of us have been wronged, harmed, violated in ways unimaginable. What’s better than justice being served up nice and cold “Minny style”? Personally, I love it when people get what’s coming to them. No one loves justice more than I. I think about Braveheart when William Wallace goes on a slaughtering rampage after seeing the love of his life murdered. Unrelenting revenge was in him and he executed it with brutal passion.
The other day I pondered: I wonder what taste better – revenge pie or humble pie? Think about it.
Humble pie is not easy to eat. It is prepared with anguish and struggle. Heartache is a key ingredient and tears often are added. Please note that this pie is quite costly to cook up as the ingredients are hard to find. In my experience, this isn’t a pie you can cook on a whim, but rather, strategic planning is required. But what makes this sweet treat so special is the rarity of the finished product.
Revenge pies are a dime a dozen. We see it dished out around every corner, served with a passive-aggressive smile. There is something so sweet about that pie, it really does taste good. But it will rot your gut and the hunger for retribution is never truly satisfied.
Humility comes with a promise. If you pass the baton of revenge, to the only One who can actually execute it -satisfaction is sure to follow. Bake and eat the humble pie. Cry the tears. Scream into the night. Embrace the bitter anger that it might pass. Humble pie is filling and satisfying. It comes with a knowing down deep inside, that things do pan out in the end. Forgiveness does NOT mean forgetfulness. It does not mean naivete, but a quiet knowing that evil will be overcome.
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Romans 12:14-21
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord. 20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
What’s your flavor? January 8, 2012
Jesus encouraged His followers to be the “salt of the earth” – this phrase has been used in describing overall good people; “He’s a real salt of the earth kind of guy.” I’ve pondered this and when I was in Hawaii in October, I went into a store that sold several different kinds of salts – pink salt, black volcanic salt, red salt – all from different places on the earth and all ideal for flavoring various types of food.
Immediately I went to Jesus’ message and considered this. If we are called to be the “salt of the earth”, perhaps He was encouraging the masses to “flavor” the earth in their own unique way. My flavor is distinct from yours.
Many have preached this message based on the healing and preserving qualities of salt – all of which are applicable. But I go a step farther to include the individuality, gift set/qualities, and personal calling of the “salt” (you and me!)If we are to truly salt the earth the challenge is to be able to maintain our individuality while collaborating with our environment.
So what happens if we lose our flavor??
Well, we are good for nothing except to be thrown out and trampled under the feet of men. Harsh.
If we are constantly conforming to our surroundings, losing our uniqueness, we will surely be run over by everyone. We must know ourselves and what we bring to the table in our relationships, work environment, and everything we do. Think about if we don’t do our part…Have you ever said, “It needs more salt,” after tasting something you cooked? The creation is incomplete without the flavor. So, your world is without your particular contribution.
Plain Jane and Dull Dale don’t advance and succeed. Business people call it “niche” but I think this can be applied to all areas of life. So the challenge is this: SALT YOUR WORLD!
Your flavorful female,
Mel
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men.”
Completion January 4, 2012
I don’t think we are ever truly complete. I recently had an epiphany – everyone I come into contact with has something I need. What can I learn from the people placed in my path? It’s a simple truth, really…
I’ve learned some really hard lessons from people. I have also learned some basic practices that have become foundational in my life. Whatever the lesson, I intend to learn it.
My advise is – be intentional to learn from others. Ask yourself, “What am I to glean from this person?” It’s a fun game – especially when you find the person particularly unsavory. Everyone has something to be noted…even Hitler (a truly distasteful human) had the invaluable gift to rally thousands.
So the challenge today is this: Rather than focusing on what you have to give others, be mindful of what others might be able to contribute to your growth as an individual. I promise, your life will be better, more fulfilling, and in the end, you will have more wealth to give.
