A Different Kind of Scarlet Letter

I have heard both jailhouse and deathbed confessions, and later questioned the genuine nature of the person. Maybe that makes me a bit of a “doubting Thomas.” The young man in prison secondary to alcohol and drugs; paying the price for bad choices. Deeply regretful; regrettably too little, too late. The middle-aged woman who lost her children because she had neglected them – now dying in the hospital from cancer – no way to make amends with her children.  The person who had cheated on his wife, and needed to clear his conscious before ALS (Lou Gehrig’s) made him incapacitated entirely. The banker who had stolen from his company and gotten away with it. Yes, deathbed confessions are the most difficult and conflicted to hear. It’s important for people, especially Christians, to be good listeners. You never know when an opportunity may arise to share the Gospel. Our ordinary days and hours can often lead to special moments to witness and share our love story with Jesus. His love! His crucifixion and resurrection!

I have no recollection when I first heard about the conviction of pickax murderer, Karla Faye Tucker. Or why I’m aware that her middle name ends with an “e.” But, a true life story involving a pickax isn’t something one forgets easily. About a year ago, I read an editorial of her execution, and it triggered a memory or two from childhood. I committed to memory how unusual it was for a woman to be sentenced to death in the 1980’s. Again, I don’t know what she looked like, where she was born, or any pertinent information, but I also remember my step-father saying, “You don’t do murder in Texas. In Texas, they’ll kill you for killing someone else. That girl is a dead duck.” {I deliberately decided not to research Karla’s crime prior to this post, because I’m relying on the leadership of the Holy Spirit. This post is not intended to promote any of her criminal actions in a positive light, to “lift her up” in any way, but rather point our thoughts toward HIM.}

So, I found myself mulling over Karla’s life recently; more specifically her final days on earth.  If memory serves correct, she was executed in February, so maybe that’s what prompted my thoughts. (It didn’t feel right to refer to her as Ms. Tucker, so forgive the personalized namesake). If you’re over age 36, maybe you remember or watched the interview she did with television host Larry King. I didn’t watch the interview myself, but boy did I hear about it! From my step-father, pastor, Sunday school teacher, and other adults in my life. Her death-row conversion was quite the hot topic among Believers and non-Believers.

She talked about her childhood, a jaded past of prostitution, and dropping out of school. One reporter said, "What later stood out to Mr. King was her request for a dictionary. A dictionary. On death row."  What was that possibly for? I’m paraphrasing of course, but she stated she wanted to learn good communication skills because God had filled her heart with a love for people, and she wanted to tell others what He had done for her. That He had changed her heart. When asked about the death chamber, she plainly said she 'was EXCITED to see God’s plan come to fruition.' She was not fearful of death at all. “My life’s already been saved,” she said. (If nothing else, I take away from this story, that it’s never too late. We're all one breath away from eternity. A serious thought. As long as we have breath, we need to glorify Him).

Before we get too pompous and prideful…We know you would never be the one behind bars for any heinous act. Let’s be reminded that while most of us don’t commit murder, rob banks, cheat on our taxes, steal from the company, or practice deliberate evil acts; what if your family and friends knew your “Scarlet Letter?” Obiously, in Karla's case, her sin was not a secret. In my mind's eye she clearly has an M for murderer. That's my human eye...not God's omnipotent one.

Would we look at you with the same grace and mercy that the Lord Jesus does? The same non-judgmental spirit? Once it’s forgiven – it’s forgotten! Forever. Never to be remembered again. Psalm 103 tells us “As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.”

A long time ago my husband brought this message to our church– how it really stuck with me – this topic of our own Scarlet Letters – would someone in our family, our congregation, our circle of friends, wear a big T on their chest for troublemaker? An I for instigator? An F for falsely accusing? An L for lying? An S for sneakiness? N for narcissistic?  U for unbelief?  J for jealously? I particularly liked his example of C – are you a member of the cold water committee? Are you the one who usually puts a damper on something new or different – mainly because you’re not in control? I could name the entire alphabet thrice through, and still have plenty of transgressions to list. Think about how human we really are. I really don’t want these types of letters inside me!

We should all dig deep. Look within ourselves. Consider what our secret, hidden sin is…if that sin was exposed, what would we do? Say? How would we act? Luke 6:37 - Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: Would, and do we take action to make it right? Or make excuses. Blame others. Rationalize. Justify. Matthew 7:5 - Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye.

 Now might be a good time to pray, "Heavenly Father, You know the sin I struggle with inside...one that nobody knows about but You. I need help with -----. I ask for your deliverance and strength. Please forgive me through the blood of Jesus. Amen."

"What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus! Oh precious is the flow, that makes me white as snow! No other fount I know...Nothing but the blood of Jesus!"

Look UP my friends!

Too Busy for Him

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven ~ Mathew 5:16 If you’re spending more time engaged in everything BUT heavenly avenues, then “Houston, we have a problem!”  What’s hindering your love relationship with Christ? Since it’s not His inconsistency, unavailability, or lack of resources, perhaps you’re struggling with one of the following…

I am too busy with all I need to do: We’re all busy. And I do mean everyone. Kids, no kids, public job, stay at home job, octogenarian, 20-something person, single, married. I don’t know many people who don’t have daily demands and pressing issues. The evil one prefers it when we’re “too busy” for God.  Our minds tell us that we have too much to do to read our Bibles, attend worship services, serve others, and contribute our time and talents to our local congregation. If we’re too busy for God, then we aren’t growing and maturing in His love. We aren’t being the light to a lost and dying world.

In a sermon a few years back, my husband gave a good illustration. He said we should look inward and imagine ourselves with a dimmer switch. What setting would our light be on? Dim? Just barely enough light to navigate in the room? You know there’s a light burning in the dark somewhere, but it’s hard to see! Medium-bright.  Enough to get by, but doing half of what we’re capable of. Mediocre output. Or would our setting be on bright? Lighting up the spaces we’re in – the places we go – the people we associate ourselves with. If our lights do not shine, it’s not because we don’t have access to the Power! It’s our responsibility to stay connected. Matthew 5:14-15 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

Examine your prayer life. Are you finding you say a 5- second “thank you for the food,” before you dig in? Are those diminutive prayers what make up the majority of your prayer life? Because let’s face it, nobody knows how busy you really are! At least you pray before your eat, right?! (That is, when you aren’t too busy to remember.) And no, I’m not suggesting that lengthy prayers are more effective prayers, or that we should pray for 30 minutes before we eat our meals.  However, Christians know that prayer is a key element in staying committed to our heavenly Father.  Do not allow yourself to be too busy to talk with Jesus. If we went a day without talking with our spouse, we would naturally miss them. If we went 4 or 5 days without connecting with our spouse, wouldn’t we be longing for their presence? To talk with them, hear their voice, be in their midst? This is no different than our heavenly Father…if you’re too busy to miss HIM, I am doubtful you will lead a fulfilling, victorious Christian life.  Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven - Mathew 5:16.

I am Exhausted!  There’s an important person living in your house. If you’re a Christian, that person is Christ Jesus. You’re over worked, underappreciated, under-slept, and overly committed. But to who? And for what? Beware! In addition to physical and mental fatigue, exhaustion can lead to spiritual weakness.  We’re so accustomed to God being there, we may let Him take a back burner position in our homes. Very dangerous! While it is true, that He is always there for us, we should not take this aspect of omnipotence for granted. We can easily justify within ourselves what we do and don’t do. If I had a dollar every time I heard the saying, “Well, the Lord knows my heart,” I could retire today. No sarcasm here, I’ve heard it A LOT over the years.  He sure does know our heart. And HE knows our priorities. Our motives. Our excuses.

Yesterday, I was sharing a painful experience with my husband. A friend had truly hurt my feelings. A good ole’ preverbal punch to the gut! Keep in mind, I’m no emotional wimp. I can take a bruise with the best of ‘em.  In my confusion by it all, he pointed out that I was physically tired and hadn’t yet completed my Bible study for the day. His point was that after spending time in God’s Word, we ALWAYS feel better; always encouraged. He was right. My exhaustion exacerbated the pain. And it’s my responsibility not to be so exhausted that I don’t go about the business of forgiving. We just can’t excuse our actions because we’re too weary – too tired to do what’s right!

You’ve seen a toddler fall asleep on the potty, while a parent was trying to potty train them? You’ve seen the child who will “pass out” upside down on a chair or ottoman because they’re just so “tuckered out” they couldn’t keep their eyes open a second longer. Babies and toddlers get exhausted too! We know if these little tots get exhausted, then adults do as well. It’s good to be reminded, that just as kids need their rest and sleep, so the Christian needs rest in Him. Galatians, chapter 6, tells us not to be somnolent. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Gal 6:9)

I encourage you to examine yourself – not your neighbor – and determine what may be hindering your relationship with Jesus. His is the most important!

Look UP my friends!

His Winning Check

I readily admit I still like the idea of golf.  In fact, driving a golf cart is one of my favorite pleasures in life – although I’m usually on our parsonage grounds, or in my neighborhood, not on the course when I do it.  I took golf in college so that I could learn the concept and grow an appreciation for exactly what it is that’s compelling about driving a ball into a hole, a great distance away. I passed the class with an A, so I can only conclude I earned credit for showing up on time and with enthusiasm. But alas, I have really had no idea how to play the game.  I do remember what “air shot” means, only because I was that person, who would swing and miss the ball a lot. Some of the other male classmates would call me “Air Shot” when it was my turn to putt, but it was all in good fun. I’d flex my nonexistent muscle and try my best; only to hear the whoosh of air as the club drove through the air with misguided purpose.

So, when I came across Robert De Vincenzo’s story, I didn’t recognize him as the tough, famous Argentinean golfer. He didn’t receive an enormous amount of press coverage or accolades in his career, but one story from his life demonstrated an immense quality of substance as a human being. What an amazing illustration he gives us.

One writer tells the story as this, "After winning a big tournament, DeVincenzo received his payout, his actual check, on the 18^th hole. Cameras were there to take the mandatory photographs, autographs were given, and lots of fan adoration was displayed. After the fanfare was over, DeVincenzo walked back to the clubhouse alone. As he finished enjoying the moment and was returning to his car, he was approached by a sad-faced woman. “It’s a great day for you sir, but I have a baby who’s sick. An incurable disease. It’s of the blood, and the doctor says she will die soon,” the lady said.

He slightly paused. DeVincenzo then asked, “May I help your little girl?” He took out an ink pen and the tournament check from his pocket. He quickly endorsed his winning check and pressed it into the lady’s hands. “Make her last days good ones,” he said.

A few weeks later when he was having lunch at the club, someone from the Professional Golfer’s Association approached him and said, “Some of the boys told me you’d met a young woman after you won the tournament. You got ripped off. She’s a phony! She has no baby. She fleeced you my friend,” he said.

DeVincenzo’s surprised eyes looked at the other man. He asked, “Are you saying that there is no baby dying without hope?” The PGA official nodded. DeVincenzo grinned and said, “That’s the best news I’ve heard all week.”

Wow! His attitude is an incredible example of charity! My response probably wouldn’t have been so charitable or nearly as gracious. I’m embarrassed to say, I may have thought first about the money I had given her! Perhaps feelings of injustice that I had been mislead.

1 Corinthians 13:13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.

I challenge you to examine yourself…what would YOUR first attitude have been? Did you react to the money or the “baby “first?

There's no doubt in my mind, that the blessings from God to Mr. DeVincenzo, have far exceeded the amount of his tournament check.

Look UP my friends!

Nobody

1 Peter 5:6 - Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

The male robin is a stunning bird. We’re fortunate to have one prance around our bird feeder most mornings. Our Mr. Robin has a beautiful red-orange breast plate and is quite stunning in coloration.  American Robins are fairly large songbirds with a large, round body, elongated legs, and fairly long tail. Robins are the largest North American thrushes, and their profile offers an excellent chance to learn the basic shape of most thrushes. American Robins are industrious and authoritarian birds that bound across lawns or stand erect, beak tilted upward, to survey their habitat. When surveying the environment, they habitually flick their tails downward several times. In fall and winter they form large flocks and gather in trees to roost or eat berries. Sort of like we female humans do when we visit the public restroom – it’s always more enjoyable to go with friends, right ladies?  I do find it funny, as in ironic, that the female bird often has less colorful contrast to their gray feathers and have a paler head. So if you see a boldly hued Robin, it’s probably a guy!

So with a yard full of beautiful robins, an occasional blue bird, various wrens, thrushes, red-headed woodpeckers, and lovely red cardinals, why do I feel like the “underdog” crow of the bunch? Yes, the farmer repelled black sheep of the bird family. If I were a bird, I should be a crow – the “low person” on the totem pole. Notice I said should be, not want to be. After all, in the big scheme of things, I’m nobody. One grain of sand among an ocean.  John 5:30 - I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me.

When I interview prospective employees, one of the routine questions I ask, is if they were a jungle animal, what animal would they be? You’d be surprised (or maybe not) at some of the answers I receive! But, I digress, that’s a story for another time. Let me say again, I’m nobody. There’s nothing I can boast about within myself or my own abilities, limited as they are. But I’m SOMEBODY to God. You are too! We must be reminded of this – the flesh is incredibly weak! The book of Matthew (26) reminds us that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.” God will always love us. Period. No matter what. No matter when. There may be times when we FEEL like nobody, but let’s be reminded that a true Believer is SOMEBODY to the most High God! We aren’t worthless to HIM. He’s our Father!

Come as you are. Whether you’re overflowing and multi-talented or perhaps less outwardly gifted, every Christian has a purpose and a work to do. We all have a past. Everyone has sin scars – some hidden, some exposed. Don't let your past rob you of future blessings.  I John 1:8  If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. You’ve probably read the popular plaque – don’t let your past define your future!

We, I myself included, may feel like a complete failure at times, but there are things we can still do! Faithfulness to God’s house, compassion in action, active prayer lives, reading His Word, just to name a few! Our insufficiencies may outreach our capabilities, but God calls us to do His work anyway. He already knows we’re unworthy! But do WE acknowledge it? You may remember that song from childhood, “He’s still working on me. To make me what I ought to be. It took Him just a week to make the moon and stars, the earth and Jupiter, Neptune and Mars.”

I had already written most of today’s post when I heard a message from a preacher last night out of I Kings, chapter 17. The scripture speaks of the raven delivering the “bread and flesh” to the prophet Elijah. Ravens were considered an unclean bird, a lowly, unfortunate bird among the thrushes and beautiful doves. Yet, the raven was obedient. God used the “lesser vessel” to carry out His work. The raven didn’t eat the food for his own benefit, or the benefit of his kinship, but he obeyed God. It’s imperative that we obey God! Obedience can be HARD, but you’ll be granted peace!

It is utterly important when we feel useless, unworthy, not good enough, beaten down, and/or discouraged to remind ourselves (and the evil one) that we’re SOMEBODY in CHRIST. Romans 8:37 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. Maybe you know someone who would like you to fail? That’s a sincere shame isn’t it? We all probably know someone who might receive a little pleasure out of our sorrow. It’s part of being human. Pray for these people! Let it go! Forgive. Serve God anyway. HE will help you rise again.

Here is a little poem I wrote a few years ago ~May you be encouraged.

Look UP my friends!

Rise!    By Kimberly M Hemric

Rise, like the morning dew
On the mountain's gable.
Rise like the ocean,
Always moving, always stable.
Rise when the strong wind
Comes knocking on your door.
Rise when troubles come,
And you question how much more?
Like the caged bird,
looking through prison bars,
Rise through heavenly prayer
Upward through the stars.
Rise, when others
Expect you to fall,
Rise when you feel alone,
And there's no one to call.
Rise, for yourself
And for those who don't think you can.
Rise! Rise, Rise!
That's always my plan.

A Stranger's Love

Mathew 19:14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

Karina taught me a lot about hospitality. She taught me a lot of things. Tall Karina, the Spaniard, athletic, clear brown eyes, with a heart-shaped face. We met in a gymnasium. She taught me that we’re never too old (or young) to be kind and it’s always a good choice to be bighearted to others amidst our own adverse circumstances.

There was something special about this girl. As I watched her interact with a group of peers, excitement hung in the air, smiles and giddiness were on big display. I was simply drawn to her light. As I listened to the chatter, I soon realized I wasn’t able to understand a word she said. Not one single word. I asked the lady beside me, “What’s she saying?”

“Oh she’s a new student here. We hope she makes it. She’s had a horrible go of it,” responded the staff member. This news made me sad. Onward I pressed. “Why is she here? She’s been hurt?”  “Her name is Karina.  That’s all I can say,” was the mysterious and concerning response. I continued to watch her smile; chat and giggle amongst her friends.

Before long, our eyes connected – I initiated a smile and waved my hand to say hello. She looked like a tiny wildflower to me. Sweet. Beautiful. Innocent. Loving. She darted over like a new born colt and began confidently speaking in a speedy staccato fashion. She took her blue headband off and pushed it into my hands. I had no idea what she wanted me to do with it, but I accepted it. I thought perhaps she wanted me to hold it while she returned to a fun game of volleyball with her peers. We smiled at each other, patted hands, and she returned to the game.

When the game dismissed, I noticed she didn’t join the large group for dinner. Dinner was served in the gym, a long single-lined buffet. Baked chicken, potato wedges, green beans, and rolls. Cookies the students made were for dessert. After we had been seated on brown metal chairs, Karina suddenly appeared bearing gifts. A small glass of lemonade and a brownie, topped with what looked like chocolate icing and nuts. I think she may have been saving the brownie as a special treat for herself. I tapped the empty chair beside me, and prompted her to sit. She did. She quickly sat. And stared at us like a wild-eyed doe. She chattered away. And grinned some more. She tapped the paper cup of lemonade, insisting I sip it. I took a big gulp to indulge her. It was mostly water, but I smiled as big as possible, and nodded my head so she’d know I was enjoying it. A generous bite of brownie soon followed.

I tried to communicate in my limited Spanish, limited American Sign Language, English…nothing worked. I was so disappointed. Then her eyes sparkled, and she began to sing a song. It was painfully beautiful – the sound a mixture of lonely flute and clarinet notes wafting through a still night air. After the song, I gave her a quick hug and pat on the back. On impulse I decided to sing a song to this lovely young girl in return! I daintily croaked out the words to Jesus Loves Me. At the end, it was her turn to clap cheerfully. She offered me a hug and pat on the back.

It was after that brief exchange I remembered that I was still in possession of her headband. I took it out of my handbag and offered it back. With great animation, she declined to take it back. It was clear that she intended it as a gift. How precious this gift…possibly her favorite possession. Certainly something she used on a frequent basis.

Off she darted again! My husband and I talked about how sweet and kind this girl was, and even though we couldn’t understand each other’s words, we could understand the language of compassion, of love.

It wasn’t too long before Karina appeared again, this time with a tattered, brown stained card. She gave it to me, another friendly hug, a huge smile, and she darted away like a deer in the woods.

I opened the card – inside were 6 words written in pencil, a few fresh picked clovers and a small flower that she had scavenged from somewhere. At first, I didn’t know what to think. It brought tears to my eyes. Of course, it was too late to say thank you, because she had disappeared into the night. I scanned the campus for a glimpse of Karina, but I didn’t see her again. On our way to the vehicle, I was able to locate a teacher. I asked her to interpret the card for me. “Nice people, I love you. Karina.”  

Back Note: The particular campus we were visiting was/is an orphanage specializing in abused and neglected kids, specifically ages 7 – 18. I later learned that Karina was there for temporary “placement,” which can be several months to several years. This teenage girl, who had been so cruelly and painfully mistreated by every adult in her life, had the courage and bigheartedness to love total strangers! What a lesson. What a gift of love. 

We drove away from the orphanage better people.

Are you bighearted person after obstacles and pain you’ve experienced?

Watch Your Language

It makes me cringe when I hear a spouse speak negatively about their mate. For numerous reasons I find it especially belittling when a wife puts her husband down in front of other men. In a very full elevator, a brash wife said, “Oh good grief. He drives me nuts. Henry goes his way and I go mine. If I didn’t have to see him all week, I’d be good. He’s broke anyway.” The two women snickered. My heart sank, as I couldn’t help but look into the face of one who would speak such harsh words in the midst of a crowd. Then a voice in the back of the elevator broke through the awkward moment. “Thanks, Liz.”

I felt so bad for Henry!  How terrible this demoralizing moment must have been for him. Oh, dear friend, be mindful of the power of our tongues! The Bible teaches us in the book of James, a discourse, on the use and misuse of the tongue. (Prov 18:21) Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. Since words are a very powerful instrument, it behooves every Christian to know what to say and when to say it. I encourage each of us NOT to belittle our spouses, or others, most especially in front of an audience.

For years I worked with “Mandy.” She was/is an ambitious, go-getter type person.  However, in general conversation she would belittle her husband a lot. Continuous jabs about herself being the bread winner; how she called the shots at home, how she ruled the roost, so on and so forth. I don’t remember the quality of her work – What stands out in my mind is how she would speak so poorly of her husband. This isn’t good my friends! We must be mindful of our words.

In the book of James, Chapter 3, he expounds his account on the tongue. He states that each of us will cause offense to people in different areas.  One writer said, "These people may stumble over some of the things we do. This happens because we are human and still in the sin body. It doesn’t matter whether we do things intentionally or if we do them accidentally."  The sin nature sometimes has its way in our life. Here James is telling us that we may offend people in different ways but we all offend with the tongue. In other words we say things that will emotionally hurt other people. You’ve heard the old adage, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” This simply is not true. Words can linger in our hearts and minds – for years, decades. They can scar. Tear down. Rob us of our confidence! James 3:8 (KJV)  But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. May I Repeat – an unruly tongue is poison! Every Christian needs to have a buffer – let’s not blurt out the first thing that pops into our minds. At least not at the wrong time, in the wrong place, at the wrong moment. Use caution!

I recently had quite an experience at the local grocery store. I was in line to buy a couple of chicken cutlets for our dinner, and the person (hesitate to call her a lady) in front of me started using the most vile, wicked language – tossing insults and criticisms to the butcher like javelins being thrown toward an Olympic target. She proceeded to actually curse the cod fillet(s) she was so dire to receive.  I couldn’t understand WHY her language so vulgar, when the butcher seemed to be working as hard as possible to appease her. I kept quiet. I just offered a smile of encouragement to him, so as not to add to the pressure cooker environment.

You know what happened next. She asked me “what my problem was.” In a soft voice, I explained that I didn’t have a problem, but I’d appreciate it if she wouldn’t use my Lord’s name in vain. (The simple request didn’t work).  You can imagine, so I’ll spare you the details. She walked away without cod fillets – and I walked away with burning ears. From this chance encounter, I remain somewhat scarred from the butcher’s counter – doubt I will buy cod fillets any time soon.

I looked for the butcher the last time I was there, which was a few days ago…He smiled and was doing his job dutifully. No signs of external damage.

Our mother did and would have washed our mouths out with soap (literally) if we tried to use certain words! It’s just what many ‘southern mamas’ did. I suppose one of my siblings could tell you with precision what the blue dye in Dawn dishwashing liquid tastes like. J (He’s fine! No lasting damage! At least not related to soapJ)

We do not have to say wicked words – hurtful words – there are many ways to express frustration and anger. Please use that “buffer” I spoke of earlier, before you misspeak and hurt the ones you love most. James 3:5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

Why is that using “swear words” and “foul language” isn’t frowned upon or taken as seriously today, as it used to be? Are you satisfied at the way your language reflects your heart and your attitude?

Look UP my friends!

She Wore Pearls

Colossians 1:12 - Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.

Last week when I was standing in line to grab a napkin, I noticed a precious, stereotypical looking grandmother in front of me. She was so charming – the picture of innocence in her orthotic shoes, as they appeared to be freshly shined and glossy, her glasses sparkled, her little champagne-colored pearl earrings were just the right size for a lady of a certain age, a demure watch encircled an arm richly graced with lines. Her vintage handbag, slightly tattered tobacco-brown, reminded me of one I would see Mrs. Cunningham carry on the Happy Days television show.  I found myself smiling and being happy for her, as she enjoyed what seemed to be good health at an advanced age. We exchanged smiles and chatted about the weather and her pearls.

As the line progressed, she immediately took her quarterback position of “next in line” and right before my eyes, she metamorphosed into someone different from what I perceived her to be. No less than 30 herbal tea bags, 50 packets each of the blue, pink, and yellow stuff, 25 mini creamers, several gala apples, 2 bananas, 30 packets of ketchup, and a small tree’s worth of napkins disappeared into her medium sized handbag. Needless to say, her bag was incredibly overflowing with complimentary items. Then to my amazement, before departing from the smorgasbord of gratis items, she went back for the rest of the loot! I stood there trying to close my gaping mouth! She certainly had gusto – just picked up the entire tray of tea bags (the actual wooden display) and not-so-gently crammed the rest of the Lemon Zest, Darjeeling, Apple Cinnamon, and Chamomile into her already engorged pocketbook. I was in shock. Disappointed. Slightly offended. There went my fantasy of the sweet, innocent grandma…right down the preverbal drain.

Curious to see if she would be slightly embarrassed for her actions I said, “You’re a tea enthusiast I see.”  “Oh no, honey. I can’t stand the stuff. I haven’t paid for creamer in 15 years. It’s free, so I take it! It’s called frugal! You young people know nothing about being frugal. F-R-U-G-A-L.” (Yes, she actually spelled it out phonetically).

I didn’t have the heart to say, “No ma’am, you’re stealing. That’s not frugality!” But I thought it. Don’t judge me! She was elderly - and cute! She wore orthotics! She wore pearls! P-E-A-R-L-S.

Instead I said, “Wow, that’s shocking.” By that time, she didn’t really care what my response was…she was happy and glowing. Actually proud! And off she went to stash her bounty (now considered stolen contraband in my mind) into a suitcase she probably “borrowed” from a neighbor 60 years prior.

Since this encounter, I’ve compiled a quick self-help list to identify if you’re TOO frugal.

Five Ways You Know You’re Too Frugal

·         You haven’t purchased coffee creamer in years (but you drink coffee regularly)

·         You buy your perfume/cologne at Dollar Tree

·         Your kids/grandkids grow up thinking salt and pepper only come in small packets

·         You pass on a shirt at Goodwill or a garage sale because they want $2.00 for it

·         You haven’t paid for cable – since it arrived at the neighbor’s house in 1989

On a more serious note, God’s storehouse is always full. His blessings keep on coming, don’t they?! He isn’t frugal with His blessings, His love, His grace!  James 1:17 - Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

What if we had to hoard up His blessings? If it was necessary to race others to the table of bounty? Racing? I’m a slow runner, so I wouldn’t personally have much of a winning chance. But thank God! He NEVER disappoints. Never runs out! He is always faithful. There’s always enough for everyone. Every day. Every time. He has removed all variables. And yes, it’s a free gift! Now THAT is a “free complimentary gift” for the asking!

Look UP my friends!