YES to GOD study: Chapter 2

Welcome to This past weekend Gene and I had to go to a wedding and of course I had nothing to wear. Before embarking on a shopping trip I finished reading chapter 2 of "Behind Those Eyes". Needless to say, Ms. Perfection was not invited to the mall since she is my worst critic, especially in the dressing room. I try to remind her sorry self that the lighting is poor, the mirrors are weird and the space is small. Plus, Sunday I'll be turning 38, so this cellulite on the back of my thighs...it isn't going anywhere. Somehow, Ms. Perfection found a ride to the mall and gave her opinion on everything I tried on, so I ended up going home empty handed and found something in my closet.


I rushed home and tried so hard to get ready on time. Those of you who have been with me any length of time know that I am time challenged. The wedding was at 1pm and we arrived into the parking lot at 12:53. I was so proud of myself. I was also very surprised at what a small wedding it was and when I voiced that Gene confessed that the wedding was actually at 1:30!!! He had tricked me so we'd be on time.

My first reaction: Oh, how sweet you are. I love you. Moments later when he turned the car off and I realized with my perfectly straightened hair, that he was planning on sitting there for about 20 minutes, I had a slightly different reaction: Who does this? Who comes to a wedding 37 minutes early and just sits in the parking lot? I would have been ready on time Gene. This is ridiculous. Since we have all this time now, let's go to Walgreen's and get a card and gift card for them.

Windows back up with the air conditioner blowing my straight hair, we were on our way to Walgreen's when he took my hand in his and said, See honey, if we weren't early we wouldn't be able to come get what you said you were going to get yesterday.

22 minutes later we walked into the church looking like the perfect couple. We looked good, we were punctual and we were armed with a gift.

~sigh~



For those of you just visiting, we are discussing "Behind Those Eyes" by our dear friend Lisa Whittle. We meet right here every Tuesday and you are more than welcome. Details to join are in the upper right corner of this blog.

Let's get started...


CHAPTER 2: Ms. Perfection

Remember, anything in blue is a quote from the book.

I loved Lisa's detailed description of what she labeled as The Great Sunday Morning Fakeout and how the family fought all the way to the church doors. "Stop it!" hisses Mom. "We're almost inside the church. " The fakeout is already under way. Pasting on their smiles, the happy party of five greets the men waiting at the double doors. "Good morning!" The cheery sound of Mom's voice surprises even herself. Oh, wasn't that just ugly seeing that in print? We all know we have been there and done that, some as recent as 2 days ago.

Women, the truth is that God doesn't have to prove anything to us to let us see our own imperfections. We can manage that all on our own. I remember when I worked at the hospital with my dear friend Lisa (not the author). Our desks were literally side by side. Gene surprised me and brought Alyssa and Aaron in to see me. Aaron was just 2 at the time very loudly he asked me, "Mom, why don't you like Lisa?"

I think I by-passed turning red and went right for the shade of purple. Now, keep in mind, this girl and I were very close outside of work. I, of course, never said that about her, but I was probably venting to Gene about work within earshot of my toddler and he took it that I didn't like her. She turned to me and said, "Yes, Lelia, why don't you like Lisa?"

My imperfection of running my mouth really caught up with me that day.

We are buying into the notion of perfect wife, perfect mother, and perfect package, at the expense of ourselves and our loved ones.
I thought all of Lisa's descriptions of what we try so hard to portray was just,well..perfect. I don't know how many times I put someone on a pedestal of perfection. Thinking they have it all together and then you take a seat across from them at Starbucks and after they spill their fancy coffee they start giving you glimpses of the life they really live and you sit their shocked that they have just knocked themselves off the pedestal you so perfectly had them perched upon.

The day the kids got out of school this past summer for break Alivia had brought home all of her writing journals. I love reading her stuff so I stood in my kitchen reading journal after journal. Imagine my excitement when I came across an entry titled,"My Mom". Then I read her thoughts neatly printed out...

My Mom's name is Lelia. She is 37 . She is thick and she is white.

After reading something so innocently penned, one either sinks into a deep depression or strives harder for any amount of age allowed perfection she can achieve. You know I started exercising and tanning all in the same day. It also gave me a good laugh because to me, "thick" sounds so much healthier than obese.

Perfection was held by Mary and nailed to a tree by soldiers. Perfection ascended to heaven promising to return for who is His. Perfection is Who we call out to and Who we praise. Jesus is the only Perfect about us. Let's relax and just let Him live through us.

In the Bible study section in the back of the book for this chapter, the challenge question Lisa gave us is: Search your heart. Is it more important for you to be seen as perfect in a certain area...or seen as real?

Answer the question above in the comment section below, then if you have more to share what God showed you on your own blog, then sign up under Mr. Linky. Even if you are not participating in the study, go ahead and answer the question.

Remember: After you write your Tuesday post then double click on the TITLE of that post. Then highlight the address that shows up in the address bar. Right click on it and copy it. Then paste it in the URL blank under Mr. Linky. The reason for this is if someone clicks on your name in 3 days, they will be directed right to your Tuesday post. Otherwise, if you just put your blog address in the URL blank it just takes you to your blog and will show your most recent post. E-mail me if that doesn't make sense.

You all are a huge blessing to both Lisa and I. We are trying our best to make it to every one's blogs. I have laughed, praised and even cried on some of your posts. This past Monday Lisa had a special message for you. If you missed it, you can go to my Monday post and be directed right to it. God really spoke to her heart and out of obedience in the midst of such a busy life she wrote to you.

Keep sharing with each other about His greatness...that's really what this is all about.

Don't forget to answer the question above as we love your insight!

~Many Blessings~

Next Tuesday~Chapter 3: Ms. Confidence!