I have horrible posture. I hunch over, can’t sit up straight. Im sure I don’t walk straight. When sitting still I feel like I am moving around constantly. It’s not simple to just “tell” someone to stand up straight and keep walking that way without them falling back to what is comfortable. Fixing posture isn’t a one day task. You’d have to practice sitting, standing, and walking straight with a constant conscious reminder of how you may be being viewed. Others may see you slouching, bent over, or twitching. Its noticeable. This fix takes time.
I’ve walked with horrible posture for 23, almost to be 24 years. I’ve been told to stand up straight numerous times. But since leaving America in the beginning of July 2012, I have been learning how to change my posture. I will never forget what my dear friend, Christina, said to me at training camp that sparked my interest to change how I walked. “…but when people look at me, I want them to see Jesus” she said. I was shocked. Why had I never thought of this before? She delivered this message to me so nonchalant, in a way that let me know she has been living her life this way for years.
I am taking on this posture. I have a desire and a hunger to walk with a presence that radiates the love of Christ. I have forgiven and shown grace to many in my past that I have felt a “grudge” (might you say) towards for many years. And in doing so, for the first time, I no longer still feel angry toward them when thinking about a situation. I know I have forgiven the sins they have done, and moved on, and loved them in return, for the first time. This is not easy. Earthly and common thoughts creep up constantly and old memories become uprooted. But like I said before, changing posture isn’t a quick fix. In expressing these desires publically I also get to have the pleasure of friends not letting things slide, and have approached me 1×1 to tell me that things they have seen or heard me say are not out of love. No hesitations. All things that Christ did stem from his love for us. We can all remember the oh so familiar:
1 Corinthians 13
“Love it patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails.”
“Love it patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always preserves. Love never fails.”
This is a new theme for living, incorporating each specific aspect of love stated into my daily life.
I want people to look at me and see Jesus.
One of my lovely Thai kiddies who kisses non-stop
One of my lovely Thai kiddies who kisses non-stop
