Archives for March 2013

It’s that time of year again.  On the one clock hand, I must admit that as the princess of pajamas I usually dread losing yet another hour of sleep.  Benjamin Franklin, the originator of the “bright” idea of daylight savings time, can keep his effort to save energy and instead allow more time for power naps thank you very much.  Then again, springing forward reminds me of just that, spring–and all of the wonderful things I like that come with the pending season.

First there are the flowers, most notably the tulip, my favorite.  Their cup-like shape reaching up to the sun reminds me of hands lifted in praise.  You can’t help but smile when you see the choir of color: cherry blossoms, daffodils, hollyhocks, impatiens, lilacs etc.  And yet not even King Solomon, as sharply dressed as he was, could compare to them (Luke 12:27).   This brings me to the next best thing about spring, fashion!

It started a couple of weeks ago with the Oscars.  “What are you wearing?” was the question of the day and the answer will dictate our manner of dress in the coming months.  While I prefer simply looking at red carpet photos over sacrificing slumber for a late night of repeated “and the winner is…,” there are shows I wouldn’t dare miss.  The newest one, Fashion Star, consists of designers competing for millions of dollars and the opportunity to have their clothes carried in retail powerhouses such as Macy’s, Saks, H&M and Express.  Likewise, I’m eagerly awaiting the summer return of America’s Next Top Model, which for the first time will feature male contestants.

For this self-proclaimed girly girl, perhaps the greatest time to be had this spring is perusing the fashion magazines.  It’s as if Calvin Klein himself was thinking of me this year as the color combo black and white, bold stripes, sporty dresses, and low heels (thank you Jesus) make their return on the vogue merry go round.  Yet Paul acts as the fashion police when he reminds us in Ephesians 6:11 that we’re as good as naked if we dare to leave out in Armani, and not God’s armor.  Without heavenly accessories, Satan and all of his baggage will surely weigh us down.  So in the midst of spring break and Easter shopping don’t forget to take with you these must haves: the belt of truth, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation and the sword of God’s Word.  These are top model essentials; and a seeking, pleasing, beautiful “covered” girl is always in style.

Blessings,

 

 

Before our beloved first family added color to the White House there was another family we looked to for political guidance and spiritual leadership–the Jacksons.  Not the ones of Motown fame, but the ones who instead insisted mo’ brown be considered and represented…from low income neighborhoods to lofty places such as Congress and the aforementioned Capitol.

I’m talking about the two generations of Jesses, a lineage so royal that one marched with a King while the other was no doubt set to inherit a throne of greatness.  But faster than a bid wiz-playin’ aunt at a family reunion, cards were slammed face up on the table for all of us to see; a bad hand had been dealt.  A spade had unwittingly been called a spade.  Jesse Jr. and wife Sandi pled guilty to a “massive misuse of campaign money.”

As is always the case, the negativity made fodder for the headline story both on television and in print news alike.   I will therefore not go into detail as to what the money was spent on.  In Jesse’s own words, it was “not a proud day.”  We shared a collective guilt and embarrassment, but it was just that to most of us–a day; whereas the prince and princess of policy have five long months to think about what they have done before their sentencing begins.

It is for this reason that I don’t think they need our judgement.  Haven’t we all done things or made decisions that we wouldn’t necessarily want TMZ’d?  I know if life offered it, I would definitely accept some do overs.   Let anyone who hasn’t sinned, point out the faults of every brother who walks down Stony Island Ave. in Chicago.  You get the point.  Not a wise thing to do.  Matthew 7 of the Bible goes on to remind us that we have enough of our own stuff to tend to.

Now I am by no means condoning or excusing what they did.  It was wrong, period.  I am simply saying that although I’m not a gambling woman, I bet Jesse isn’t the only “joker” who has made a mistake.  As a result, however, he and his wife aren’t planning barbecues or picnics with the kids this summer.  Guilt does not diminish the need for prayers on behalf of yet another broken family.  So before we cast them into the fire, we need to stop.  The love we save may one day be our own.

Blessings,