Here's lookin at you kid.

I had a guy starring at me the other day as I came out of a doctors appointment for my movement disorder. I have not managed to get the spasms fully under control yet so when I go out into public I have a tendency to stand out. Some people try to pretend they are not starring others give the look of pity that says, "oh it is too bad that your existence is so terrible". The guy in the waiting room of the doctors office gave a look I am starting to notice more than most. It is a look that screams "What the heck is wrong with you!!!"

I actually don't mind the stares I get. Maybe I should but I don't. I have never been much on getting my opinion of me from others.That is just me though-If you like me fine if you don't like me fine- I really don't care. I value the opinions of those around me but if their view has something to do with what gives me value as a person I just don't need someone else to validate me or determine my worth. That being said I do know that I am kind of an odd duck in this regards.

So I am starting to wonder how often I give people looks that say something to devalue them.
As a follower of Christ I am supposed to be a good example of how to behave. Well confession time: I kinda, ok no I really stink at that.

So what's a guy supposed to do? Time and time again the Bible tells us that Jesus loved the unlovable. He hung out with the outcasts. He would touch the diseased. He never looked at someone as who they were on the outside instead he looked at what there heart said.

My Brother and his wife recently adopted a young girl from the Ukraine. Without them adopting her my precious niece would have lived in a society that would have shunned her. The reason they would have done so is because Galya was terribly abused while in foster care to the point that she has scars on most of her body and half of the hair is missing on her head. Looking past that outward appearance you will find a child whose heart is overflowing with the desire to love on people that I don't believe she could contain even if she wanted to. She smiles constantly and lives for hugs. I love that little girl!

How much do you think you miss out on because either that person didn't look right, or that person was dirty or smelly? As I get into ministry full time I am learning to understand more clearly what it means to accept someone for who they are and not judge them by what my eyes just say. Maybe that is why God has allowed me to have my disorder. I don't know.

I encourage you today as we get ready to have our barbecues and our picnics. And as we get surrounded by strangers to watch fireworks go off. And as we think about those who gave their lives for this country that we may have the freedoms that we enjoy. Think about the one who gave his life to save your souls as well. And don't forget that the men and the woman of he armed forces didn't die for just some of the citizens of the United States. They died for all of them. And don't forget that Christ died not just for some, but for all on the cross. Take a moment to ask God to help you see others the way that God sees them. I think you will be surprised to find out what you've been missing.