Blue Roses

I heard a really awesome illustration of the handicapped. "There are plenty of red, pink and yellow roses. But rarely do you find a blue one. And when you do you have to stop and marvel at its beauty and uniqueness."

They were like blue roses. All special and precious, rare and unique. But beautiful. So beautiful. It made me realize that we need to treasure them. Because like all of us, they are made in the Lord's image, and He doesn't make mistakes!

Isn't it such a relief to know that God standards are not the worlds? That God made us and wants us exactly how we are! That was our theme at Camp Barnabas. Wanted: 1 Corinthians 12:18 "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be." God looks upon the campers at Camp Barnabas and says, "It is good." They bring glory to Him. I am just so encouraged by this.

An exercise that our cabin did was this. One day the staff in our cabin covered every mirror with black trash bags. Not because they thought we were vain, but because they wanted us and the campers to realize that God doesn't look at our faces. Our bodies don't hold value to Him. But out hearts and attitudes do. As far as the outside, we are just the way He wants us to be. It was such a good reminder. Even though I rarely wear a ton of make-up and do little in front of the mirror I was reminded how many times I look in the mirror every day. Just to check my hair or something.

And why do I do that? Why do I stop in front of mirrors and check my face and hair and clothes? For the Lord? NO! I am doing it for myself and for the approval of man.

I want to be a servant of my Father. 100% sold out. I came across this verse the other day while reading over some old letters I wrote but never sent to people (handy, huh? The Lord uses everything!). Galatians 1:10 "Am I now trying to win the approval of men, or of God? Or am I trying to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ."

Not that I now think looking in mirrors is evil. But I was reminded how even the smallest of things can divide my heart for Christ. (Okay...I'm kinda getting off topic, LIKE ALWAYS!!! I'll try to end this soon!)

So back to my original point, that now really isn't even my point because I left that trail of thought a long time ago. We are made in the image of Jesus. He loves us. Not for our brawn, bodies, weight, height, converse, or blue jeans. He loves us despite our acne and jelly rolls. Praise Him! So next time you see someone that we wonder why God made them that way...think, "Wow, a blue rose." And marvel at their beauty and uniqueness. God made 'em that way for His glory.