Stepping Out in RED Shoes!
- Day 24 -
Today's blog is one of the most difficult pieces I've written for The Red Shoe Project. Some of you might blow it off as some sort of joke, but I'm certain that there will be others who will identify with it fully. Thank you, in advance for your sensitivity and support. Today, I'm stepping out in my RED shoes, trying to be as transparent as possible, hoping that God will use my story to speak volumes to someone.
Several days ago, while getting out of my pajamas and into my clothes for the day, I caught a glimpse of something that shook me to the core. What was that? I couldn't believe it. I moved myself closer to the mirror to investigate.
Yup! It's exactly what I thought it was...
a muffin top -- belly fat -- excess weight
protruding over the top of my pants.
Not good!
Now those of you that know me, know that I'm not a big person. That's because I've been fairly health conscious for years. I truly believe in proper diet and exercise. After all, our bodies do house the Spirit of God! But The Red Shoe Project has had me focused on other things. My budget doesn't allow for a gym membership, nor is that part of the Red Shoe Curriculum. God has told me there's a reason for that:
He wants my focus and attention totally on Him.
Of course I watch what I eat. As a vegan, I basically follow a "Daniel fast" lifestyle -- then, there's my prayer walks. They get me outside and moving at a brisk pace. Between my injured ankle, however, and my "frozen shoulder," I'm afraid other exercise options have been significantly limited at best.
"Do you not know that your bodies are
temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you,
whom you have received from God?
You are not your own; you were bought at a price.
Therefore honor God with your bodies."
Of course I know that's not true! But just like many of you, I've turned my life inside out and upside down -- for years -- just incase it was! Some part of my subconscious continually reminds me that my success is dependent on how I look. Ugh!
So let me cut to the quick. As I stood their half naked, half in tears -- the Lord spoke to me in the most wonderful way.
"You know that's a lie you've
been fed most of your life.
Stop believing it!"
Another "Blind Spot?" (Day 23) Absolutely! He lovingly went on to remind me that He thought I looked quite nice. In fact, He prompted me to take a closer look -- not with my physical eyes, but with my spiritual eyes.
The Red Shoe Project, amongst other things, has been a 13 month spiritual body building program for me. The Holy Spirit has been training me personally, every day, for over a year. Many of you have been a witness to that.
"Go ahead," He said "See how you look in the spiritual realm."
I squinted my eyes as I looked into the mirror, desperately trying to see beyond the muffin top. I saw nothing! -- Nothing but an inadequate body -- But wait! -- Something was emerging! The Holy Ghost began painting a very clear image on the movie screen of my mind. I took a deep breath as the image came into focus. It was of me. There I stood, toned, in quite nice shape, with developing muscles.
He depicted me as a
Spiritual Body Builder in Training
and I looked darn good!
"Are those biceps, Lord?" I asked.
"No... those are the muscles you use to pull down the strong-holds of darkness.
"Wow! Look at those shoulders!" I exclaimed.
"That's your tenacity and determination. You're good at that!" He said.
I do believe I see the onset of a "six pack" there, Lord."
"Yeah... that's your core. Every time you walk into your prayer closet,
you strengthen and build your spiritual core."
"Look at those lats! What do they represent?"
"That's your faith." He said. "You've come a long way!"
"Ooooh. What about those?" I asked, somewhat concerned.
"That's your patience," He laughed. That's a tough area for everyone!"
What did I say yesterday? When someone you love tells you that you have a blind spot, you can listen and change, or ignore them and stay the same.
I know the Lord is right about this!
You know He's right as well.
Quite frankly, I'm tired of being bound by the enemy of my soul with such trivial matters. Oh... he makes them appear important. Somehow he manages to blow them up to gigantic proportion. But in God's eyes, they are small and insignificant, all the same.
I've decided, from here on out, to operate more consistently in the spiritual realm, and not be so consumed with the natural realm. I'm going for the trophy on this one! I'm working out my spiritual muscles for His glory!
All that said, I've got to wonder,
"What did I look like -- spiritually -- before
The Red Shoe Project?"
Yikes!!! Don't show me, Lord! It's a rhetorical question. I don't even want to imagine that. Instead, I'll just focus on you and where you are bringing me.
Stepping Out in RED shoes!
Gail
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