December 2, 2007

• Save Me!

  Unless I have a pressing deadline that the job demands me to finish, or church activities, my weekends are given to my family and home life.  I know my relatives love me, and they are concerned about me being unmarried and without a boyfriend.  If I didn't put my faith in God's Word and prayer that God is doing "a work" in me,  it would be really hard to listen to the advice that they have to offer.  I love the laughter I get from what ideas they give me.  It's funny and embarrassing to hear their "old-wives advice" about how to attract a man, because it's so silly sometimes. These are just some of their opinions.  They're trying to "save me".

            "Beth, you have to stop being so prideful." 
  
            "You need to be lower.  You're acting too smart.  Humble yourself." 
  
            "Beth, keep your hair long and wear more dresses.  Show your legs more.  Victoria's Secrets
             has nice bras.  It helps." 
  
            "Stand up straight, Beth.  You look even shorter." 
  
            "Try not to dress like an old maid, fix yourself."
  
            "Why do you still want to go to school?  You already have a college diploma and a job. 
              That's good enough."   
   
            "Don't gain weight and get fat.  But it's bad to be too skinny also.  Just maintain."
  
            "Do you have a Myspace?  My co-worker met her husband through Myspace."
  
            "Maybe you can switch from being a teacher to nursing.  Most teachers end up becoming
              spinsters.  Most nurses are married and have a family,
              and they make good money too." 

  One of my relatives still encourages me to enter into the nursing field.  Regardless if it's not my calling, she believes there's good money to be made in nursing.  Well, I could only imagine if I told them that not only do I love teaching, but I even plan on applying to a theological seminary because I want to answer that call to teaching even further.  I just wonder what their gut reaction would be?  There definitely aren't very many church workers who drive around in a brand new BMW X5 and take luxury vacation trips!  I've had my share of luxuries.  I had my share of boyfriends in the past.  All I know is that my joy is found in knowing the Lord Jesus Christ.

  I was laughing at this video because I could totally relate to this Pinay (Tagalog for Filipino) chic named Christine. I find myself in these awkward situations too.  Am I bitter about being "still single at 30"?  By all means, no!  I am not alone.  God saved me.    I am at peace, and I look forward to what is to come.  Others may not know what kind of hardships and the sinful life that I had to wrestle with, just so that I can finally get a firm grasp of what it means to be in love with the Lord Jesus Christ.   All I can do is live as a witness to other sisters (and brothers, too!)  and offer reassurance that the Lord is really gracious in His loving way of healing a broken heart. 

  Lord, I can't stop talking about how You are so good!  Amen! 

   

  Psalm 116
  I love the LORD, for he heard my voice;
     he heard my cry for mercy;
  Because he turned his ear to me,
     I will call on him as long as I live.

  The cords of death entangled me,
      the anguish of the grave came upon me;
      I was overcome by trouble and sorrow.
  Then I called on the name of the LORD:
      "O LORD, save me!"

  The LORD is gracious and righteous;
      our God is full of compassion.
  The LORD protects the simple hearted;
      when I was in great need, he saved me.

  Be at rest once more, O my soul,
      for the LORD has been good to you.

  For you, O LORD, have delivered my soul
      from death,
     my eyes from tears,
      my feet from stumbling,
  that I may walk before the LORD
      in the land of the living.
  I believed; therefore I said,
      "I am greatly afflicted."
  And in my dismay I said,
      "All men are liars."

  How can I repay the LORD
      for all his goodness to me?
  I will lift up the cup of salvation
      and call on the name of the LORD.
  I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
      in the presence of all his people.

  Precious in the sight of the LORD
      is the death of his saints.
  O LORD, truly I am your servant;
      I am your servant, the son of your
      maidservant;
      you have freed me from my chains.

  I will sacrifice a thank offering to you
      and call on the name of the LORD.
  I will fulfill my vows to the LORD
      in the presence of all his people,
  in the courts of the house of the LORD--
      in your midst, O Jerusalem.

  Praise the LORD.

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