Friday, May 19, 2006

Do We Know Each Other?

I had the privilege of hearing Jackie Quinn sing last summer at a Family Camp in Missouri. She sings with so much passion and is true to who she is...such an amazing person! We purchased her CD and when listening to it, I immediately saw a lot in this song. So many times in today's society we take the outside to be what the person must be on the inside...that's so not the case. I guess for me I've always been looked at by people and labeled because of who I am on the outside, when they had no clue who I was on the inside.

We don't know what the person's experiences are, what they've seen and been through, what they feel and think, what they truly believe...no one has a right to place labels, put people in "boxes" or condemn them based on a superficial opinion based merely on outside appearances. I think it will be a truly amazing day when we quit condemning and beating each other down and instead, begin to truly get to know each other, support and love each other...that's truly how He wants things to be!


Look Through My Eyes
Raging Wildflower, Jackie Quinn

If you could look through my eyes, and see what I see
Then you would find that you do not know me
If you could think what I think, and know what I know
Then you would find I've got a lot to show

Don't take what you see on the outside of me
To be your simple answer to the inside of me
I have a lot to offer, if you just give me a chance
The difference between you and me was always in God's plans

If you could hurt like I hurt, and cry like I cry
Then you would know my heart and all its pride
If you could feel like I feel, and love like I love
Then you would know just what I'm made of

Don't take what you see on the outside of me
To be your simple answer to the inside of me
I have a lot to offer, if you just give me a chance
The difference between you and me was always in God's plans

Did you ever wonder what it means to be the same
Is that how God designed it - to only know us by our names
No, we can not fool Him
He knows the hairs on our heads
What will remain, then
When we are all dead
If you could look through my eyes, and see Christ in me
Then you would find you are a lot like me


1 Peter 4:8-11(NIRV)
Most of all, love one another deeply. Love erases many sins by forgiving them. Welcome others into your homes without complaining. God's gifts of grace come in many forms. Each of you has received a gift in order to serve others. You should use it faithfully. If you speak, you should do it like one speaking God's very words. If you serve, you should do it with the strength God provides. Then in all things God will be praised through Jesus Christ. Give him the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

6 comments:

Corry said...

Oh how easy it is to "box" and "label" someone! I plead guilty:-( Although I have learned not to assume, and try not to, I still catch myself every now and then doing it. Thanks so much for the reminder!

God's Grace.

Cinder said...

Corry ~ I don't want you to think I was picking on anyone...I plead guilty on this one too :-( .

It's hard sometimes to not do this...but since I've been on the receiving end of it more than once, I'm trying really hard to catch myself before I do it. This song just speaks to me in a big way about it!

Blessings!

Anonymous said...

i'm as guilty as you all are. but this is a good reminder.

God bless. =)

audrey` said...

Thank you so much for this very timely reminder, Cinder :)

Kc said...

"I think it will be a truly amazing day when we quit condemning and beating each other down and instead, begin to truly get to know each other, support and love each other...that's truly how He wants things to be!"

Have you ever noticed the similarity in love and war? People put up walls and defend themselves or they attack others to take what they want. It's a subversive war too. So much is covert and behind the scenes. We are called to peace but so often answer to war.

Yours are all wonderful thoughts and very inspirational as always. Thanks dear sister.
;-)

Corry said...

Cinder, I knew you were not picking on someone! My comment was a response on my self-examination after reading your post:-)
It also reminded me of an expression: If you want to change the world, start with yourself!
I think that expression is based on the verse to take the plank out of your own eye first.

Your post reminded me of my own actions, hence the comment:-)

Luv ya, dear sister.

God's Grace.