BREAKING PROTOCOL
—Our Journey of Sunflowers and Rainbows—
“She’s the spittin’ image of you” the female security guard at one of the exhibits at Grand Old Opry exclaimed as her eyes made contact with Abbie. For y’all (Southern pun intended) who may not have heard that phrase it refers to something or someone that appears to be the exact double of the other. I was quick to smile and told her that Abbie was my granddaughter. I also took a quick moment to give the “short version” of our journey since August 19, 2021. That was the day when Rachel went to heaven and although deeply saddened beyond words, we did not lose our minds, our hope, or our faith. (A portion of 1 Peter 3:15 ESV encourages us “always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.”)
Although Abbie has many characteristics of her Mommy’s side, I am noticing more features of her Daddy. On the plane this morning I cupped Abbie’s cute little chin in my palm and she grinned….she grinned a 100% grin of her Daddy’s! So why did that lady say she was the “spittin’ image” of her GiGi???
We are in a fallen world, far from perfect and filled with sin and how to negotiate a “clear conscience” while committing sin. We know that Believers are to be “in the world but not of it.” Romans 12:2 ESV instructs us “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
As I pondered that in my heart following the remark from the female security guard, I felt SO STRONGY that we as Believers have to “BREAK PROTOCOL” with the world. It is so easy to begin to speak like, dress like, and develop mannerisms like people we are with on a regular basis. In fact, it can be a real challenge not to. I believe the Lord gave me a really good illustration of the importance of discernment in the life of the Believer….LUNGS! Lungs are absolutely necessary to breathe. Technically a human being can swim underwater holding their breath for a period of time; even longer with the aid of supplemental oxygen, but that is only temporary. The only way to get REAL oxygen into the cells of your body is to inhale and exhale with your LUNGS—God gave us everything we needed! That is why it is so crucial to NOT miss church! It strengthens our spiritual lungs to be encouraged by others in a corporate setting. I cannot tell you how many people have watched our live stream only to finally come in to a “real service“ and exclaim “it was good online but it is SO MUCH BETTER in person!”
My conclusion is this: who/what are you the “spiritual spittin’ image” of? Let us be careful to exercise our “lungs/breath of Holy Spirit discernment” that God placed within us. (Just to be clear, it tickles me pink to see the characteristics of the Jennings, Wooten, and Lam families all reflected in little Abigail-but I sure am grateful for the comment today that quickened this need in my spirit! I hope it blesses you as well.)
Rachel's Voice 