observation

When Folks Don’t Like Your Flavor

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Some people love chocolate ice cream. Others prefer vanilla ice cream (though for the life of me, I cannot understand why LOL). And there are some who fancy either one, depending on their mood. I am fixed in the chocolate camp (preferably with pecans or almonds added!), while my hubby is firmly entrenched in the classic vanilla camp. Thankfully, this has worked for us with relatively few dust-ups in almost 16 years of marriage. Have I tried to coax him to “just taste a spoonful” of my deep, rich, luxurious chocolate ice cream cone and he refused because it’s just not his “thang?” Absolutely. Has he offered to share with me his delight derived from a bowl of vanilla bean ice cream and I declined the extra calories for its blah-looking plainness? Yup. Does it have to be a deal-breaker? Of course not (if you’re wise and want to enjoy a good marriage – ha ha)!

So I’m talking about ice cream, right? Yes…and no. See, in my humble purview (especially after the week I’ve had), personalities of the people who cross our paths can be likened to ice cream flavors. <Full disclosure: I have no professional training in psychology, but bear with me for a moment.> Some people like outgoing folks – and others don’t. Some hold in high regard reserved, pensive thinkers – and others look at them like visitors from another planet. High-energy and bubbly vs. low-key and demure; impulsive free spirits vs. calculated risk-takers; there are so many seemingly diametrically opposed personality pairings we encounter during the course of a day. But that doesn’t have to turn into a conflict or a clash, right?

It’s very easy to say “you shouldn’t care whether people like you or not.” It’s quite another thing to deal with it when they are making known how much they don’t like you. I’m not as “soft” as I used to be (thanks to “mental toughness training” from a father and husband who are both former military). However, as a recovering people-pleaser, I acknowledge when I feel rejected or marginalized. That identifying and acknowledging part I’m pretty good at. It’s the mastering it and moving on part that I’m diligently working on in this season. Because while I realize that everyone doesn’t like my flavor (or me, for that matter), I don’t want any person, thing, situation, or circumstance to hold a hindering grip or exercise paralyzing power over me, impacting my present and debilitating my future. I don’t want to plan to avoid a particular location at a specific time just to get around speaking (or not speaking) to someone who has expressed disdain for my flavor. Both chocolate and vanilla have their merits – it’s just a matter of preference. And both have a place…it doesn’t always have to be either/or.

Granted, there is middle ground (and no, I’m not referring to fudge ripple ice cream, because that weak hybrid just doesn’t make any sense to me – ok, maybe it makes sense, but I just don’t like the taste…and not because it’s viewed as a compromise for someone who’s dug in their heels on one side or the other LOL). Reaching across the boundaries of personal preference to understand from another person’s perspective is a start.

Kinda like the vanilla cheesecake I made last night that my whole family enjoyed together. Even though it had light cream cheese, light sour cream, and sugar substitute. So I guess it could’ve been viewed as a compromise…but not really, because I’ve never made a chocolate cheesecake, and I wasn’t in the mood for one anyway. And I’ll be the first to admit that the vanilla cheesecake was SLAMMING and hit the spot – even though I’m still loyal to chocolate as my favorite flavor!

How can you appreciate someone else’s flavor today? You probably don’t have to look very far – and the opportunity may even find you. Accept the challenge; it may be more palatable (and maybe even pleasant) than you expect.

A Neapolitan Postscript: Ya know, it didn’t even dawn on me while writing that there are some folks who like strawberry, too. <gasp!> God’s got us ALL…and THAT, my friends, is good news!

 “12 For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ.
14 For the body is not one member, but many.
17 If the whole body were an eye, where were the hearing? If the whole were hearing, where were the smelling?
18 But now hath God set the members every one of them in the body, as it hath pleased him.
19 And if they were all one member, where were the body?
20 But now are they many members, yet but one body.
21 And the eye cannot say unto the hand, I have no need of thee: nor again the head to the feet, I have no need of you.”
(II Corinthians 12:12, 14, 17-21)

  © Copyright 2016 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Are YOU Allergic to Foolishness?

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The dictionary’s definition of foolishness – stupidity, idiocy, silliness, imprudence, thoughtlessness
Kayren’s definition of foolishness – insignificant or of little consequence in the big scheme of the cosmos; sheer and utter nonsense and ridiculousness causing needless agitation or aggravation

Take your pick for however you feel it’s best defined, but our society is fairly saturated with foolishness these days – don’t you agree? Everywhere we turn, we’re surrounded by annoyances, irritants, hassles, and provocations – the majority of which have little to no eternal value. Yet, we can find solace and restoration in the presence of the Lord.

It’s almost Spring, a time when some people experience seasonal allergies. Itchy eyes and runny noses are only a couple of symptoms endured by those who are allergic to some of the environment’s blossoming bounty. However, as saints of God, we should have a 24/7 allergic reaction to sin…and that’s the root of foolishness. What’s the cure/remedy/treatment for Foolishness Allergy? Inoculate yourself with the Word of God so you’ll be able to fight the wiles of the devil and UTTERLY REJECT foolishness in its myriad forms all too prevalent in our daily routines! The good news: there’s no way to overdose on this vaccine. 🙂

Though we may encounter foolishness, we don’t have to be contaminated or overtaken by it. For example, we have the strength, power, and authority through Christ to turn the channel, walk away from a conversation, or not respond to an argument. Ta-dah – instant Foolishness Repellant! Unofficial prescription: Apply liberally until allergic symptoms subside…and if we’re growing in maturity, we can even pray for those who are steeped in foolishness. You may be pleasantly surprised at the rapid, positive results of smearing this remedy when encountering your next “foolishness situation…”

“O God, thou knowest my foolishness; and my sins are not hid from thee.”
(Psalm 69:5)

“Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.”
(Proverbs 10:14)

© Copyright 2016 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Contentment vs. Complacency: Expressing Gratitude in the Here & Now

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Well, happy new year to everyone, happy Black History Month, happy belated 40th birthday to me (do I sound wiser? LOL), and whatever else we’d like to celebrate! I haven’t been on hiatus from writing (as attested by the accumulation of post-it note scribbles bulging the front pocket of my purse), but life has truly been rich and full. When there’s more happening than I can keep up to write about, you know God is at work! 🙂 Nevertheless, I’m glad to be able to send a quick shout-out of encouragement before attempting to catch a few winks…

In the midst of it all, I find myself in a somewhat unfamiliar place. Yet, it is a place God told me He had prepared for me – one where I am required to rest in Him and trust Him completely. Oh sure, there’s plenty of hustle and bustle going on around me, but He is teaching me to focus on Him alone and to not be sidetracked by the multitude of distractions that come to divert my attention from what is critical, essential, vital, and key in this season. To me, complacency implies “zoning out” or not being engaged in the present, while godly contentment entails intentional acknowledgement of the present in light of what is yet to come. Contentment involves preparation – and the process of being perfecting in the presence of the Almighty Creator.

So I’m doing a lot of introspective work these days. Trying to listen more effectively and talk less often – unless led by the Holy Spirit. Letting God’s Word sandpaper away any remaining residue that doesn’t glorify His holiness. You know, stuff like that. Which requires that I be content where I am in Him, and yet not complacent to the point that I won’t change in order to line up in obedience to His instructions. Challenging? Yes! But rewarding? Absolutely. What has your new year been like so far, and what is God speaking to your heart? Feel free to share by leaving a comment. Let’s grow together in grace this year, encourage one another in this daily walk of discipleship, and mature – all for His glory.

“Be still and know that I am God…”
(Psalm 46:10)

 “Not that I speak from [any personal] need, for I have learned to be content [and self-sufficient through Christ, satisfied to the point where I am not disturbed or uneasy] regardless of my circumstances.”
(Philippians 4:11, AMP)

 © Copyright 2016 by Kayren J. Cathcart

XS: When is “Just Enough to Satisfy” Really Too Much?

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excess – extra, additional, surplus, spare, superfluous, glut, overload, overflow, overindulgence, immoderation, extravagance
abscess – boil, sore, swelling, eruption, blister

So the title of this post is a play on words (XS makes me think of an “extra small” sized t-shirt that I haven’t fit into since high school – okay, middle school LOL), but I figured it needed explaining. While watching “Love it or List It” on HGTV last night, I was awestruck by one of the homes a family was looking at “upgrading” to. It wasn’t that the house was so grand – I was more amazed that they’d leave the ample space they already had for something that was obviously more space than they needed. The walk-in closet alone (that was deemed a “must have” for the father/husband of the family) was the size of a bedroom…and there was one for the wife, too…and it went on from there. Believe me, I love a well-appointed set of bathrooms under one roof as much as the next gal, but this was a bit over the top even by my standards.

Perhaps I’m more attentive to excess in light of presently dealing with an abscess (under my armpit, no less). I’ll spare you the “armpit selfie” I had my daughter take for me (encouraging her inner Doc McStuffins meets medical photographer – yes, blatant career planning and exploration is around every bend in our household, even with mom’s unfortunate mishaps). The good news is, after last Thursday’s doctor appointment when I couldn’t take the pain and tenderness of that ballooning bump any longer and they scheduled me for a surgical procedure to drain it (2 weeks out was the soonest they could get me in), the bump burst on its own and started draining on Monday morning, to my surprise. As unpleasant as it is to see (and feel) that fluid draining under my arm, it’s a great relief to get the pressure and swelling down, along with deflating the sizeable bump that looked like the Hunchback of Notre Dame had taken a detour under my arm. And it’s an answer to prayer, because I really wasn’t looking forward to a small surgical procedure, even if they promised to numb me and send me on my way as good as new in 30 minutes. Yes, I’m making light of it, but it made me realize that there was something extra inside of me that didn’t need to be there – and my body was taking expeditious steps to get rid of it.

What are we trying to overcompensate with (and for) these days? Society tells us we need “bigger, better, more, extra” – and we keep believing the hype. Do we really need a newer (or different) vehicle, outfit, accessory, or companion? Do we need to acquire additional items when our closets, drawers, and storage bins are already bursting at the seams? Do we need the extra serving on our plate just because it’s offered? When will we be content? Is there excess we can resist (or even expel) in our small corner of the world? Is there some emotional baggage we’ve carried for way too long that needs to be offloaded? (Can you tell I’m starting to parent pre-teens?!). Prayerfully consider – then decisively act. When we earnestly consider the valuable gifts God has placed in our lives, we must admit that we have more than a-plenty. As we enter the season of giving thanks, may we be truly grateful for that which we’ve already been given – which is much.

“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.”
(Philippians 4:11)
“6 But godliness with contentment is great gain.
7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.
8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.”
(I Timothy 6:6-8)

© Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Fun vs. Folly: Are YOU Deceived?

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fun – amusement, pleasure, entertainment, merriment, diversion
folly – foolishness, madness, idiocy, craziness, recklessness, imprudence, foolhardiness
deceived – tricked, misled, betrayed, swindled, double-crossed, cheated, defrauded, duped, deluded, conned, two-timed, misinformed

The spirit of this “trick or treat” season is deceiving and is motivated by deception. Jesus operates in light and truth – because He IS Light and Truth! So obviously this month’s “holiday” is not about Him, no matter how people may try to frame, twist, revise, or rewrite it. Many folks think it’s relatively harmless to partake of the “festivities,” perhaps by distributing a little candy here or allowing their children to dress-up in costumes (maybe at school) there.

If you can even slightly contemplate compromise by participating in the idleness and fruitlessness of the season, take a moment to sincerely pray and ask the Lord for discernment and direction. Before you counter with “it’s not really that bad” or “everyone else is doing it,” consider the source of your counsel according to Proverbs 16:22b “the instruction of fools is folly” and Proverbs 14:24b “the foolishness of fools is folly.”

A crack in the foundation can open up to become a gaping breach. Saints of God, it’s time for us to rise up in righteousness, get our houses in order, and live like our God is watching for us to be a righteous reflection of Him in the Earth – because He is. If you’re righteous, be righteous and do righteousness – it’s pretty clear. Let no man deceive you – and don’t deceive yourself! We cannot allow contamination or confusion in because we didn’t take a bold and firm stand against unrighteousness. Make a deliberate decision to let the light of Christ shine brightly through YOU today…

“Folly is joy to him that is destitute of wisdom: but a man of understanding walketh uprightly.”
(Proverbs 15:21)

“But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.”
(II Timothy 3:13)

7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
(I John 3:7-10)

© Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Dressed Up…For Battle or For Compromise?

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Philippians 4:8 tells us as Christians to meditate on things that are honest, just, pure, lovely, of good report; virtuous and praiseworthy. Does a “holiday” that exploits instilling fear and worshipping death meet any of these criteria? If we turn the channel so little eyes and ears aren’t subjected to zombies, vampires, witches, or other images that might give them nightmares, should adult vessels of honor fit for the Master’s use partake of them?

This one is short and sweet (with no calories or cavities!) because the Word does all the talking. Read the scriptures below, and then check your outward attire as well as how your inner man is clothed. May we repent for the areas we’ve allowed complacency to turn into compromise, and concessions to turn into cooperation with the world. James 4:4 admonishes, “…know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God..”

Are you destroying the works of the devil, or serving as his walking billboard? A “free” bag of candy is a terribly unwise unit of exchange for an eternal soul…and why costume yourself to identify as someone you’re not?

“10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.”
(Ephesians 6:10-13)

7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
8 He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.
9 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin; for his seed remaineth in him: and he cannot sin, because he is born of God.
10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.
(I John 3:7-10)

© Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Alert: “Cute” Little (D)evils?

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The season for seemingly celebrating all that is dark and evil is once again upon us as the commercialized holiday industry seeks to capitalize on what they deem “cute” in terms of this month. Hence, we must remain sober and vigilant, guarding our hearts from the ungodly and unholy influences – both subtle and overt – that are running so rampant. From images and symbols on candy packaging to being accosted with orange and black in every store display, piece of marketing material, or TV commercial, were bombarded by a deluge of mind-numbing “it’s harmless fun” promotions. They assail and inundate us with this cleverly-crafted, repetitive messaging until we almost subconsciously say to ourselves, “Aw, ain’t that cute?” Once you get past the image of the little 4-legged hot dog on a bun, you can examine and evaluate the true message behind why advertisers want to capture your affections and lull you into complacency by watering down your witness for Christ.

First of all, anyone who spends money to purchase a costume for a pet should seriously check their budget and their conscience to evaluate the concept of a wise investment vs. impulsive folly of the moment. Second, families consciously choosing to dress up to commemorate death (or fantasy) should seriously consider what spiritual ramifications and eternal consequences they’re opening themselves up to…all by choosing to buy into the lies of “treats” being less threatening than the deceptive tricks of the enemy of our souls.

Sound way too unreasonable or “over the top?” Consider this sobering reminder from Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” A wage is something paid; as Christians who boldly profess the living Christ, why should we pay for death (or its fashion accessories)? There is no room for compromise with the enemy of our souls… let’s make sure our witness is consistent with the Word of God – even this month.

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:”
(I Peter 5:8)
“20 Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!
21 Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!
22 Woe unto them that are mighty to drink wine, and men of strength to mingle strong drink:
23 Which justify the wicked for reward, and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him!
24 Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.”
(Isaiah 5:20-24)

© Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

positive (+) vs. negative (-): Are YOU Sitting in the Seat of the Scornful?

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scornful – contemptuous, disdainful, disrespectful, mocking, derisive, disparaging, sneering
cynical – pessimistic, mocking, skeptical, sarcastic, distrustful, suspicious, disparaging, detracting, sneering, scornful, derisive, negative, misanthropic, scoffing, sardonic, scathing
sarcastic – ironic, mocking, sardonic, cynical, acerbic, mordant, derisive, satirical, caustic

As many times as I’ve read Psalm 1:1, I can’t say that I ever interpreted it to mean that I should search myself to see if I was the one sitting in that scornful seat. I usually focused on the “blessed is the man that doesn’t walk, stand, or sit with those folks” part. Until today, when I had to examine my current position in relation to God’s Word from a fresh perspective – stripped bare of any camouflage, disguise, or mask. Last night, I read Psalm 1 because I was at an emotional impasse and just needed to simplify some things. Since I wasn’t feeling particularly full of praise, I decided to start at the beginning of the book on praise. When I saw the word “scornful,” I looked it up in my concordance and cringed; I had neither comprehended nor appreciated how intense scorn actually is.

Over the past 24 hours, God’s been revealing to me how much of a “repeat offender” I’ve been in the scorn department. I grew up watching (and mimicking) SNL humor in the 1990s (or “back in the day” as my children remind me) – sarcasm, satire, scoffing, and cynicism at its best. I thought most of the skits (before they got utterly raunchy, tasteless, crass, and uncouth) were just plain funny. However, many of the laughs are at the expense of others, are less than uplifting, and are full of scorn.

After looking at the synonyms for scorn, I realize how “unpretty” this is in me. Today, I read a health and fitness article about what to do to stay on track with your goals. It suggested a good exercise: to choose a positive attitude during challenging moments by writing down 10 positive things that could result from something particularly negative or challenging. Well wasn’t this just a timely gift?  I had several challenging moments I could try this with, so I commenced with writing my list – or at least I attempted to. But after each painstaking entry I wrote, I had a surprisingly strong snappy, cynical, and sarcastic (= negative) thought to counter it with…which kinda defeated the whole purpose of the “positivity activity,” right? I kept seeing that half-full glass as half-empty, and I realized how deeply rooted this thing was in me.

Sure, people used to call me Little Betty Sunshine and accuse me of chronic Bubbly Personality Disorder. But I guess I’ve become a little grizzled by life (in a sparkly, glitterholic kinda way) and I see things a bit differently now. I’m still able to see the positive, but I admit that I probably focus more of the negative than I should as I age, um, I mean, as I mature. Nothing like editing oneself, is there? But I want (and need) to change this…and not just because I’m not getting any younger – LOL. Prospering (according to God’s definition) has a direct correlation with me not sitting in the seat of the scornful. In light of current events, it’s easy to be negative, cynical, sarcastic, and scornful. But as believers who profess Christ in us as the hope of glory, we’re held to a higher standard, and we have the power of the Holy Spirit to strengthen us in the face of tough times.

As we continue to adjust, change, transform, and be conformed to the image of Christ, may we turn from scornful ways (seriously!) – whether in others or in ourselves – and find our delight in the law of the Lord, meditating in it day and night. I believe that’s when we’ll start living the real blessing of Psalm 1.

“1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
(Psalm 1:1-3)

 © Copyright 2015 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Family: A Beautiful Cacophony

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This weekend, I was delighted to host my parents – along with my sister (whom I hadn’t seen in ages) – for a Sunday afternoon visit. While I didn’t have a clear meal plan, I had a hankering to serve brunch – I’m always game for French toast with powdered sugar (yum!), and I felt I owed my sister the real deal since I’d sent her a picture on her birthday of the breakfast I’d fixed in her honor across the miles…and taken it upon myself to eat it for her, too. Anticipating that I wanted everything finished in advance so I could spend quality time with my guests, I lovingly prepared the French toast together with 3 dozen zucchini mini-quiches with fresh basil from our garden on Saturday – because what’s more fun that cooking eggs in a muffin tin?! 

The funny thing was that my mom, on the other hand, prepared chicken fettuccini alfredo and brought Hawaiian bread (yum!) and various salad toppings to go with my other freshly-harvested garden goodies in the salad I made for folks who wanted dinner foods. My hubby blew it all outta the water when he finally fixed the 9-hour slow-cooker pot roast with potatoes that he’d been talking about all week. 

It was absolutely hilarious to see my mom, the consummate event planner and ultimate “hostess with the mostest,” as she set our “party table” with the blue plastic tablecloth that she somehow produced out of thin air, replete with sparkly curled banners of festiveness for a centerpiece, accompanied by her handy-dandy pink travelling placemats, convenient matching paper plates (and salad bowls, of course), red plastic cups, and a full place setting of clear plastic cutlery. Voilà! She is usually determined to make a major production out of the most informal gathering…so we humor her and watch her gesticulations with amusement.

Like our assorted table setting, there was absolutely no coherent theme to the menu, but we all sat down together to graze and munch contentedly, starting with my fruit tray of navel oranges and grapes and ending with the brownies Mama had individually bagged and tied with a cheery ribbon for each family member. Seeing my semi-vegetarian and formerly vegan sister succumb to the tender pot roast (placed atop her salad) was therapeutic. Everyone let their hair down and savored the comforts of family and home (not just a place, but a state of mind, in my personal opinion).

My ears relished the ebb and flow of concurrent conversations punctuated by raucous laughter of not-so-distant shared memories. My sister and I ended the evening by trying on clothes Mama had picked up from an estate sale and deciding who looked thinner in which outfit – that yielded a ton of cackles. I surveyed the scene with the ironic consciousness that my family puts the “fun” in dysfunctional, which is pretty much the only normal I’ve known. I’ve often wondered why God put people who just wanted to be hassle-free and to enjoy undisturbed solitude smack dab in the middle of a family. As I grow in age, wisdom, and grace, I’m just thankful that He did it for me – I think I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. Family is the gift that keeps on giving, and I’m appreciative for the entire package. I hope you’ll take a moment to give thanks for your own family (in whatever shape, form, or quantity it may appear), and let them know how much you love, value, and treasure them. Today is the perfect day to reach out and (re)connect…

“God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell…”
(Psalm 68:6a)

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart

Is Your Heart Calloused? Slough Off the Deadness and Live!

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Disclaimer: While you may want to go ahead and schedule that overdue pedicure, this is an “ouch!” message; read at the risk of inciting and inviting godly change into your life…

Recently, I’ve been forgetting that I was already dead. How’s that, you ask? 

After the hellacious week (or two…or maybe even 3…I dunno, it’s all running together) I’d had, I was beseeching God for some serious answers. Imagine how He got my attention when the answer came by way of “random” morning pop-up scripture on my phone’s Bible app, underscored by a focus on the exact same scripture passage during Bible Study that evening (Colossians 3). Amazing – He heard me…and responded! Though I’d felt alone in the wilderness, He had been right there with me all along.  After acknowledging the validity of my Heavenly Father’s timely reminder: “Your flesh should be crucified and dead in that area, daughter – so why is this issue bothering you so much?” I groaned, repented, and then proceeded to pull myself back together with the capable assistance of the Holy Spirit.

During my time of testing, I wondered if I just needed to become tough to the point that I didn’t feel anything anymore (I know it sounds extreme, but that’s where I’d allowed my mind to drift). A bit of web research modified that out-of-control, irrational thinking and taught me:

  • The formation of calluses is caused by an accumulation of dead skin cells that harden and thicken over an area of the foot. This callus formation is the body’s defense mechanism to protect the foot against excessive pressure and friction. (source)
  • A callus (or callosity) is a toughened area of skin which has become relatively thick and hard in response to repeated friction, pressure, or other irritation. Rubbing that is too frequent or forceful will cause blisters rather than allow calluses to form. Since repeated contact is required, calluses are most often found on feet because of frequent walking. Calluses are generally not harmful, but may sometimes lead to other problems, such as skin ulceration or infection. (source)

Pressure, friction, irritation, aggravation, frustration…well, didn’t that just shed some light on my present status of suffering (temporary light affliction, I know – but affliction nonetheless). Hmmm…“faint not” even though you feel like throwing in the towel after shredding it to ribbons…“crucify the flesh” and it’s not even close to Easter season…“he that is dead is free from sin” – well, I like the end result, but enduring the process is not something I’m not particularly looking forward to. Honestly, as I’m reflecting on my week, typing this, and reviewing the scripture verses below, I’m crinkling my nose, shaking my head, and saying to myself, “Naw, I don’t like that either…ouch, ouch, ouch – but Your Word is true, Lord.”

Needless to say, I’ve had some serious perspective maintenance and mental adjustment going on in this season of my life – because it really isn’t about me anyway. And I am not alone. I am eternally grateful for the strong saints He’s placed to undergird me with prayer and encouragement while cheering me on to finish the race God has chosen and designed expressly for me to run – and complete. As I embrace this new maturity (whether reluctantly or with joy, I haven’t quite determined) I realize – no matter how uncomfortable it is (and it is uncomfortable and unfamiliar, trust me!), it is for His ultimate glory.

If you realize that some dead cells have built up and developed into callouses in, around, or over your own heart, I invite you into my personal prayer, “Lord, please fix me so I’m aligned with YOUR Word, and not my feelings. Help me to fight the good fight of faith and not be a passive soldier in Your army.” He desires to do a new work in each of His children…will you allow Him to do so in you – starting now? 

“1 If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. 
 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 
 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”
(Colossians 3:1-3)
“11 For we which live are always delivered unto death for Jesus’ sake, that the life also of Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh.
12 So then death worketh in us, but life in you.
16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
(2 Corinthians 4:11-12, 16-17)
“And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.”
(Galatians 5:24)
“5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:
6 Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.
7 For he that is dead is freed from sin.”
(Romans 6:5-7) 

© Copyright 2014 by Kayren J. Cathcart