You Can't Judge A Book By Its Cover

The past few days have been a great reflection of the age-old saying, “you can’t judge a book by its cover”.  Monday nights are our Community Group nights (basically small group) and this past Monday the men had a “man’s night” at church meaning that only the women would be attending CG.  Our leader decided it would be cool if we just took the evening for everyone to share her story so we could get to know one another better.  Seeing that everyone we have been in contact with the past few months has been new, it is easy to start judging the book by its cover.  I admit I had already developed “backgrounds” for a handful of people in our community group based solely on looks and a number of interactions.  But this past Monday night I was seriously holding back tears the entire time everyone was sharing.  I “devalued” these women based on my own preconceived notions.  I was humbled by their stories and in awe of the power of Christ.  I know these women will be real with me, challenge me and love me.  Being in community is knowing where you came from and where you are going, I’m glad I didn’t miss that with our group.  How can you best pray, support and challenge each other if you don’t KNOW significant moments about them?        

Tuesday nights are youth group and the leaders have a meeting prior to the night starting.  It was during this meeting that we learned even more about some of the students’ backgrounds.  My soul is uneasy with what a lot of these teenagers are involved in and dealing with.  It is so easy to get frustrated with them by the attitudes we experience on Tuesday nights, but knowing their story helps shed some light.  There is no excuse for sin, but knowing their story tends to lend itself to us being more compassionate. 

So I say all this to remind us (including myself) that you can’t judge a book by its cover.  You have no idea what sin people are dealing with in their lives- whether it’s their own or the effect of another’s.  We all have sin, we all have a story, we all are human. 

On a way different side note:  Phillip Phillips won American Idol!!!!!  So cool to watch his reaction to winning!

Thankful for: a chill night with the husband watching the Idol finale J

Sleep well friends!