Unity in the Body?

This week I've thought a lot about friendships and adversaries. Ironically, our Bible study lesson at church discussed loving our enemies. It led me to reflect upon my enemies. I realized that many of my past enemies have been other Christians. That blew my mind! So often in the Bible, we see our enemy referred to as Satan or his agents. But, practically, I believe many Christians' enemies are fellow believers in Christ.

This led me to wonder, why is it that Christians--who have the Holy Spirit inside them--can't get along with other Christians? Obviously, I recognize the easy answers: Different personalities, life experiences, and ways of viewing the world. But, we serve the God whose power is imminent and unfailing. We have the same spirit (Holy Spirit) inside of us and say we love the same God (Jesus Christ). Therefore, should His power and presence not have preeminence in our lives over the differences we have with other believers? Certainly, God is able to overcome our personality conflicts, opinions, and experiences, to draw us together in one faith and one love. The Bible teaches us this and I've lived it.

I don't believe that I have current enemies, but if we're being honest, there are several fellow Christians that get on my last good nerve (and I probably get on their's too)! I'd love to give them a good shake and tell them to stop being so fake and full of themselves. So, I'm challenged today to seek peace with my brothers and sisters...to pray for them and see them with eyes of grace--just as the Lord sees me. It's my prayer that those who see me as one of those nerve wracking Christians would do the same for me.

Matthew 5:43-48

The King--According to Me

Lastnight on the BET Awards (which I rarely ever watch), Kanye West proclaimed himself as a "King" of Hip-Hop. While I won't go into my thoughts on that, I will say: "As usual, Kanye West never ceases to amazement with his arrogance and conceit." He can have that title. Now, lets talk about the real King of the evening (besides Jesus): Maxwell. He was Simply Beautiful on the BET Awards. His return to the stage has been applauded by fans and critics all over the nation. So, SassyJesusGirl had to throw her kudos in too! Listen to that smooth voice! I needed a Ritalin after seeing this. He blew me away!

The Phlebotomist

We have to talk about something. What's up with this new trend with phlebotomists not using gloves? I mean, let's be real, it's not like a layer of latex will protect me if they prick themselves. But, it's tradition. Also, surely it gives you a little extra protection from germs. I mean, I want to see my medical professionals doing some hand washing, sanitizing, or using gloves before they just come grabbing on me. Afterall, she (in this case) has spent the whole day dealing with other people's body fluids!

Yesterday, my sister mentioned that she had a phlebotomist not use gloves while taking her blood. I was appalled. I mean, is this a new thing or something? Then, today, I had a similar experience. The woman put on one glove. I mean, there was no hand washing going on and no alcohol touched that ungloved hand. What's up with that?

Being the Sassy Jesus Girl that I am, I asked her if that was common practice. After an awkward silence she said she could put on another glove if I wanted. Now let me think...YES!!! Use the glove? So, what's with people not wanting to wrap it up? I mean you hear about that with unprotected "relations" but now it's spread to the phlebotomist too. This has gone too far!!!

Know These Things: Shouldn't You

Anyone that's ever listened to neo-soul should recognize my title as being an homage to the artist, Maxwell. He floats my boat. Don't get me wrong, I'm madly in love with my husband. But, that Maxwell, with his caramel skin and smooth falsetto, has a special place in my heart. In case you haven't guessed, he is my favorite artist. Readers of this blog must know that, as he'll probably be a topic of discussion every week. So, here are a few other things you should know about me...

1. I believe every good American should be a fan of Star Trek.
2. I'm a political junky who can't decide who my next President should be.
3. I have two dear friends that I've never met, but we chat everyday.
4. I've recently decided that American cars suck and I don't care who doesn't like my saying that!
5. Sex is fabulous! Wives need to give their husbands enough of it--and vice versa.
6. I break all the stereotypes of what society and people say I should be.