Crazy (Mercy Me, 2005)

Sassy just needs a minute to state for the record that most insults aimed at me because of my faith don't bother me. So, here's a few sassy thoughts to chew on...

Am I a Jesus Freak?
If that means I love Jesus, know He is real, asked Him into my heart, and seek to live for Him...then...YEP! Pretty much a Jesus freak

Am I very religious?
Yes! But, it's based in a relationship with Jesus Christ not traditions of man.

Do I wear my religion on my sleeve?
No! I wear it in my heart..and what's in my heart shows up in my life. It shows in the things I enjoy, the things I spend time doing, and in the things from which I abstain.

Do I think I'm better than anyone else?
Definitely not! That's why Christ's sacrifice on the cross of Calvary is so amazing to me. He took my sin to the cross knowing how lacking in faith and weak I'd be even after knowing him.

Do I think I'm perfect?
Nope! That's why I need a Savior. I'm far from perfect but completely forgiven! "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God," (Romans 3:23)

Do I believe Jesus is the only way?
Yes. Sorry. Don't get mad at me. It's God's Word. I didn't write it but my faith is in it! "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (John 14:6)

Do I believe you have to go to church to be a Saved?
Nope. But, I do believe you need to actively commit and fellowship with the body of Christ (in a church) to be a true disciple. When you look at the 12 disciples, they walked intimately with the Lord and didn't forsake assembling with one another to learn from, worship, be held accountable to, and gain power from Christ. Then, they went out and they 'were the church' in their communities and world. We have the same call. (Heb. 10:25 and Mark 16:15)

Exclusive Rights (Gayne Whitman, 1926)

I was touring my city in search of the perfect nail spa. We have plenty of nail shops/places but I wanted a spa atmosphere. So, I find the perfect spot. It's called SoHo's. I can respect that--especially since my favorite singer ever (Maxwell) frequents the SoHo area in New York.

So, I'm telling a friend about my great find when she suddenly gives me a look of disgust. She went on to tell me I shouldn't go to that shop because its owners are Buddhist and they're open on Sundays. She further suggested that I visit her low budget, cheap, and totally unsophisticated nail shop because they're Christian owned.

Let me be clear. I have no problem with supporting Christian businesses. However, I will not become a patron of a nail shop solely for that reason--especially when it is lacking the spa feel that this Sassy Girl desires. I must admit, I was dumbfounded by her point of view. A few things came to mind:

1. Why is she so proud of her nail shop for being closed on Sunday yet she goes to the mall and to restaurants on Sundays? A nail shop should be closed in honor of the Christian Sabbath, but the places she visits shouldn't be? Additionally, she isn't concerned with the Buddha statues in her favorite Chinese and Japanese restaurants. Now, I'm not one to use the H word, as I feel all people are H's to some degree. But, this sounds very Hypocritical to me.

2. As a teacher, I taught children of every religion. That didn't disqualify me as a professional. So, in my opinion, it would be wrong of me to judge people as unworthy of my patronage based solely on their religion. The thought of that is ridiculous to me.

I don't understand this "Christian Separatist" mentality. Jesus wasn't that way. Jesus went out and let his light "so shine among men" that they would see His good works and glorify His Father in Heaven. Shouldn't contemporary Christians do the same? That's sassy's way of thinking. But, in the meantime, there is an entire movement of Christians that would have us all withdraw from American society and live in a Christian only bubble. I really fail to see how one can live out the Great Commission while removing themselves from everything non Christian. In the meantime, I have an appointment at SoHo's!