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!

Baby Boy (Tyrese Gibson--2001)

An old friend from high school called me today. It was great to catch up and touch base. Of course, some things never change, and it took all of five minutes for her to begin going on about this really attractive guy she knows. I can appreciate a fine man. So, I listened enthusiastically and smiled. This guy even has dredlocks. Anyone that knows Sassy, knows that I have a thing for well kept dreds on a guy. This man was sounding awfully good to me. She finally mentioned his name. Hmmm...why does that name sound so familiar? I kept thinking as she went on about how physically blessed this guy is. I repeated the name in my head, over and over.

Then it hit me! No...it couldn't be...surely, my life is not this "Jerry Springer!" So, I began to ask her questions about this guy until my suspicions were proven correct. He's my brother!!! That's how I know this guy. He's one of the many siblings I have through the "father" that I never see. I had to laugh. I mean seriously...in whose life is something like this considered normal?

unForgiven (1992--Eastwood)

I'm adopting a new trend. I think I'm naming all of my blogs after movies. Here's my first...

So, I've been reading and hearing a lot about forgiveness lately. Now, I don't have any unforgiveness in my heart, do I? Well, I didn't think so. Last night, dh and I were looking at Luke 6. It was verses 27 and 28 that really struck me.

"But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,
bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you."

I thought, I'm doing pretty good. Although, it wasn't automatic, I've learned to treat evil coworkers, associates, and others, with a reasonable amount of respect and pleasantries. I also pray for them. But, then I woke up this morning.

I had a message in my Inbox from my most hated Ex! I know I shouldn't use the word "hate". But, sometimes, I do believe I hate him. It's not always present. Most of the time, I'm okay and don't think I would cringe as badly if I ever saw him again. But, I know something would be there--something not Christ like. My flesh is telling me to curse him to Hell (the place) and never speak to him again. But...

is that what Jesus would do??? When, I think about the cross and all He endured, for evil men, such as me, it makes my unForgiveness seem so shallow and unjustified. It also my goal to never allow any form of bondage to rule over me. Unforgiveness has this stinking tendency to do that. So, Sassy has a LOT to pray and think on today.