Old photo--but it proves my point. Younger brother looks more like the Gillespie side, while older brother and I look like the James side. Somewhere in there is a lot of Momma in all of us. So there is NO doubt where our looks come from and we certainly pass as siblings.
BEST PICTURE I COULD GET OF THE MOVING TARGETS
Then there are these 4 of the 6 grands. I am not certain you would identify them as brothers and sisters if you put them in a large group. Each one even has different shades of hair and different eye colors. Different body types, different heights, and hugely different personalities-- And yet--they have similarities---we know from whom they sprang.
We can all do things to ourselves to change the way we look. My hair is a prime example---currently blonde I have been ever color in the book-from raven black to snowy white and all the spectrum in between. I have learned if you live in Texas, you are expected to be blonde for some strange reason. I go to my hair dresser and say, "I think it is a little too light--here is a picture of my natural color" She mumbles a reply and I walk out 90 minutes later--blonde. I have changed my facial features by buying a chin---I come from a long line of chin-less people. Did you know you can buy a chin and have it inserted--TRUTH! I have gone from the thinnest of thins to a lot more fluff. I have changed my looks--and yet I am the same.
The Word tells us we are created in HIS image. When we look around at mankind--when we gaze upon our fellow man--do we think--HE looks JUST like his FATHER? If we are indeed created in His image--why is it we don't look anything like we suppose He looks? In her book Bird By Bird, Anne Lamott quotes a priest, "You can safely assume you've created God in your own image when it turns out God hates all the same people you do." Thus the problem---we refuse to adhere to the Image of God--instead morphing that image into what best suits us-and that false image hates who we hate and loves who we love. We allow Satan to mar our reflection of the image of God.
I have met a few people in my life--that I came away from their presence KNOWING I saw the reflection of Jesus when I looked into their eyes. So perhaps the key to looking like Him is inside us--and not outside. When another gazes into our eyes---do they see Jesus? Sadly--in my case--probably not. I have allowed the fallen world to blur my reflection of HIS image. My own sinfulness and self-centered approach to life has turned my reflection into a long way from Godly. BUT--I know there is hope---found through Jesus. Everyday---I strive to know Him better and as I know Him---follow Him. There is hope--and with His power---I will reflect His image of love and mercy. My desire is "To Look More Like Him" with each passing day.
And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.
II Corinthians 3:18
My breath sometimes gets taken away when I see glimpses of myself in my grandchildren. Or see my grandma's eyes in my daughter's. I tell my adopted granddaughter that she has my color hair. It's really kind of cool to see the GOOD stuff passed down, huh?
ReplyDeleteAfter a 9 hour car trip, we're hanging out with our 4 oldest moving targets for the weekend ...
8-}
Hugs to ya', grand-friend!
AH, LInda, getting your grand fix this weekend! NOTHING quite like it, Right? I must admit to being a little dismayed when I see some glimpses of myself in my grands--only want them to get the good stuff!
DeleteBlessings, Friend!
This one is great~ Love the quote from the priest, so true! Be blessed...
ReplyDeleteIt caused me to pause and think---how I had done that very thing at times, Rebecca!
DeleteBlessings, Friend!
When it is said we were created in His image it does not mean His physical image; whatever that is. Otherwise we would all be born with beards, since this is how God is always portrayed in paintings.
ReplyDeleteWhat created in His image means is His "soul" image. That is with the ability and the power to love totally and unconditionally everyone, no matter how bad and vile they are and how badly they have hurt us and treated us. To be forgiving time and again and continue to love despite others behaviour towards us.
This being the case; it is so sad that many people fight their whole lives to be as opposed to that image as possible.
God bless you.
Thus me seeing Jesus in some when gazing into their eyes--the window to our souls!
DeleteBlessings, Victor!
One of most glaring things I take from reading His Word is that when we (believers) pray, it is to be a "mirror" of His goodness, since there is no good in us. [read Apostle Paul writings] I think that's what He means by being created in His image. It's not physical imagery, but it's that we have the capability for great spirituality (doing good). Spiritual love really is the most important way we can reflect His righteousness. And from that, many other good things ensue.
ReplyDeleteHope your day is blessed. ~:)
Amen, Sparky! Thanks for your wise comments!
DeleteBlessings, Friend'
What a beautiful post, Lulu and I agree with Sparky's and Victor's comments. So, I won't add anymore---however, I will say this...I look like my dad, as does one of my brothers and my other brother looks like my mom and I have similar characteristics as my mother--heaven forbid...and learning to change those bad things. (wink)
ReplyDeleteBlessings sweet friend.
When I catch Momma's word coming out of my mouth, I want to scream! We are marked for sure, LInda!
DeleteBlessings, Friend!