Last week I saw a commercial on television for some new formula face cream to erase your brown age flecks. I looked down to study the few flecks on the backs of my hands and wondered if it would work on me. For a moment I got caught up in the world's view of beauty. It's so easy to do, especially as a woman. The images to be perfect-just the right clothes, hair and make-up, every line of aging erased.
Instead I am honored with a God who shows me a new way to look at my flecks. "Arise, my darling, my beautiful one, and come with me."(Song of Songs 2:10) In God's kingdom my flecks are badges of honor, of perseverance, love, determination, sacrifice.
Many of you have heard me speak of my great-aunt Laura who went home when she was 101 years old. Her face was wrinkled and covered in those beautiful flecks and I loved her all the more for them. She raised four children and cared for her grandparents, cooked for oodles of family even when she really didn't like to, buried some of her own children before she would go home and countless other acts of love that any mother and friend would do for others.
Every one of her wrinkles and flecks were her badges of honor. She was an example of a true noble warrior in God's kingdom and each wrinkle was her badge of glory revealing her devotion to the King. As I write this, I'm feeling sorry for those who don't appreciate their wrinkles. They have forgotten that we are made in the image of God and through our trials, we are his workmanship, called to reveal his glory in this lost and mixed up world.
"If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world."(John 15:18-19) Isn't it great to be chosen by the King?
So what has God given you for a badge? Wrinkles, a hand that doesn't work so well, a limp, an illness? Be reminded that we always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body. (2 Cor 4:10)
Glory in your badges and walk as a true warrior in God's kingdom. Wear them proud.
