In my style session with God as Master Stylist, I'm coming across some incredible pieces. He's already dressed me in "Salvation" (Psalm 149:4) which I am loving! It's such a good fit I think I will let it double as my Spanx (something's got to pull in the flaws and help me be more pleasing to the eye. haha). So my Salvation stays on.
Then I hit the mini runway in "Active Wear". This was a fun look with lots of energy. It was a light, bright outfit that could take me everywhere (Eph 5:8,9). It had great shoes too. Once I put on my Gospel boots, I was good to go (Eph 6:15).
Ok, I am so excited to see what's next. This outfit is definitely different than the previous two. Tyra Banks comes to mind. Whether you've seen her TV show or not, I'm sure you've seen this super model's trademark look. She has very proudly made the word "fierce" synonymous with her identity. And if you don't mind, I'll snag her word and place it on this next look. You see, Tyra very appropriately uses this word to define a facial look, attitude and strength. On her reality show, America's Next Top Model, she is constantly instructing her contestants to be fierce. Demanding that their eyes not be "flat" but focused, drawing on their inner strength. And if they don't possess inner strength then fake it.
Now that is funny to me. As a child of God, I don't have to fake it because I can draw real strength from the Creator of the universe. Oh yea-- from the Man Himself!! The Bible says in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". And in this world we need it. Actually we need the whole "Fierce" thing. Let's face it, we struggle with practical real life things. We have financial troubles. We have uncertainty everywhere. Our families are breaking apart. We struggle to get along with people. We never have enough time. Life is crazy. People are crazy. WE are crazy, if we'll be honest. But the One who calmed the sea knows all this and wants us to keep focused on the real battle. Although our bodies are physically present on earth to deal with the troubles of this world, it's our spirit who should be fighting the battle.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.Eph 6:12. WOW--do you think God breaks it down who we wrestle with in so many ways for a reason? I definitely think so. I think He's trying to put it in a way that our minds can attempt to wrap around this concept of spiritual warfare. The issues that we face are so much deeper than they appear. We've got to be focused on God at all times. Praying constantly for ourselves and others.
We've got to use the Bible as our sword. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. That is a serious weapon! My mother in law has a sword that is displayed on her wall in her home that she got on a trip to Spain. In our family it was a rite of passage to be able to hold it. The rule was you had to be 4years old and sit on the couch with Grandmommy. They were taught right from the start to respect this weapon and be aware of the consequences of mishandling it. We should be the same way with God's word. We should respect it. We should want to learn all about it so that we can use it properly. We should be aware of it's POWER! To handle this weapon and use it to God's glory, we've got to be focused on the real battle. And the real battle is not here my friend. So whether you feel strong, confident, focused and "Fierce" or not, remember God's version of "Fierce" will not be cancelled or ever choose to explore new opportunities like the swayings of Tyra Banks. God is the real deal, who stand the test of time. He's able to equip you for any occasion at any time that you need to get your "Fierce" ON.
Then I hit the mini runway in "Active Wear". This was a fun look with lots of energy. It was a light, bright outfit that could take me everywhere (Eph 5:8,9). It had great shoes too. Once I put on my Gospel boots, I was good to go (Eph 6:15).
Ok, I am so excited to see what's next. This outfit is definitely different than the previous two. Tyra Banks comes to mind. Whether you've seen her TV show or not, I'm sure you've seen this super model's trademark look. She has very proudly made the word "fierce" synonymous with her identity. And if you don't mind, I'll snag her word and place it on this next look. You see, Tyra very appropriately uses this word to define a facial look, attitude and strength. On her reality show, America's Next Top Model, she is constantly instructing her contestants to be fierce. Demanding that their eyes not be "flat" but focused, drawing on their inner strength. And if they don't possess inner strength then fake it.
Now that is funny to me. As a child of God, I don't have to fake it because I can draw real strength from the Creator of the universe. Oh yea-- from the Man Himself!! The Bible says in Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me". And in this world we need it. Actually we need the whole "Fierce" thing. Let's face it, we struggle with practical real life things. We have financial troubles. We have uncertainty everywhere. Our families are breaking apart. We struggle to get along with people. We never have enough time. Life is crazy. People are crazy. WE are crazy, if we'll be honest. But the One who calmed the sea knows all this and wants us to keep focused on the real battle. Although our bodies are physically present on earth to deal with the troubles of this world, it's our spirit who should be fighting the battle.
"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in heavenly places.Eph 6:12. WOW--do you think God breaks it down who we wrestle with in so many ways for a reason? I definitely think so. I think He's trying to put it in a way that our minds can attempt to wrap around this concept of spiritual warfare. The issues that we face are so much deeper than they appear. We've got to be focused on God at all times. Praying constantly for ourselves and others.
We've got to use the Bible as our sword. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword. That is a serious weapon! My mother in law has a sword that is displayed on her wall in her home that she got on a trip to Spain. In our family it was a rite of passage to be able to hold it. The rule was you had to be 4years old and sit on the couch with Grandmommy. They were taught right from the start to respect this weapon and be aware of the consequences of mishandling it. We should be the same way with God's word. We should respect it. We should want to learn all about it so that we can use it properly. We should be aware of it's POWER! To handle this weapon and use it to God's glory, we've got to be focused on the real battle. And the real battle is not here my friend. So whether you feel strong, confident, focused and "Fierce" or not, remember God's version of "Fierce" will not be cancelled or ever choose to explore new opportunities like the swayings of Tyra Banks. God is the real deal, who stand the test of time. He's able to equip you for any occasion at any time that you need to get your "Fierce" ON.
Awesome, Jenny! I love teaching my students about the Armor of God, and I'm gonna have to steal your "fierce" talk with them. (If you don't mind:) So good, once again!!!! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI loved and needed this tonight! Keep up your awesome blogging! You are a blessing! Heading into my week with my "fierce" on! :)
ReplyDeleteAshley I would love for you to use this with your kids. That's an awesome thought-- a bunch of "fierce" kids running around. Haha And Laura, so glad to hear it encouraged you. It was good for me too. So glad we have reconnected. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou have such a great way with words. I love hearing your perspective on "life".
ReplyDeleteJust keep writing, just keep writing, just keep writing :)
Natalie, YOU are such an encourager!!!! I was bragging on you today. I am so thankful that God brought you into my life. So beautiful on the outside but so much more on the inside. You are inspiration. Thank you tons!
ReplyDeleteJesus, who was meek, was also fierce when he cleaned out the temple! I love your perspective, Jenny Leigh!
ReplyDeleteThis is great, Jenny Leigh. I love this Beauty and the Bible thing! I'm with Natalie, I think there's just so much more you can say about this, so, yes, just keep writing. Good to see you and Brad the other night! Thanks for celebrating my 40th with me!
ReplyDeleteLove you,
Sherri