My Friend, the Queen

I've been excited about this Friendly Friday visit since the idea hit me--today my friend is "the other half of my brain", Joanne Sher. Her birthday was this last Wednesday, so this post from her is spot on. It also shows you who Joanne is at heart, a totally incredible woman. There's not many moms that I know who would do this while grocery shopping. Join me welcoming Joanne...

The Queen Mother Goes Grocery Shopping
By Joanne Sher (written August 4, 2009)

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Yesterday was a fun, silly day. But in all the fun, I got terribly convicted about a huge issue in my life.

You see, it was my birthday yesterday. And when it's your birthday, and you have two elementary-aged children, celebrating is less about you and more about them. I'm not one to want to pass up my birthday (or even "pick an age and stick with it"), but even if I were, it just wouldn't work. They KNOW it's your birthday, and those cute children are going to make a big deal about it no matter what. SO, you might as well go along with it.

My lovely 5 1/2-year-old daughter, Annika, with no guidance, made me a birthday crown out of some of my old scraps of scrapbooking paper. She worked hard on it - even used scalloped scissors on one edge to make it look more "crowny." She was very proud of her creation, and I was thrilled to wear it.
I was the birthday queen.
Only one issue. Monday is the day we go grocery shopping. And when I say "we," I mean all of us. For a minute, I debated what to do with my birthday crown. I could easily just place it on the kitchen counter and put it on when we return. She hasn't even asked me if I was going to wear it to shopping.

But then I realize that I would rather make my daughter beam and be a bit embarrassed than make her sad and save face. So the crown stayed right on my head. And she was so proud.

So, here we all were at Meijer, me with an obviously blue circle of paper on my dark brown hair. It was interesting how people reacted to me. Most, to be honest, either were purposely ignoring me or just didn't see me. I got a couple "this woman should be in the looney bin" looks, too. Several (most who had children with them) smiled or laughed when they saw me. And a few actually asked about it.

The "askers" were, by far, my AND Annika's favorites. Cuz, of course, when they asked, she got to tell them it was my birthday--and I got to share that my beautiful daughter had made the crown for me. And did she EVER glow. It made the embarrassment MORE than worth it.

And that's how it should be in our Christian walk. When we follow Christ's commands, we might look odd to others. And sometimes, we'll try to "tone it down" so we don't get too embarrassed standing out in the crowd. And I hate to admit it, but I do this way too often.

But it's amazing what simply being willing to live for Him, and risk the embarrassment of being different, can do for His Kingdom.

Sure, some may completely ignore you. Others may even give you a hard time. And some will look at you and smile, knowing exactly why you're acting the way you are.

But the best ones are the ones who stop you and ask why you are the way you are. And then, you can tell them why you're a bit different from the others, and Who you are serving. And just maybe, you can make your Savior beam--and maybe even gain Him another follower.

And that is nothing to be embarrassed about. Even if you are a Queen Mother (for a day).

~*~*~*~*~*~

Joanne Sher is a Jew by birth, a Christian by rebirth, and a writer by gift. A native Southern Californian, she now lives happily in West Michigan with her husband and two school-aged children.

Her first book, still seeking a home, explores God's preparation, protection and provision through her husband's serious health issues. She is also working on a biblical fiction set during King Saul's reign and centered around the handmaiden of Saul's daughter Michal.

She is also a blogger, not only at her own site, but at the FaithWriters blog, where she posts daily. She also posts monthly at Jewels of Encouragement, The Barn Door, and Internet Cafe Devotions.

Joanne on:
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9 comments:

  1. Thanks for having me, sweetie!

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  2. =] It's fun having you visit! You are an incredible mom! And friend. =]

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  3. Happy (belated)Birthday, Jo Ann. You definitely have a "gift that keeps on giving." And you are a special gift to your daughters. Great job of challenging me to feel - and act - honored to be a Christian.

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  4. Thanks, dear Nancy. This is one of my favorite devotionals.

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  5. Fantastic! What a memory for both of you. And now for me. :)

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  6. Loved this! And Happy Birthday.

    Kristi Huseby

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  7. Love this delightful story! I can just picture Annika's glowing smile! And the analogy is wonderful! Love you!

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  8. Hi Joanne. We've met at faithwriters. This is a good read.

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Thanks so much for stopping by! I love hearing from you.

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