I recently got my hair done and it felt so good! I felt beautiful, and it was way overdue, but as a parent of small children I don’t always have time to make it to the salon. I’m just like, whatever, feeling like the things I invest my time in raising them is more important than some dark roots. And even though they were quite cringe-worthy when you looked at them, I didn’t really care. What I mean is, I didn’t really care what other people thought. Other than looking attractive for my husband (because I want to, not because I have to), I didn’t get my dark roots fixed to impress anyone other than my own reflection. I guess living thirty-nine years has made me comfortable enough in my own skin that I don’t fret.
I don’t freak out if I’m not in the latest fashion trend, and if I feel good in my 90’s cargo pants then by golly that’s what I’m going to wear. I’ll rock my TMNT shirt like I’m a teenager and not give three hoots if anyone thinks I look silly. I’ve come to a place in my life where I don’t place my value on what other people think of me. I know where my value resides. I don’t wear my pajamas to Walmart for my own feelings, not because of the stares of strangers. Though I might wince at being on a People of Walmart collection. Point being this. I. Don’t. Care. What. People. Think.
I have no problem boasting about my weaknesses. As a Christian I realize my strength isn’t found in me; it’s found in my Savior. So if I mess up, I’ll fess up. If I’ve fallen, I’ll tell you how He helped me back up. I will have zero shame for my past mistakes, and if I think it might help someone else I’ll probably write about it. If you’ve followed my blog for a number of years you’ve probably blushed at some of the skeletons I’ve pulled out of my closest. The thing is I’m not embarrassed. I. Don’t. Care. My worth isn’t based on where I fall short. That’s not what defines me. I’m simply redeemed.
I will speak my opinion, and even when it is a minority one I will speak it loudly and proudly if that’s what I feel led to do. I’m human, so prior to voicing something extra controversial I will have a feeling of fear of man’s opinion of me. But then I don’t. Then it’s overshadowed by God’s opinion, and I go forth boldly because… I don’t care what people think of me. Not at all.
This morning in the shower I was pondering this very thought, and as I prayed I said, “God, as long as I’m alright in your eyes I really don’t care what people think of me.” And I realized I truly didn’t. That paled in comparison to His opinion. But then I added this.
“The only thing I care what people think about is you, and I realize sometimes the way they’ll see you is through me.”
That I do care about. I do care what people think when they see me as a reflection of my savior, and if I’m giving them an erroneous impression then I am in the wrong.
When I am hurt and wish to lash out emotionally at those who mock me I have to pause. I pause with consideration of what they will think of me, but not so much me the woman named Brie, but rather me the child of God. Am I representing Christ effectively in my responses to others? In that regard I care very much what people think.
When I smile at the rude woman at the McDonald’s drive-thru and tell her to “have a good day” it’s because I care what she thinks. I hope she thinks things like “people are kind” and “I’m worth something.” I hope she thinks humanity isn’t lost, good folks still exist, and perhaps decide a smile can be contagious. You never know when your compliment might be the only one a person receives that day.
When work is tough and I want to blow my top, I take a breath. I take and breath and shine the light of Jesus. Or I try at least. I try because I care what people think when it happens to be a reflection of the Lord.
When I feel frustrated at my children I try to remember that I am the first and foremost example they see of Christ, and that’s serious business. Moms are ministers when you think about it.
God has given me a big job in the short time I’m here on earth. It’s called the Great Commission, and my responsibility is to lead people to Christ and eternal life. Turns out it’s not just inviting folks to church or handing out religious tracts that leads them to salvation. It’s actually walking the walk and talking the talk. It’s caring what people think when you realize your daily life and interactions with others is your witness. True story.
Have I perfected this? Not hardly. Much like my less than trendy wardrobe and neglected hairdo I am far from perfect. I’ll never represent Jesus like Jesus did, but I do the best I can. I think He appreciates that.
So to sum it up for you I don’t really care what people think, except when I do. And in those moments I care a whole lot.
Chrissy says
Thank you, Brie. I needed to hear that. As long as I am forgiven in His eyes, it doesn’t matter what others think. The word for me today has come from Spurgeon’s Chequebook of Faith, “a covenant of cleansing.” And everything I’ve heard or read today has enhanced that. I do want His Spirit to be evident to others and it’s through a clean vessel.
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thank you.
Dave Parsons says
You reflect the Lord very well and I know He is proud you are his daughter! Shine on child of God! It’s so encouraging to know the Lord is very well represented by you in your corner of this world, in your city, on your street, at your work and in your home! I am not ashamed of the gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation!
brieann.rn@gmail.com says
Thanks so much!