This blog post is part of a link up with Lisa-jo Baker. Anyone can be a part of it! Just check out Lisa-jo’s site (http://lisajobaker.com) for the word prompt and further instructions. The idea is to write for five minutes with out constantly editing or second guessing ourselves. It’s a supportive, positive community, and I’ve been blessed just by dabbling my toe into it.
Louie was a goofy friend of mine in seventh grade. He always wore a white baseball cap, most time paired with a turtleneck and a hockey jersey (I never did figure out why the turtlenecks). He was tall and gangly, with a fountain of brown bangs and a very prominent (read: big) nose.
Not the first hottie you’d notice. 
But he was so funny.
He was generous and helpful. Louie was kindhearted.
When you’d known him more than a day you realized how handsome he was, how unique and athletic, how his brown eyes were warm, his height and stature comforting. Suddenly Louie was quite a looker.
I’ve started to wonder how other people look at me, not so much physically but how they view my dreams, my aspirations and quirks, probably because lately I’ve run into so many roadblocks and rejections.
Do they play along with my goals, no one willing to tell me I’m being unrealistic?
Do they pat me on the head and humor me so they won’t hurt my feelings?
Do I look different from the outside than I do to myself?
Does it matter what the view is, except that it comes from the One who made me who I am? The One in whom I am most fully myself?
It shouldn’t make any difference if I achieve “success” on earth if I have been faithful with what was given to me in the circumstances I’ve been placed. Sometimes, though, when I’m being really honest, the view from outside does matter to me.
It’s like the difference between current trend of ombre hair color and just being overdue for a trip to the salon so you have really bad roots. Or to use another hair analogy, it’s the difference between having beachy texture and a frizzy windblown mess. What if while I’m walking around thinking I’ve got it down and lookin’ good, everyone else can see that my dream is really a snarly hairdo in need of a comb and a dye job?
What are your dreams right now? How do you keep hope in a dream when it takes a long time to arrive? Most importantly, how do you maintain your focus on the One who made you?
Attractive waves or crazy mess? It’s a matter of opinion.
Good post, nice thoughts.
Thank you for coming by! 🙂
Love your “view” on things 🙂 I go in this same direction….I love the hair comparison too! I’ve always thought that “ombre” was just a nice way of saying “I have no money, nor time, to keep this up.”
Linking up from FMF
I can so identify with this! I’ve found that continuing to write and put my stuff out there regardless of the criticism and (even harder) the silence that follows is a lifelong act of faith (not to ignore the positive feedback I do receive and am always grateful for!).
Just read this morning on Seth Godin’s blog, “the only path to amazing runs directly through not-yet-amazing.” That encourages me greatly.
The ironic thing is that the more you fully live out your own quirky, “frizzy windblown mess,” the more compelling it will be to others. Or to put it another way, the less you care what people think, living your own life with courage and integrity, the more (some) people will enjoy you and your work. And, probably, you will have more intense critics too! (I think Jesus is a perfect example of this.)
Julia, your response filled my heart. Thank you for your encouragement. Your “long obedience in the same direction” is such an inspiration to me. Thank you for sharing this wisdom here.
Great points. Every part of our society focuses on image – how you look, how many friends you have, how busy you are, do you sit by a window at work. All that really matters is what God thinks of us – and He revealed that on the cross.
(By the way – I vote for attractive waves.) 🙂
I have your same beachy waves when I let my hair go natural, with overdue roots. Love them. 🙂
I’m the same way. I often wonder how others perceive me. I just try to stay true to myself and stay steady on my path of dreams because that is where I am happiest. I’m still trying to figure out my relationship with Him. One day at a time.
I swear, your thoughts echo mine almost every time I read your blog.
I loved Julia’s comment. I don’t have anything profound to say…but, I know that I worry way too much about how people see me (physically and as a person). And, gosh, it’s hard to let that go and just be ME.
You’re amazing. And your hair is, too. 🙂
I love the honest and the relateabilty (Is that how its spelled??) Great post
Great perspective! And those are really great questions you’ve asked. How do I keep hope in a dream? And how do I maintain my focus on Him? By trying to see myself and my view of the world through His eyes. It’s not easy, because I also often wonder how other people look at me, as if that’s what matters. So keep dreaming your God-sized dreams! Attractive or crazy? It’s all good!
I love your view on this prompt. How do others look at me dream? How do I allow their thoughts to effect me more than I let God’s view mold me ? Looking at it this was hurts a little. Thanks for allowing God to speak through you and change my self reflecting view.
I get discouraged too and wonder if I’m wasting my time and the family’s time. Here’s what I think I’ve figured out: The important view isn’t whether they think your hair is frizzy; the important thing is that they’re behind you and love your whatever your haircolor–what ever your dreams.
Laura Hedgecock
http://www.TreasureChestofMemories.com
http://www.twitter.com
Nominating you for http://adelineohvelarde.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/the-7-in-1-award/
Thank you very much!
You’re welcome!