Hold the presses (I always wanted to say that)! I am eager and thrilled to introduce to the readers of Selah. She's a young wife, mother and friend. The favor of God rests on her shoulders. When I first asked her to write a post (while explaining that her being houses a powerful message) that this world needs to hear but with her busy life, where would she find the time to add one more thing to her jam-packed plate. I asked her to take her time and pray (which she did) about this. Selah, relax! Put your feet up and enjoy this powerful display of obedience, omission of error and a powerful act of agape love revealed through, this charming woman of God, Mrs. Kaycee Jones!
Welcome Selah bloggers! What a joy to be able to be wrapped up in the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit! Did you ever know someone that was "unlovable?" Perhaps you live or work with someone who falls into this category. Chances are each of us knows someone who fits this category! Or perhaps someone else may feel this way about you. Now that's a thought!
As Christians, we are called to love others (AS WE LOVE OURSELVES.) Matt. 22:39
It is not always an easy thing to do. I once worked with a young woman whom I will call Karen. She was attractive, but in MY eyes she was the epitome of sin. She was frequently rude to me and it was common knowledge that she often had relationships with many men. She also dressed in an unprofessional manner in MY eyes. Can you see a pattern here? It was all about ME.
One day, the Lord spoke to me and said, "I have something for you to do." Eager to obey, I quickly responded, here I am Lord, send me." The Holy Spirit brought conviction to my heart about my attitude toward Karen and told me to ask her opinion on some casework that I was doing. I worked at a mental health agency and my caseload was very heavy. I truly needed help, but I would have rather eaten dirt than asked for her help.
I put it off for a few days and finally the day came when I knew I couldn't delay speaking with Karen any longer. As I walked down the long corridor, my legs seemed to turn to lead as I neared her office door. I gathered all my courage up and began to speak. I didn't like putting myself in this vulnerable position. I felt like an antelope running thru a pride of lions.
Every negative emotion that I ever experienced in her presence came flooding back to me. We did not sit next to one another during our morning conferences. In fact, we wouldn't even ride on the elevator at the same time. I did not like her. There is no way around it. Everyone knew it!
As I spoke, she continued to "act" busy. As soon as she understood my request, she looked up at me. I will never forget the look of bewilderment that she had on her face. She looked me straight in the eyes and said, "You want ME to help YOU?" A flush of embarrassment fell upon me and I said, "Yes, I do." I was thinking, "No, the Holy Spirit does."
To my surprise, she said, "Yes." The next few days we were literally together all day going over my case files and she even helped me rewrite some case plans. As we worked together, she didn't seem to be so bad. In fact, although we had the same position, she was insightful and I learned a great deal from her.
One day as we were nearing the end of the workday, I related to her how God had dealt with me about my attitude. I made it clear to her that if I failed to ask her forgiveness and didn't witness to her, I would be responsible for keeping her out of the Kingdom of God. I told her that I could not bear this as it was my personal heart's desire for her to come to know Jesus as her Lord and Savior.
It seemed like hours before she replied, but finally she slowly raised her head, looked into my eyes and said, "You want me to have eternal life?" Truthfully, if she would have asked me that question the week before, I don't think I could have answered yes.
The truth behind my admission, should speak to you and I because we are Christians. We should desire to see everyone come to Christ; even people that we think are unlovable. Sometimes loneliness manifests itself as coldness, heartache as bitterness and frustration as meanness. We are to be merciful to others just as God shows mercy to us. We are to be the demonstration of the life and love of the Lord Jesus Christ to all we come into contact with, that fragrance of Christ. (2 Cor. 2:15)
No Karen did not drop to her knees immediately and accept Jesus into her heart, but there was an immediate change in her attitude on the job. Her attitude changed and so did mine. She became friendly and helpful to me. Instead of being anxious and angry, I was content and happy. The burden of my attitude was gone and she and I were both set free from that negativity. On several occasions afterwards, I told her about the difference that Jesus had made in my life. Day by day I could see changes in her and I now know that my attitude change had a lot to do with it. I have not seen her in almost 9 years, but I am almost certain that we will meet again . . . hopefully in Heaven! As we consider the "unlovable" in our lives, let's be mindful that those individuals are the ones who desire love the most. Help us all Lord to see past coldness, past bitterness, past meanness and into the hearts of those who need to be loved the most. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen!
- by KC, Jones
