Ephemeral Insights

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge.” (Psalm 91:4 NIV)

In the Bible, feathers symbolize God’s covering and protection. Some people believe that feathers are signs from angels. I have a habit of picking up feathers that I find on paths. They remind me of quills that were used as writing implements before the invention of pens. In my imagination, a large feather, directly in my path, is a confirmation of my calling as a writer. I keep these feathers in a basket on my bookshelf for inspiration.  During a recent run, I saw a large feather directly in front of my feet. Since I was almost at the end of a timed workout, I didn’t stoop down to pick it up. I went back to look for it in five minutes, but it was gone. The wind had blown it away. 

Insights are ephemeral.  Like feathers, they need to be picked up before they are blown away. God opens the eyes of our heart, illuminating our imagination for brief moments. Evanescent gifts of inspiration, confirmation, and understanding need to be cherished and recorded. These moments cannot be replicated or retrieved at our convenience. Pay attention to insights as soon as they come to you. Pause whatever you are doing. Stoop down and pick up the gift. Recognize that discernment is precious, yet fleeting. 

“I pray that the light of God will illuminate the eyes of your imagination, flooding you with light, until you experience the full revelation of the hope of his calling.” (Ephesians 1:18 TPT)

Interpreters

“He said to them, Therefore every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred Writings who has been instructed about and trained for the kingdom of heaven and has become a disciple is like a householder who brings forth out of his storehouse treasure that is new and [treasure that is] old [the fresh as well as the familiar].” (Matthew 13:52 AMP)

One of the young ladies in our church choir uses American Sign Language to interpret the songs for the hearing impaired. My hearing is fine and I  have not learned sign language. Even so, I always find the gestures insightful. Watching someone interpret a worship song through sign language brings me a fresh perspective to that which is familiar.  

Every teacher and interpreter of the Sacred digs up deeply buried treasures. Sometimes they are old treasures--truths that are well-known, but overlooked. It is good to be reminded of these revelations. Other times, the treasures are new insights that bring fresh perspectives and deeper understanding. We all learn differently, so multiple methods of instruction are useful. Symbolism, signs, analogies, experiences, words, examples--all are tools in teaching. Translating the Sacred is a heavy responsibility. Every word, gesture, and inflection is significant. As Christians, we are called to express God to those who are watching.  Are we communicating Christ through every action? 

Hyper Intercession

“The Holy Spirit rises up within us to super-intercede on our behalf, pleading to God with emotional sighs too deep for words.” (Romans 8:26 TPT)

Traditional forms of prayer and worship are well-suited for those who favor verbal communication. Even when we don’t pray out loud, our mind composes ideas into words. Scripture, songs, liturgy, church services, sermons, group prayer, rote prayers, private prayers, devotional readings, writing--all involve linguistic expression. 

Not every brain is wired for verbal expression. There are those with beautiful minds who express themselves best through drawing, painting, sculpting,  wordless music, dance, service, photography, and other forms of creativity. Customary molds for prayer do not accommodate for these differences. 

By worldly standards, verbal forms of communication may seem superior. However, the spiritual realm is too deep for words. The super-intercession of the Holy Spirit is wordless, soundless--yet highly expressive. It is emotional in nature--groaning, sighing, pleading. It is creative, fresh, passionate, and articulate in a way that human language cannot be. Participating with the Spirit of God in this wordless form of communication can be a hyper-intercessory form of prayer.

Inner Mean Girls

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10 NIV)

When I was in 9th grade, there were two girls from my history class who followed me around saying mean things to me. They took every opportunity to mock, tease, and bully me. I remember always trying to avoid them as much as possible. Why they picked me as their target is anybody’s guess. 

Now that I am an adult, I am much better equipped to deal with people who are mean. In fact, I routinely defend others who are being tormented or manipulated by bullies. However, I am still powerless against the mean girls who live inside of my mind. They follow me everywhere I go, criticizing me at every turn, filling me with self-doubt, fear, worry, and negativity. I can’t seem to get away from these inner demons. I would never tolerate this level of bullying to happen in the external world, but I allow it internally. 

I need to remember that I am God’s handiwork--shaped intentionally and designed thoughtfully. Every aspect of me was crafted with a unique purpose in mind. The things I say to myself, as well as the criticism I accept from others, need to reflect this truth. I am like a beautiful sculpture in a lush garden. Without regular care, I would be covered in bird poop. When discouraging thoughts, shame, blame, accusations, and humiliation overwhelm me, I have to take the time to be cleansed. Spiritual self-care is essential. The external bullies need to be confronted.The inner mean girls need to be silenced and expelled. 

Bond-Servants

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ...” (James 1:1 NASB)

In many of the New Testament epistles, the disciples  introduce themselves as bond-servants. This antiquated term is unfamiliar to most of us. The only context that I have heard it used is by nurses from India. Indian nursing schools require students to make a two-year commitment to work for the training hospital after they graduate. The nurses are paid a stipend during this time, and they gain work experience before they set out on their own. However, a nurse has the option of paying off the ‘bond’ early and leaving for a higher-paying job.

Many of the disciples who were directly trained by Christ committed their lives as bond-servants. Christ had invested in them, and now they were glad to serve Him in return. This is not a relationship based on bondage, oppression, obligation, or debt. Those who identify themselves as bond-servants of Christ rejoice in the opportunity to be of use to God. They are not concerned about better opportunities or self-promotion. Instead, they have a single goal--to fulfill God’s purpose through His power flowing through them.

Teachable Spirit

“If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.” (Proverbs 15:2 NLT)

For the last few years, I have been training with a running coach who has many different clients.  I have noticed that Coach gets different results from each of his students. At first I thought it was based on ability--but that is not the case. Some clients improve more than others, regardless of their level of athleticism. Much of the instruction is nonverbal, so I have had to pick up lessons from simply hanging out with him and paying attention. Coach is not pushy. He will make suggestions but not demands. He doesn’t repeat himself. He might say something like: “We should meet at 5 am for speedwork.” If you make excuses or decide you would rather work out on your own--he will leave you to your own devices. This is counterproductive. The whole reason to train under a coach is to become a better runner. If I reject instruction and discipline, I only harm myself. Coach can only get the best out of me if I yield completely to his way of doing things.  

The Holy Spirit has a similar style of coaching. He is not pushy or demanding. Much of the teaching is nonverbal--requiring contemplative time, devotion, and attention. The more you yield and submit to His instructions, the more you get out of the coaching. If you ignore the nudges, pass up on difficult training, or question the directions--He will let you make your own choices. This is counterproductive, sabotaging spiritual growth.  If you reject discipline, you only harm yourself; but if you listen to correction, you grow in understanding.

Dissatisfying Substitutions

“Why pay money for something that will not nourish you? Why spend your hard-earned money on something that will not satisfy?” (Isaiah 55:2 NET)

Have you ever craved one thing but substituted something else for it? I do this frequently with food. The other day, I was hankering for freshly-baked, caramel pecan rolls. These yeast rolls take a bit of time and effort to bake.  Since I didn’t feel like waiting, I looked around to see what I had in the kitchen that was similar. I found some store-bought bread and topped it with honey and nuts. Although I ate several slices, it still did not satisfy my craving. Even though I consumed a bunch of calories, I ended up scrounging around for more to meet my want. 

“Jesus replied: I am the bread that gives life! No one who comes to me will ever be hungry.” (John 6:35 CEV)

Our souls have been created to find satisfaction in God. It is tempting to grab what is within our reach instead of pursuing what we truly need. This is idolatry. Worldly pleasures and accomplishments cannot be substitutes for Divine yearning. Spending time, energy, money, health, or relationships on things that fail to nourish is wasteful.  Squandering resources on that which doesn’t satisfy is meaningless. Our souls hunger for the bread that gives life. Everything else leaves us unfulfilled.

Surrounded and Filled

“God is Love.” (1 John 4:7 TPT)

In cellular biology, the protoplasm comprises all the living material in a cell, including the cytoplasm, nucleus, DNA, cell membrane, and all the organelles. It is responsible for all living processes. We are surrounded and filled by it, within and without. The term has become unpopular in modern science; it is considered too all-encompassing. 

Love is another concept that is all-encompassing. Love includes faithfulness, trust, loyalty, sacrifice, desire, security, kindness, selflessness, attraction, suffering, passion, and connectedness. The generalization of the word ‘love’ may have led to overuse and dilution--but the concept of love will always be limitless.

“In him we live and move and have our being.” (Acts 17:28)

 God is all inclusive and all encompassing. Everything is comprised of God and connected by God. God is Love--immeasurable, unconditional, boundless, interpersonal, responsive, relational. God is eternal--before all things, in all things, after all things. With God, within God, immersed, saturated, embraced--we live and move and have our being. 

Ministry and Friendship

Jesus said, “Come off by yourselves; let’s take a break and get a little rest.” For there was constant coming and going. (Mark 6:31 MSG)

As I grow older, I have become highly selective in my investments of time and energy. As a result, I often feel confused about how to handle casual relationships. With intimate friends, we can all be real with each other. There is no pretense, comparison, or guardedness. However, what if you feel the nudge to befriend someone whom you sense will be a temporary acquaintance, a passerby in this journey of life?

“Look at Jesus. He was able to minister to thousands, but He intimately invested in only twelve. Yet through those twelve friendships, He changed the world. That’s why we need to look at our relationships and not our accomplishments as our true legacy.” (Run The Mile You’re In by Ryan Hall)

Like Jesus, we may be called to minister to many--but only a few relationships can be intimate. Our legacy is not our accomplishments nor our ministry--but we can change the world through our intimate friendships. Thus, recognizing the difference between ministry and relationship can mitigate some of the frustration that comes with serving others. If your life is a swirl of constant activity and caring for others, you might need to take regular breaks with intimate friends. It is in these true relationships that we are built up and replenished. Our impact on this world, our legacy, depends on it.

An Unpredictable God

“And these are but the outer fringe of his works; how faint the whisper we hear of him! Who then can understand the thunder of his power?" (Job 26:14 NIV)

After I finished college and started my career, I looked for a workplace mentor who could show me how to advance and teach me what I needed to know.  I prayed that God would reveal this person to me. I presumed an experienced coworker or a supervisor would be my guide. However, the person who helped me was not at all what I expected. She was an unassuming, quiet lady who worked in a different department. She didn’t teach me anything about my job, but she taught me a great deal about faith. Little did I know that her influence would profoundly change my life.

God does not show up in predictable patterns that fit our vision.  We can become fixated on our own ideas of how God is going to answer our prayers. This often leads us to miss His presence in our daily lives. Removing the filter of our presumptions helps us to see clearly. We start looking for God in every person and in every circumstance. We see His glory in the fringes, in the whispers, and in the lowly. We realize His power and wisdom are hidden in the unassuming and unpretentious. We learn to meet God where and when He shows up--not according to our plans or timing--but His. 

Running on Trust

“I’ve already run for dear life straight to the arms of God. So why would I run away now.”(Psalm 11:1-3 MSG)

I’ve just done something scary! I’ve signed up for my first 50 km, trail ultra marathon. My common sense tells me that this dangerous and dumb; my insecurities tell me that this challenge is way beyond my abilities. The temptation to succumb to my fear is strong. The desire to stay safe and comfortable is an innate part of all of us. Yet, the main reason I run is to push past self-limiting barriers. 

My ultimate goal is to learn to trust God completely. Running is just one of the tools to help me get there. Every time I take on a challenge that I know I cannot complete in my own power, I am forced to rely on God. My analytical nature compels me to study every course before I take it on. For example, I know this ultra race involves running on uneven terrain, up and down hills, across waterfalls, on slippery rocks. Looking at these logistics fills me with trepidation, but ignoring it won’t help me grow. No, I approach this venture with open eyes and quaking legs, resolved to strengthen my trust muscles. As I overcome each fear, I stand a little taller. I can see the right path ahead. My confidence and security remain in Christ.

“God’s business is putting things right; he loves getting the lines straight, setting us straight. Once we’re standing tall, we can look him straight in the eye.” (Psalm 11:7 MSG)

Channeling Grace

“Just as the anointing has taught you, remain in him.” (1 John 2:27 TPT)

Try this simple experiment: Open your kitchen faucet on one side of your sink and place a cup on the other side. Hold a straw under the running water and angle it so as to channel the water into the cup. What are the variables that affect the conveyance of water? What happens if the cup is not lower than the water source? What if the straw is not held steady in the stream of water? Does the straw have to be closer to the stream or the cup? Wouldn’t it be ideal if the cup were positioned directly under the faucet?

Positioning ourselves under God is the most important factor in our life of faith. Ideally we would all place ourselves directly under HIS power. Ministry is the channeling of grace to those who are still at a distance. Those of us who are called to carry Christ have to be focused: we must remain steadily in the flow of anointing. We must be properly aligned in order to convey the Message. We won’t be able to reach everyone. Those who have placed themselves too far away or too high may be inaccessible at this time. However, do not give up hope. Life circumstances may humble them. Maturity may bring them closer to Christ. Just focus on your mission. Vigilantly hold yourself in position. Abide in the stream of grace. Allow God’s anointing to flow through you at all times. 

For a video of this experiment, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyEEJnXPw0E

Twisted Gospel

“I am shocked over how quickly you have strayed away from the Anointed One who called you to himself by his loving mercy. I’m frankly astounded that you now embrace a distorted gospel! That is a fake “gospel” that is simply not true. There is only one gospel—the gospel of the Messiah! Yet you have allowed those who mingle law with grace to confuse you with lies.” (Galatians 1:6-7 TPT)

As Christians, we believe that God incarnated as a human, specifically a Middle Eastern man. The Bible tells us that soon after his birth, Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were refugees in Egypt. They fled Bethlehem to protect their child from Herod’s persecution. The Gospels teach us to see Christ in the poor, the foreigner, the refugee, the marginalized, and the displaced. 

“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” (Leviticus 19:34 NIV)

For centuries, Christianity has been twisted to justify oppression, colonialism, slavery, and racism. Those who present a distorted gospel, mingling law with grace, have confused us with their lies. We believe that grace is unmerited, yet we support a merit-based immigration system. We label refugees as illegals or criminals, especially if they look different from the majority. We have been trained to ignore the parts of Scripture that do not fit our worldview of tribal exceptionalism. We have allowed fake ‘gospels’ of nationalism, economics, and security to replace Christ’s teachings of love and mercy.

Slowing Down for Others

“Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life among the natives so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives.” (1 Peter 2:11 MSG) 

When I am running, I don’t mind slowing down for others. My hope is that by staying at their pace, I can encourage them to move forward and become better athletes. Anyone who is working diligently to progress, no matter what their pace, is worth investing in. However, if someone were to give up completely, I would not stay stagnant with them. Instead, I would continue to  move forward on my own.

In the journey of faith, we often feel compelled to turn back or slow down for others who are behind us. We all enjoy companionship, and the inevitable hardships are easier to handle when we have support. Our hope is that we can encourage each other towards Christ. As long as we are all moving forward, no matter what the pace, this is mutually beneficial. However, watch out for those who are stuck in worldliness. They have no interest in growth, in moving closer to God. They will pull you back into the muck along with them. You might think you can convince them to climb up to higher levels, but, instead, they will drag you down to lower ground.  Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life. Be a good role model. Let your actions refute all worldly prejudices. As you move closer and closer to Christ, others will be inspired to do so as well. 

Reapply

“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, and he has anointed me to be hope for the poor, freedom for the brokenhearted, and new eyes for the blind, and to preach to prisoners,” (Luke 4:18 TPT)

I apply bug spray before I leave my house to run. After a few hours of sweating, it wears off, and the bugs start attacking me. The other day, I was running near a playground at the park. I noticed a mom sitting on a bench watching her child play. During one of my laps, I saw the kid standing in front of his mom, his arms raised up, and turning around as instructed. The parent was reapplying bug spray. I almost thought about going up to her and asking to be sprayed down as well! 

Before I go about my daily activities, I ask for God’s anointing upon me. His guidance, strength, and protection cover me as I head out the door. Unfortunately, I notice that my ability to sense His presence wears down as the day progresses. The concerns of this world attack me, and I find myself feeling overwhelmed.  I must remember that God is always near, waiting to reapply His anointing again and again as needed. All I have to do is go up to Him, raise my hands in prayer and praise, and turn as instructed. 

Lord, remind me to come to you frequently today, to stand before you as reapply Your Spirit upon me. Anoint me to bring hope to those who lack reserves,  freedom to those who are oppressed, and fresh eyes to those who are oblivious.  

Hidden Reservoirs

“For the Lord has a hidden storehouse of wisdom made accessible to his godly lovers. He becomes your personal bodyguard as you follow his ways, protecting and guarding you as you choose what is right.” (Proverbs 2:7-8 TPT)

God has hidden reservoirs, crystal mountain lakes beyond our view. He guides us through the wilderness, protecting us from unseen traps, showing us the right way to HIM. 

Whether we follow HIM is our choice. 

Worldliness beckons us to follow its ways--to pursue ambitions and desires, to seek enjoyable experiences, and to rely on our own intellect and abilities. Many who sense their insufficiency look to religion for assistance. They have heard that God is generous and has abundant resources. They attempt to channel some of these heavenly benefits, asking God to direct His resources down to earth in order to make their lives more comfortable. They are not willing to leave the world behind and follow Christ up the mountainous trails. Instead, they expect Christ to come down to their level and attend to their worldly needs. 

Lord, make me desire You more than anything else. Grant me the wisdom to do what is right in Your eyes. Give me strength to follow You wherever you lead, to trust in Your guidance and protection, to seek closeness to You above all else.  Your way, Lord; not mine. 

My Compelling Focus

“I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into his abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover.  I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory-prize through the anointing of Jesus.” (Philippians 3:12-14 TPT)

A person’s sense of style can often reveal their personality and their priorities. Conformists wear whatever is trendy, status seekers buy expensive clothes and accessories, and rebels dress in counter-culture attire. Color, fit, and confidence are the keys to a good sense of style. 

I have always admired people who know who they are and express their uniqueness. I enjoy colorful clothes and fun accessories. However, something has shifted within me. I can still appreciate someone with a good sense of style, but I find myself focusing less on the way I look. To others, it may seem that I have “let myself go”--that I have become lazy or careless about my physical appearance. This is partially true. I am no longer bothered by optics. My mind is occupied by other priorities. Maturity brings a sense of urgency, a realization of how limited our time on earth really is. I do not want to fritter away my healthy years maintaining an image, seeking applause,  distracting myself with pleasure, accumulating stuff, or otherwise adorning my ego. It is time to let myself go...to focus on God’s purpose.

  

“So let all who are fully mature have this same passion, and if anyone is not yet gripped by these desires, God will reveal it to them. And let us all advance together to reach this victory-prize, following one path with one passion. (Philippians 3:15-16 TPT)

Drawing On Grace

“We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom.” (2 Corinthians 1:12 NLT)

If I were to make a pie chart on the resources I go to on any given day, what would it look like? Do I rely mostly on human wisdom, relationships, health, wealth, abilities, etc.? Or do I depend exclusively on the grace of God? 

God’s grace is like a deep well filled with pure water. Prayer is the action by which we lower the bucket, wait for it to fill, and pull up what we need. Time and effort are involved. While it may be tempting to dip our cup in muddy puddles that are easily accessible, this is not advisable. Go straight to God. Lower your empty bucket. Draw from His abundant grace. Nothing else is sustainable. 

Daily Check

“Let's take a good look at the way we're living and reorder our lives under God.” (Lamentations 3:40 MSG)

Every morning, I use my coffee maker to make a full pot of coffee. I throw away the paper filter with yesterday’s coffee grounds, rinse out the carafe, put in a new filter, scoop in coffee powder, and fill the coffee maker with new water. Then, I wait. The water heats up; the coffee percolates--transferring its  essence into the water; the filter strains what I need into the pot. This first cup of coffee sets the tone for my day. 

Even on days when I am in a rush, I never reuse yesterday’s coffee grounds or just add new coffee powder into the old filter. Each day gets a fresh filter and new coffee powder.

Similarly, every morning I wait for a fresh perspective from the Holy Spirit. I do not use yesterday’s filter. I examine my mind. I pass my thoughts, actions, words, and attitude through a clean spirit. I move forward where the Lord leads and pause when He pulls me back. I take a good look at the way I am living and reorder my life under God.

Persisting Under Criticism

“Everything we do is meant to build you up and make you stronger in your faith.” (2 Corinthians 12:19 TPT)

I volunteer as an assistant coach for an afterschool running program. I signed up for this mainly because the head coach is a good friend. My goals are to encourage the kids to recognize their own potential and to build them up when they feel defeated. If anyone in the community were to question my motives for volunteering with these kids, I would probably quit coaching. While coaching kids to run is an interesting project, I don’t feel like it is my calling. 

St. Paul volunteered his services to the community in Corinth. Those who chose to discredit him spread rumors that St. Paul was taking advantage of the community, questioning his motives and his credentials to teach. Yet, Paul didn’t give up; to him, teaching was not a hobby but a calling. 

I am blessed to have time to contemplate, study, pray, and write. I am glad to freely share what I learn.  I am motivated by a deep desire to build others up and make them stronger in faith. But what if people questioned my motives--accused me of taking advantage of them, pushing my agenda, or being inauthentic? Would I quit? Or, like St. Paul, would I be able to persist, knowing that teaching is a calling, and not merely an interesting project? 

Portals of Power

“For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.” (2 Corinthians 12:10 TPT)

At the end of a recent marathon, the ‘runners recovery zone’ was cordoned off from the spectators. I wandered out from the area and had a difficult time finding my way back in to meet my husband as he crossed the finish line. I walked around the metal barricades looking for an entryway. Eventually, I found a gap between the barriers and got back in. This allowed me to meet my husband as he finished, bring him water and warm clothes, and stay with him while he recovered. 

Similarly, I imagine God walking around the mental barricades that we have put up around our pain, searching for an access point. The limitations in our abilities, the gaps in our defenses, become the portals of God’s power. His grace finds full expression in our weaknesses. For it is in times of fragility that we are most able to sense the power of God. Thus, our deficiencies and difficulties can be useful, if we allow the Lord to come in and take over. HIS sufficiency  more than compensates for our insufficiency. 

Visions and Revelations

“There is nothing to be gained by it, but I must brag about the visions and other things that the Lord has shown me.” (2 Corinthians 12:1 CEV)

There are many instances of visions and revelations in the Bible. It’s easier to think of these Divine communications as a thing of the past. These days, if someone claims to have had any sort of revelation from God, our natural reaction is skepticism.  We wonder if that person is being pretentious or merely hallucinating! Unfortunately, there are plenty of counterfeit reports of encounters and conversations with God. This causes most of us to doubt Divine nudges and insights.    

Visions and revelations are meant for greater understanding and intimacy with God.  The impact of Divine communication is minimized by doubt and our natural instinct for self-preservation. When I am given an insight that I think came from God, I am reluctant to tell anyone else about it--especially to those who may think I’m crazy or just pretending to be a holy know-it-all. There is a fine line between boasting and sharing. While boasting is motivated by the desire to call attention to self, sharing seeks the glory of  God. There may not be any personal profit in sharing what the Lord reveals, but there is much benefit to all. 

That's Impressive

“Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me - you failed to do it to me.” (Matthew 25:45 MSG)

I once met an acquaintance at her workplace for lunch. She showed me her office--decorated with expensive sculptures and artwork--mentioned how well-connected she was with the executives and how everyone praised her work. Yet, I noticed how she ignored the janitors and spoke condescendingly to the cafeteria workers.  A few months later, she invited me to her home--a huge mansion filled with more expensive things. During dinner, she spoke of her travels, her wealthy neighbors, her interior decorator, and the rugs she had shipped in from exotic countries. Yet, I noticed how she treated her husband and children. They seemed to be mere accessories to further her image.  Needless to say, I was not impressed.

I am not bowled over by the trappings of wealth and power. Even youth, strength, and beauty fail to excite me. However, I admire those who are kind to the marginalized, the under-resourced, and the ignored. I am deeply impressed when someone is on a first name basis with the cashiers at Walmart,  goes out of their way to acknowledge a stranger, and treats service workers with respect. When we acknowledge the powerless--those who are unable to reciprocate, elevate our status, or further our ambitions--we unveil grace. The way we treat those who seem unimportant, when no one is watching, reveals our true character.