Can you imagine what life would be like if you had 4 eyes but no nose or mouth? Or two hearts but no lungs?
Right, you’d not be able to survive.
That describes my writer’s journey. My passion is to write and speak – to share what God shows me. But hey, I can figure out all this other stuff, and “do it myself” so that it’s exactly what I want.
Elaine Marie Cooper
As I dropped off several of my novels at the bookstore before Christmas, I noticed a man that I assumed was a customer speaking with a young man at the desk. I waited my turn until the employee looked at me as though he was ready to help me.
Maybe he’s his friend and just stopped in to visit.
I proceeded to explain that I was dropping off books to sell on consignment when the “friend” said to me. “How do you do that?”
“Do what?” I was confused by his question.
“Get your books in print.”
That was a loaded question that I didn’t have a lot of time to answer but I explained briefly that I’d attended writer’s conferences and connected with editors and publishers there.
He glanced at a woman sitting behind the desk and said, “Where can I find out about writers conferences?”
I saw the woman’s face and it was clear she didn’t want to have a discussion with the man. The situation became even clearer when he told the store employees that he had a great idea for a book and needed to find a publisher. “The book is called, ‘Tinkerbelle Joins the Army.’” He was obviously feeling inspired and excited by the prospect of seeing his story in print.
Fighting back laughter at the title, I said, “You can do a Google Search for writers conferences. They are held all over the country.”
“Oh, I need to find one in Des Moines. I don’t drive.”
I felt sorry for the man who obviously had some serious limitations in his life. But I was even sorrier that I had almost laughed at his book title.
Who was I to look down my nose at someone who I assumed would never make it in the publishing world? Who was I to laugh at a title that I thought was ridiculous? Who was I to snicker behind the man’s back, the way I’d seen others in the industry make fun of those who seemed unworthy?
I felt a definite check in my spirit that I was not to demean another with my judgment—or in my actions. When the man saw my name on my books, he held out his hand to me and said, “Can I shake your hand, Elaine Cooper?” I forced myself to smile and extended my hand to respond to his shake. “Nice to meet you,” I answered.
And it truly was nice to meet him. Because he reminded me that dismissing this simple man’s dreams was akin to dismissing the importance of the “surplus population” that Ebenezer Scrooge hated in Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” My initial lack of humility in looking down at this customer that everyone tried to ignore was akin to saying “Bah, humbug.” Instead I should have treated him with the warmth that Jesus would extend. I should have said in my heart and in my words, “God bless us everyone.”
And if you ever see a book entitled “Tinkerbelle Joins the Army,” know that I had the privilege of meeting the author and shaking his hand.
Merry Christmas!
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment. Romans 12:3
I love to watch people. Airports provide ample to feed my odd obsession.
Recently on a cross country flight I observed people who travel a lot get preferential treatment. They get to board early and have first dibs on the best seats. Traveling many miles can earn you free tickets, or even the privilege of sitting up front in First Class.
I maybe travel twice a year. Usually it’s to fly to visit my mom in Arizona. I’ve never been in first class. I usually get stuck in the middle seat.
Contrary to what you might be thinking, I do not begrudge frequent flyers their perks. I might envy their obvious confidence while I stress over details they obviously take for granted. Maybe when I grow up…
Truth be told, there is something that does bug me. The arrogant attitude of those who look down on those of us stuck in Zone 2, 3, or 4. They roll past us with their fancy luggage, expecting us to part before them like the Red Sea.
As I sat there watching and waiting, I couldn’t help but think about a recent sermon I preached on this very topic. Part of me wished I had considered this image, but then I felt the Spirit nudge.
Before I decide to get all judgmental, I should probably check for the log in my own eye. Their condescension and arrogance is not a license for me to feel better about my simplicity and humility.
Thinking that made me chuckle out loud. I couldn’t help but remember how irritating it was when one of my children would misbehave and the other would get all cute and be sure to inform me how much better they were acting.
I was doing the same thing, and it didn’t feel good.
I picked up my phone and texted my husband: I think next time I travel I’m going to wear my covering.
I am the pastor of a Church of the Brethren. Many of the women still wear a head covering, primarily at Love Feast. I wear mine whenever I lead in worship in recognition of whose authority I am under. (Mine isn’t traditional. It was made for me by a dear friend.)
Sitting in the airport I began to wonder if I needed to be more aware that I am under that same authority whether I am preaching or not.
The answer was and is a resounding: Yes!
To think of myself “with sober judgment” results in seeing me the way God sees me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, but that isn’t reason to gloat—all His creatures and creation can claim the same thing.
So whether I’m in the back or the front of the plane, bus, church, or line at Walmart, I need to be sure I’m not thinking I’m better than anyone…or worse.
How about you? Any planks or arrogance cluttering up your judgment? Perhaps it’s time to sober up.