The Best Dressed Award

Even though I was in a public place and there was a lot of distraction, I couldn’t help being drawn to the subject material on the screen. “Today People magazine has proclaimed Kerry Washington as the best dressed woman!” Images followed of the actress in flowing gowns and bejeweled dresses. I don’t doubt that Kerry has a good sense of style, but it is general knowledge that most Hollywood starlets don’t dress alone. Stylists are paid high fees to be involved in the process of creating the best looks possible. It is a smart strategy when we realize we can benefit from the expertise of another person, but it is not always one we choose easily.

 One can only imagine the atmosphere at the palace. Beautiful young ladies handpicked from all over the nation for the opportunity of a lifetime: a shot at receiving a marriage proposal from the most powerful man around, the king himself. At their disposal were all the beauty products, spa treatments, high fashion clothing and jewels they desired. I can imagine the servants racing to and fro to meet the demands of these aspiring queens. However, there was one girl who was a bit odd perhaps. Instead of asking for the latest skin treatment, she was sending messages to an old guy named Mordecai, instead of gossiping with the girls about the other girls, she was praying. Hegai, the guy in charge of this mega-competition, saw she was different. He realized she was listening to the advice of the old guy, he saw she was open to being directed by a divine being, he noted that she was wise, humble and able to trust outside of herself and he couldn’t help but reserve the best frock for her. Esther won the best dressed award along with the queen’s crown. Seems like winners have been aware of the same thing for many years: the best awards tend to go to the best advised.

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Red Tape

“Can you please give me a discount on this item?” the customer politely asked, “It has a scratch on it.” “No, I am so sorry,” replied the somber clerk, “We are not authorized to give discounts.” “Well, can you ask your manager?” persisted the lady, “He’s at lunch,” came the reply. With a sigh and a frustrated shake of the head she turned to return the item to its place. We can all relate to this situation. So many times we run into limitations because of red tape. These rules are often set for good enough reasons, but they become dysfunctional at times and instead of helping our situation, they undermine it.

There are certain times in life that God allows us to set the rules for Him. No scenario underlines this concept as well as the issue of revenge. Either we do it or we let Him do it. We are wronged by someone and our immediate desire is to see the devaluation that the person so readily doled out come back on their own head. We start to come up with ideas to ‘give them what they deserve’ and sometimes we feel we do this prettily effectively. However, there is a declaration from God on this subject that states, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath; for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.” Romans 12:19, this is one of the hardest tests of our faith in God. What if God decides to forgive that person? What if He chooses to be merciful? Such doubts make us pursue our own revenge instead of trusting God with it, and when God goes to settle the accounts He finds that His hands are tied because we have overstepped Him. He has been limited by our mistrust. We have red-taped God.

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A Self-Made Man

Paul just knew he could make it a success! Despite having little restaurant experience, no business expertise and few resources, he fully believed he could open a booming restaurant. Problem was that Paul needed money to launch his dream. The banks literally laughed in his face after checking out his financial profile, friends doubted his ability to give a return on their investments so he was stuck until he could raise some capital. It was on a flight to a job interview that he found himself pouring out his frustrations to the gentleman sitting on his left. “I just know I could make a go of it!” he lamented to him. The bespectacled man nodded his head. “You have reminded me,” he slowly stated, “Of when I was starting out in business.” “I found myself in a very similar position.” There was a moment of contemplative silence, he then continued, “I will invest the money so you can start your restaurant.” “Everyone deserves a chance.”  Paul could not believe his good fortune!  “Oh! Thank you sir!” was about all he could express as he heartily shook the man’s hand.

Years passed and through much diligence, Paul’s restaurant did become a hit. He was making a nifty little profit! Friends admired him, critics raved and life was good. One day an elderly couple came in for supper and started to question Paul about his accomplishment. Paul eagerly told them all about his strategies, ideas, inspirations and hard work. The man gently nodded his head, “So you did this all yourself?” he asked. “Oh yes, I am self-made! “ was Paul’s quick reply. “Well,” replied the gentleman, “I remember a young man who had nothing to start this with.” “You see I am the initial investor you met on the plane ride.” Suddenly Paul felt embarrassed. He had not seen the man since that day on the plane. “Oh, yes…” he muttered, “I am so sorry.” “I guess I did have a little help.” The fellow gave a light chuckle and kindly said, “Just remember, we never succeed alone.” Paul headed back towards the kitchen, looking at the faces of his staff as he went. It was about time he did something nice for them.  

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