TRE

Today, people all around the world are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. While, I am grateful for His birth...I remain in awe over His growth and development into the adult Jesus.

His selflessness astounds me, as well. Jesus has always been there, since the very beginning, but He was willing to come to earth that He might save and reconcile us to God.

I couldn't imagine leaving perfection, to come suffer, and ultimately die for people. Simply put, people (myself included) can be selfish, mean, judgmental, and evil. And yet, Jesus came and laid down His life for you....and me. I marvel at His service.

When I struggle with my ability to forgive people, to extend mercy to them, I am reminded that Jesus died for these same people. And even though, I am living, inwardly, I am supposed to die to self that I might draw all men unto God. Unto Jesus.

Jesus is for people. He blesses the just and the unjust...

This Christmas season, I am keenly aware of God's reckless love for us...and His desire for us to love one another recklessly.

Jesus didn't just come to die for our sins, he came that we might also know how to love unconditionally.You cannot profess to love Jesus, be He the baby or adult,  and hate people.

One of my favorite songs of the season is called Tremble by MOSAICMSC. The song is a soulful one. As I reflect on Jesus this day this song is the quintessential purpose of His life.

I was lead to creatively express the character and/or actions of Jesus using words beginning with the letters TRE.

Here goes...
A TREasure came from the Heavens to the earth and became a TREndsetter. He understood how people rich or poor should be TREated...with love and forgiveness. He caused demons to TREmble. And with some TREpidation bore our sins on the cross. We who serve, and acknowledge Him in our ways suffer much, but in the end we will be heirs to the TREe of life.

Merry Christmas.

Lip Service Vs. Lifestyle

For many years I have struggled professionally knowing how to rep my Christian faith in the work place. I would go above and beyond so that my co-workers knew I was "saved." I would invite them to my church or openly hold discussions about the faith. Meanwhile, I was being a hypocrite. Engaging in workplace gossip, and not truly showing the love of Christ. Needless to say, my lip service about my faith, didn't always match my lifestyle. 

Over time, however, I have learned to do better. To keep my thoughts to myself, and remain professional. While my co-workers are very aware about my faith, I don't bombard them with it.

I am around people who care less about hearing stories of Jesus and are more interested in how they're treated. In how I treat them, specifically. They're watching to see if the Christian lifestyle I say I'm living, matches up to how I treat them. When they talk about me, mistreat me, or persecute me, am I quick to forgive, or am I quick to avenge myself?

It's hard when you know who your Judas' are. When you know the person who will stab you in the back. That's an extremely painful awareness, but even in that I know that God is testing my ability to forgive...to love those who at times appear to be unlovable.

Something else that stays with me is the story of Lee Strobel. If you're not familiar with his story, I implore you to either read his book, "The Case for Christ," or watch the movie of the same title. I saw the movie. Basically, Strobel was an unbeliever and lauded journalist. I will try not to spoil much of the movie, but he goes about trying to prove the case of Christ. His existence, and crucifixion all to try and discredit Christianity. 

In the end, Strobel is won over for Christ by love. It's the love that he's shown, despite how he has treated a loved one, that wins him over for Christ. Before you can share Christ with folks, you gotta show love.

A non-believer said something to me several weeks back that continues to linger in my heart. He said, "One of the things I know about Jesus was that He was supposed to be forgiving." I sat in awe because I recognized how in that moment, my responses, could play such a crucial role towards this individual coming to Christ.

And it was in that moment when I accepted that if I am to lead others to Christ it will be in addition to my lifestyle, and not just from my lip service. 

Welcome!

Welcome to Rooted Soul Overflows! I love blogging. I blogged on and off for most of this year, but stopped around June. I had so much happening at the time that I just couldn't keep up.

It does my heart well to be blogging once again, and with fresh new thoughts and insights, especially as we're approaching 2019.

It is my sincere prayer that something in my blog reaches you and helps you grow closer to God. This is why I write. It is a gift He's given me that I'm offering back.

Blessings,
Jasmine