Chris has organised a raffle to raise money for our local air-ambulance. Yesterday, at Men’s Shed, he was using all of his powers of persuasion in a direct yet humorous way. He was subjected to good-natured abuse, but he ensured that his friends parted with their money.
Some had said that it would be good to support a local charity. Chris bought the tickets, arranged prizes, and is raising lots of money.
This morning I read Jesus’ story about the man who asked two sons to work in his vineyard. The first said he wouldn’t go, but later changed his mind and went; the second said he would go, but didn’t go.
Jesus contrasted the ‘tax collectors and prostitutes’ who were following Jesus, with the traditionally religious Jews that said the right things but did something different.
With both Chris and the two sons it’s about an authentic consistency in words, character and actions.
Yesterday I listened to Ben Waites singing ‘True Colours’. When Cyndi Lauper’s sung it in 1986 it had special significance for the gay community and LGBTQ rights, but it’s bigger than that. Ben reminds us – there’s hope for all, whatever their age, race or background.
The song celebrates the unique courage, beauty, inner strength, compassion, and resilience of each individual… it’s about self-acceptance, authenticity and consistency.
I’m reading Peter Scazzero’s ‘Emotionally Healthy Spirituality’. He says: ‘Awareness of yourself and your relationship with God are intricately related.’
He quotes St Augustine: ‘How can you draw close to God when you are far from your own self?’ Augustine prayed: ‘Grant Lord , that I may know myself that I may know thee.’
Perhaps, encouraging that authentic consistency, God would say:
You with the sad eyes
Don’t be discouraged
Oh, I realize
It’s hard to take courage…
But I see your true colours
Shining through
I see your true colours
And that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show
Your true colours
True colours are beautiful
Like a rainbow…
malcolmsmusings.org 
Malcolm, thank you for this post! Amen and amen! A former boss was a Peter Scazzero fan~thus, I have this book and several of us have used it in our own leadership journeys. How can we truly love others (which is the same side of the coin, Love God) if we don’t truly love ourselves and the “colors” God made us to be? Often we think non Christ ~followers to not be “in the know”. Yet, those in Christ, who suffer from immaturity and self doubt are just as damaging. We’re ALL damaged goods until…surrendering. It’s sad that many will die not knowing who they truly are. My devotion this morning was all about identity in Christ. Who HE says we are. Thank you for always sharing Christ’s perspective (and let’s also add common sense! For we know what Jesus would say!). Many blessings, Malcolm. You’re a breath of fresh air in this world.
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Thanks, Karla. Scazzero is new to me, and I’m certainly appreciating his insights. His holistic view of life in general and spirituality in particular is refreshing, as too often in my previous experiences the church has emphasised one area (prayer, worship, community service, sound doctrine etc) at the expense of others, making it, in my view now, unbalanced.
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You’re welcome, Malcolm! I understand
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Thank you for an inspirational post, music included! 🙂
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Thanks Nancy. The Youtube clip certainly made me see ‘True Colours’ in a fresh light.
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Grabbed a copy of Peter’s book. Thanks, Malcolm!
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It’s one that was recommended to me, Grant. I’m certainly appreciating it.
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