Christy has blond hair she’ll toss up in a ponytail while adjusting her microphone. She’ll comment about her favorite reality television show while cueing her music and grabbing some weights. She’ll put her hands on her hips, displaying her buff biceps and toned triceps, and ask, Are you ready?! Then she’ll wait for a response.
In stupid delusion we’ll enthusiastically say YES and start our workout and sweat until our death.
So I did. And I didn’t even know it was possible.
Sometimes in a high intensity point in class, she’ll scream, How we doing, gang? Most of the class is breathless and exhausted and too tired, fatigued, or angry to respond. All we can say is UGH or WOOO, depending of whether or not we have breath. She doesn’t stop though. She keeps pushing knowing that in the end, it will be worth it.
Isn’t life at church sometimes like Christy’s fitness class? We are breathless and exhausted and too tired, fatigued, or angry to respond with how we are really feeling [I’m tired, fatigued, and honestly, my kids made me really angry!]. So, in true Christianese fashion we reply with fine or blessed or great, none of which are true. But it’s all we can say.
But we have the opportunity to be like Christy. We can push people in love to speak openly about how they’re truly feeling. Even when it hurts or they feel they can’t do more than they’re already doing, we can tap their soul and say GET UP HIGHER, FRIEND! DON’T BACK DOWN, FRIEND! I WANT TO HELP YOU, FRIEND!
Don’t stop asking. Keep pushing knowing that in the end, it will be worth it.
In the words of Christy, how we doing, gang!? [ Note: If someone says ugh or wooo, I’ll send Christy to yell at you ;)]
ugh – I ain't scared of no fitness instructor!
ok, ok – I'm on both sides of that to be honest. In one situation I desperately want and feel compelled to help someone but I don't know how to connect with them in a way that would allow me to. On the other, I'm reaching out to a friend for help and she's just too busy or uninterested to reach back…..frustrating but there you go.
So yeah, I'm going to stick with ugh and hop that Christy is like you so I can just say 'rubbish' to her and she will be impressed enough to leave me be!
Hahahahahaha! You, my British friend, are funny 🙂
In regards to your friend, don't back down. Tell her the truth in love. As far as you reaching, make sure you're reaching out to the right person.
PS You would be frightened of Christy 🙂
The giving of help is way complicated and pathetic and shows nothing more than my talent of clinging to immaturity – but hopefully someday I'll be able to help or not need to.
And I was reaching out to the wrong person – lesson truly learnt.
And I'm still not scared – bring her on! (I've mentioned before that I'm all talk, right?)
How am I? I need Jesus to rub some of that homemade mud in my face.. I need healing, I am frustrated at how OCD sometimes controls my life… My house is emaculately (that a word?) clean and yet… I find more and more dirty corners, spider webs and there’s no end… I need Christy to come to my house and say “sit! sit down crazy lady! just sit there and enjoy a clean house!! I SAID SIT!!!!!
Now that I've read your post I am encouraged. Prior to reading this? I was tired, confused, and out of answers. Praise God for you because you just pushed me a little further than I thought possible!
upset! I just developed a heel spur which means NO MORE EXERCISING !!! Which means gain weight and be depressed : ( Plus I have a group of women coming over Saturday and I still need to clean me house but now that I am in pain I am stressed!!!!!
Jackie, UGH!!! I totally feel your pain. Seriously.
Have you thought about swimming or water aerobics? I resorted to that when I injured my knee. I'm praying for you. And Jeff. And the girls.
PS I saw you in the back on Tuesday. It made me feel good you were there 🙂
How Am I Feeling? I am Blessed! I just recieved Financial Aid to last for two Semesters The same Day I got Tution money I was blessed with a interview to work at my school (not sure if i got the job yet PRAY), AND (Yes and)I found a Great Church where I am able to receive the word of God into my heart and learn to live it in my vinesand praise God without feeling Uncomortable and have no spirit and i'm able to get bible study in while fellowshiping..is Fellowshiping a word? So I would say I am Great!!! I'm still being tried mentally but who isn't Which is why im happy i found a church! I need to hear the promises i need to be reminded everytime! Praise God..
i wish i had a friend like that. i am in need of a friend right now. i am so frustrated with myself that i dont know what do do anymore. i remember the days when i was so passionate about serving Him and living for Him alone. now months later i have fallen into sin. i find myself trying to get back up and dust myself off but oh how the enemy loves to mess with me. i need prayers. the laying on of hands. a fast. Lord i need you.
Dearest Dee,
Do not be discouraged. The first step towards Jesus is admitting that you've sinned against Him. You are on your way. I know all about falling into sin and feeling defeated but let me tell you this… WHEN SATAN COMES AND REMINDS YOU ABOUT YOUR PAST.. REMIND HIM OF HIS FUTURE… So ask the Lord for forginess, repent of your sin and ask for strength and wisdom so that you will no longer transgress against Him. He quick to forgive you of your sin. I will be praying for you and for God to bring a loving, honest, true, devoted friend that will accept you for who you are and will also tell you the truth, even when it hurts. SO, GET UP DUST YOURSELF OFF AND KEEP ON WALKING…. WALK! I SAID WALK!!!! 🙂
Praying for you Dee!
Hisbeloved1st: your encouragement encourages me! Thanks for your kind words!
It's not how many times you fall down, it's how many times you get back up. Hang in there, Dee!
I love how so often your posts make me feel comfortable with my imperfections, not ashamed of them. Jesus came to heal the sick and with your inspiring words, today I can proudly say that I need him and I’m not perfect! Thanks Bianca for being so honest and transparent.
this post just made me grunt. out. loud.
Ahhhh…how am I doing….Yesterday was the two month mark for my mom's passing. Hard to believe it's been two months already. Sunday is her birthday. This week is a tough one. In the beginning of the week I wrote in my journal just how powerless I felt. That morning I read 2 Corinthians 10-13. Paul goes on and on about how "His strength is made perfect in our weakness" and "our weapons are mighty in God" and "when I am weak then I am strong." And I remembered that it's not about my strength or my ability or my peace. It's about Jesus and what He accomplished on the cross. That gives me strength. It gives me hope for tomorrow. So today I am resting in the promise of heaven – no more tears, no more pain. How great and glorious that day will be! I am eagerly awaiting and groaning for heaven and so ready to be free from this dirty, decaying tent.
Yesterday: discipline
Today: pushing through
I see that the Lord has a theme for me (through your blog) and I need to get it together. I can be better. I need to be better.
Thank you for making people feel safe to say how they really are.
Christians are like lions. When a lioness is injured she conceals the wound. The lion pride has no compassion for a weak link. They would leave her, isolated and vulnerable, and death would soon follow.
Humans should be different and Christians above all. It would be a wondrous Christmas if every church made people feel as comfortable admitting it's a struggle, as you have today – then we wouldn't have to worry so much that the Christian lion pride would leave us behind.
And how am I? Extremely – err – challenged – yeah that's the word – but blessed, really blessed.
Thank you Bianca
WOOWOO! Craig, thanks for representing the males up in here 🙂 You get bonus points for your testosterone AND insightful comments 🙂
And if i feel like (bad, sad, stuck) and it is for a long while and people ask "How are you" – all I can say – is "good". Because really – everything is good, especially in comparison… I am still sad, but I need to say "good" because if I start pouring out – everyone becomes sad and stuck.. And maybe the other person is also loaded, so why would I share my weight with them? And I do want to hear the other persons real feelings – so why would I steal the spotlight on myself? And though I do want to hear the other person's feelings – what if they are going through a tough situation and will start sharing and this will make them focus on that difficulty and I won't have any other words except – ugh, sorry, hang-in, lets pray. And two years later they are in the same spot and hurting just as bad as the first time, my response is still – sorry, hang-in, lets pray… It jseems like clichés are the only possible responses in some situations and the real love and support needs to read between the lines, listen to the tone of voice, communicate with eyes and hugs and silent prayers…
I was knocked down, had a tantrum this week, frustrated my hubby (and it was not PMS).
Today I rely on his strength and guidance and have peace. I cried a lot but now I move forward.
Thank God we are his children and his hope and promises push us forward.
I’m currently performing my morning ritual of readings blogs and not wanting to get out of bed. I’ll toss and turn and then close my eyes a while longer. Why? Because December sucks, put simply. December is like a neon sign that says ‘your family doen’t want you!’
And waking up is hard to do…
will totally pray for you…i know how it feels to not wanna get out of bed…
@tamara but Jesus does, and December is about Him! Hang in there, and keep your chin up!
Wow, thanks for that post 🙂 It not only makes me take a deep look at myself it makes want to hit the gym real hard! oh, boy have I been in classes like that!
I must admit I want to throw in the towel often. My husband, ( i posted a few weeks back about his job lay off and them extending him for a bit) he is now laid off. I was praising God for the way things looked as if they were going to work out, but in the end didn't work out as planned. My heart sunk, I felt like the Lord was asking me ' are you still going to praise me, even though the plans were not as you planned?" Indeed, it is hard, but I am praising God, he has given me such a peace. Is it always easy, I would be a liar if I said yes! It is really hard. I am praying that during this time the Lord would unite us, and draw us closer to Him. Our marriage is very "rocky" but again, GOD is good! Thanks all who are praying!
sorry for what's going on…God is good and know what it's like to have a rocky marriage for long periods of time…
Im so thankful for those at my church that have the gift of checking on almost everyone and praying for them on the spot! There have been plenty of sunday's when I needed that push and encouragement. Props to you B for making it easy to tell it like it is on your blog. We all have our weeks and sometimes months where we just feel like we cant get out of this deep dark valley…having someone who will just listen, encourage and pray for you is sometimes just the extra push someone needs to climb out of that valley.
As for me…this week has been a tough one and im just drained physically – but God will get me through it all.
ummm…feelling a little "passionless"…just want to be renewed and on fire for Him…
I have been such an admirer of your writing and your heart for God, Bianca. This post was the perfect period for my day. (A perfect period is the perfect end note–the last big thought that I will ruminate about before drifting off into la-la land.) Lately I have been feeling whelmed, and now I have reached the swell of overwhelmed. I am not a fan of dreading my weekends because they seem to be more chocked full than the five days that comprise my weekday. But, I am just thankful that my stamina is dependent on His strength, not my own.
Inspirational fitness teachers are the best! 🙂 I know one or two Christy's! 🙂 You're right about speaking the truth in love
and asking people how they're doing (then not being afraid of an honest answer). Great post! Thanks for sharing!
ok, here it goes….
How am I doing? Overwhelmed, yet enthusiastic. Tired, yet moving forward, Frustrated, yet forgiving, and I feel like crying at any moment, but Ishove it back because I don't want to be the WOMAN who always cries. (I'm on staff at a church and it is nuts right now for christmas:))
That's how I am doing…and realizing that it is ok that I don't "have it all together"…dang it!
This is why I love David Crowder's "All I Can Say." The chorus says,
"And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give
And this is all that I can say right now
And this is all that I can give, that's my everything"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s_7H1Z53g6g
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