Let's all wear Flannel!

     Remember when Katy Perry's California Girls came out? Me too. That was a time. Driving back from the beach one evening, some sweet friends and I rewrote it to be Presbyterian girls, because we're really funny (and cute). To my recollection it went something like this:

Presbyterian girls, we're unforgettable.

Rainbow shoes and v-necks on top.

Sunkissed tans, so hot in our one pieces

Oh oh oh oh

     I'll spare  you the rest, but we were pretty pleased with our rewrite. You're welcome Katy.

     Why do I bring this up other than we all need a laugh after the last 4 serious posts? Because there are some distinct boundaries in how denominations dress. Seriously. It takes about .3 nanoseconds to figure out what kind of church a Christian woman goes to. And that's not to say that any of the denominations are better dressers than another, but different for sure. Here are my observations (and, ya'll, this is meant to be funny, so just take a deep breath and laugh a little*).

1. Presbyterian Girls (my own kind)-are we southern, are we indie mountain folk? That's the question. We wear pearls with our flannel and chacos with our skirts. Messy buns are our hair style of choice. But seriously. We put ourselves together well, but we're laid back and easy going. I like to think we're simple in our elegance. We can't be overly done because at any point we may have to defend Calvin or Luther and you just can't do that well when hindered by a puffy vest. Trust me. Also, our hair isn't going to be perfectly styled everyday, because grace says that I don't have to turn my straightening iron on every day of my life. Hallelujah! Wispies are beautiful.

2. Non Denominational Girls-also laid back, but always pulled together. They think in outfits and have conquered the basics adorned with unique pieces look. And my hat goes off to them. They will wear a puffy vest over a basic striped long-sleeved shirt and it will look fantastically effortless. Where Presby girls love a crossbody bag, non-denom girls love a good graphic tote. They can fit more journals in there than other bags. Their hair is on point. Not overly done, but they put effort into it. It's probably straight and pinned back on one side with fantastic volume. And it will hold up all day. #endurance

3. Baptist Girls

    See above, but bigger hair and earrings.

You're welcome internet. You're welcome.

*Also, this may or may not be based on random not so thought through thoughts. Welcome to my brain! Enjoy!

Pretty Fall Flower on my desk

Those Dixon kids keeping it classy

Anthony Edwards and Healing People

"That evening at sundown they brought to him all who were sick or oppressed by demons. And the whole city was gathered together at the door. And he healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons."

-Mark 1:32-34a

     Summer after freshman year of college was spent at home working at various week long camps. In between camps, I watched a ridiculous amount of ER reruns. Dr Greene was my favorite character because he was just wonderful. There is this one episode where Dr Greene is frustrated by the amount of hospital policy and the growing number of patients in the waiting room who need attention. At the end of the episode a nurse walks out and sees him in the waiting room treating patients. Moving from seat to seat bandaging wounds and kneeling face to face with each patient. The nurse is taken aback that such an important doctor was in the waiting room dealing with such minor injuries. She asks him what he is doing. He says, "having fun." 

     I don't know what Jesus's disposition was to the sick people who were flooding him at the time, but I like to imagine it like the scene above. Jesus kneeling face to face with each of the sick and oppressed. Looking them in the eye and bringing them to health. 

     A pastor told me once that it wasn't so much that Jesus healed people, but that people caught his health. I don't fully understand that statement, but I like the idea that health is contagious. We see that in the world around us. That's why people go to therapy. Part of their healing is experiencing a healthy relationship. Part of our sanctification is experiencing the health of Jesus through the Spirit. As we come to know Him more, he heals us with His presence and Truth.

     When I watched the scene of Dr Greene that summer, I wanted to identify with his character. To be going from person to person, caring for them. And, hopefully, by God's grace I will be enabled to love that way. But let's not miss the point. We aren't the healer. We are the wounded. The sick. The oppressed. We are the needy ones. The folks that need to be seen and healed by a merciful, tender and healthy Savior. And we can find rest in that relationship. That he will "make us lie down in green pastures." He will restore his children.