Were you the Popular Kid or the Nerd?

Dear Readers:
Boy, have I missed you. However, I can’t help myself. I must talk with you.

My computer is terribly slow-due to its Ram issue, seizing up every few seconds. Writing a post takes me more than an hour. But, I love you all and hate letting another day go by without saying “hello”.

I was reading the greatest book (ever written) with Biceps this morning and we came upon this scripture:

“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (NIV, Romans 12:16)

This verse got me to thinking about high school.

(Photo Source-Movie, 1984 “Revenge of the Nerds”)
There of course were the definite “nerds” in high school. The ones that stayed in the science lab all day. They kind’ve stayed to themselves, played the tuba in the band, were the gaffers during plays and took three languages-just for fun.

Now, they run the world-but that’s beside the point.

And, there were the super popular girls who were on the cheer squad, dated the cutest boys and always voted to be the homecoming queens.

I was somewhere in between-I began my ninth grade year at the tender age of 13. I was this weirdo combination of somewhat smart and somewhat naive and totally, obnoxiously Christian.

My world view was quite small-coming from being kicked out of a Christian school in the sixth grade (long story) to then being home schooled for my seventh grade year. Public school started for me in the eigth grade and I wasn’t quite ready for jocks, druggies, band geeks and skateboarders.

I mean, they smoked cigarettes. Weren’t they all going to hell?

On top of my awesome judgmental attitude, overnight I went from being a skinny, flat girl to getting all my curves in one fail swoop. I was caught between wanting to still be a girl, but looking much more like a woman.

Large button up plaid shirts, loose jeans and Doc Martins became my wardrobe choice-I wasn’t comfortable with my new self.

I didn’t know who to align with, so I just decided to be everyone’s friend and hopefully-no one’s enemy.

But, by being everyone’s friend meant that I wasn’t really anyone’s friend. However, God in His infinite wisdom brought me the most wonderful friend and her name was Heidi.

Nope. Not this Heidi. A real live human being named Heidi.

Remember the scripture I was talking about earlier? “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” (NIV, Romans 12:16)

While I was worried about my hair, how to walk down the hall and if James was going to talk to me today-Heidi smiled her way through the day, loving on everyone, not worried about who she associated with. She was the epitome of being Christ-like.

Who knew that years later, I would find Heidi via the great world wide web and she would also be a blogger (A Soul Laid Bare)?

She was wise beyond her years then and she continues to shape who I am today at age 34. Heidi showed me that it didn’t matter if you were popular, a nerd, or somewhere in between-you had value simply because you were you. She has no idea that she is what got me through high school.

Thank you, Heidi. I owe you.

I will rise early and praise You.

My favorite time of the day is the early morning: the quietness of the world is calming to my own heart, the coffee is percolating-reinforcing that my home is my home, and the cats are a little frisky, but not overly frisky. They are just frisky enough to humor me.

My head is clear from yesterday’s worries. I may sit in bed for a few more minutes after Bicep’s has vacated the house, sip on my coffee and spend time with my God.

But, if the sunrise is too ridiculously awesome, I will hurriedly strap on my running shoes and a hoodie to begin my early morning run.

I take each mile to chat with God about someone in my family or in my circle of influence. It keeps my mind off of what I’m doing and helps me to focus on others, instead of myself.

He reminds me during our morning chats that He was around when the Romans built this. And, He was there to watch it crumble.

He was there when the Germans built this. And, He watched it fall.

He’s received millions into His kingdom, but hasn’t forgotten a single one of their names. Nor has He forgotten my name, or the names of those who don’t believe and He desperately wants to know.

He can be in my home, chatting it up with me while I cook dinner, or out on my runs, or when I hide in the closet because I’m frustrated. He never leaves me nor forsakes me.

And, He knows all my dirt and He’s forgiven me. And I have some dirt-just ask around.

He forgave me. Little old, tiny Tulsa girl, me.

He gave himself to be sacrificed in the most horrific way-beaten, flesh torn apart, humiliated, abandoned, and left for dead-so that I can be washed clean and be in His resurrected presence.
And he did this for you, too. And that person you don’t like very much. And that irritating slower-than-snot cashier at the grocery store.

That’s why I will rise early, with joy and praise Him. I can’t imagine living any other way.