​Strange title—yes, I agree. Can we even imagine doing so? And yet, I believe that we do toss tomatoes in our Savior’s direction, more often than we realize. You may wonder how I could write such insulting dribble. Let’s investigate the possibility that this could be a true statement. If we envision ourselves aiming tomatoes at Jesus—and how absurd that is—maybe we can prevent more of the same.
 
A man’s discretion makes him slow to anger, And it is his glory to pass over a transgression. Proverbs 19:11 NAS
 
When situations arise, our reaction requires a Christ-like response. (In reality, if we are Christ-followers, we always need to offer a Christ-like attitude, but that need not be said. Right?) The challenge begins when we reason that no one understands how hard and painful and trying this experience feels—thinking that way may not work out for our best interest. Or benefit others. When considering how impossible this person or group of people are, and mixing present and past hurts—well that may hamper the best blessings from gracing our lives. Making the trial rather valueless, at best.
 
Experience can be a terrific teacher—if one submits to their relationship with the Father. Forgiveness matters—very much—and how good it is for us to inspect just what we are holding on to. Baggage? A rock? An open hand of friendship, or a tomato? The choice is ours. Remember, blessings multiply on all who’s will is bent to receive, when focused on His direction, correction, and joyful overcoming!
 
Abide in Me, and I in you. As a branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me. John 15:4 NAS

So, when we pass that incorrigible teen with manners that rate in the negative, or an entitled person who feels they are royalty and you are…swamp scum, what will it be? 
 
So, when we pass that incorrigible teen with manners that rate in the negative, or an entitled person who feels they are royalty and you are…swamp scum, what will it be? Shall we cave in to the first reaction that rears up and wants power over our attention? And theirs, no matter how negative? Or shall we leave vengeance and the lesser-degree disciplines in the capable hands of the WONDERFUL COUNSELOR our Immanuel? I’m not saying that justice should be erased, I’m referring to petty slights, rejections, or verbal attacks which have the power to pull us into darkness and isolation by the weight of unforgiveness.  I know, it can be tough for a second, a week, or unfortunately longer…but lack of sleep, high blood pressure, and anxiety really don’t equate to time on the beach. The pure action of releasing one’s grip on ugly thoughts and attitudes releases the fragrant beauty of Heaven on earth. Really tough choice? It’s okay, put down the tomatoes and take hold of the hand of our blessed Savior . . . and abide ASAP!  
 
Precious Jesus, thank you for paying for all of our sins by your death on the cross. Help us to remember it wasn’t just our sins you forgave and that to disregard your payment for our offender’s sins would be like tossing tomatoes at your precious sacrifice. May your peace and grace abound in and through us—even to those who offend us. Amen.

​My heart is overflowing with a good theme; recite my composition concerning the King; My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Psalm 45:1 

It has been said that to copy someone is the highest form of a compliment. By this, I believe, such attentiveness can show how much we esteem and venerate those we mimic. But sometimes we just miss the mark, get off track, and don’t copy well enough.
 We are so much like God, our Creator, in our desire to spin out fabulous art and story. We were created in His image; but sometimes we copy what He expresses with a different emphasis in mind. 

Fairy Tales, for instance, the few I’ve read, mimic the royalty and abundant, limitless riches many of us long for. These stories provide the impression that the damsel in distress is beautiful, thus more worthy to be loved than the rest of those living in fairy tale land. The prince views the incredible beauty of Thumbelina or Sleeping Beauty or Cinderwench, {known as Cinderella.} and the prince is head-over-heels in LOVE with ‘her’ before their first conversation begins. Thumbelina even garners a marriage proposal from the King at their first meeting.

Thankfully, those tales gave the heroines pleasant personalities to match their uncommon beauty. I can’t get past thinking about the dirt caked under Cinderwench’s nails, calluses on her hands….But what about the rest of us? Where is my fairy godmother? Where is yours? Those lacking in a perfect completion, body shape, or favor…none of which we can be given any credit for or create—we can only alter a tad here or there and enhance by proper grooming. Fairy Tales spark that awe in us and lead us right off track into carnal land. A land where those riches or favors are not obtainable, except for a few. These stories are not feasible or realistic. But the good news is that we have the call, inspiration, and the reality to write Holy Tales. Those can inspire and make known the actual limitless love, forgiveness, grace, protection—I believe that you know I’m referring to all the truths and qualities that relate others to our God.

Instead of locking insecurity and impossibilities inside our children’s minds with their early introduction to story, why don’t we inspire the realization of the achievable excellence of growing in His grace, truth, and relationship? The reward for being the person He destined us to be is real. He will watch over His word to perform it concerning us.  In God’s eyes, everyone is essential. We are loved and venerated by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! We are made in His image! Don’t settle for stories focused on carnal pleasures and unfulfilled dreams. We need only to fall in love with Him and follow His lead. The world looks for something tangible, materialistic, with strut-quality and don’t forget instant gratification. Selfishness, greed, feeling entitled without working on a relationship with God or surrendering to Him seems to rule the day. Only when He rules our hearts will we know pure and lasting joy.

Are you willing to position your pen in the direction of Holy Tales to inspire young minds to follow Him into their true, obtainable HAPPY EVER AFTER? Take up your pen and dance on that page!

This is an edited re-post of a blog I wrote years ago!