When Your Parade Comes to a Screeching Halt
© 2014 by Karen Friday
Is there someone in your life constantly raining on your parade?
“It’s raining, it’s pouring, the old man is snoring….” Who is this old man and why is he snoring? Does rain make him want to take naps? Oh, that’s right, he bumped his head and couldn’t get up in the morning. That’s a long nap!
In pouring rain, I would rather be inside a safe shelter. And snuggled up with a blanket taking a nap—even better! The snoring I can do without…and the bumps on the head.
“Rain, rain go away, come again another day.” To play outside, participate in outdoor activities…parades, and enjoy sunshiny weather, the rain must go away. Can a chant bring on this kind of power over the skies? I think not.
Caught in a downpour—without shelter—is drenching. During a recent storm, in the middle of pouring rain, I remembered…I had an umbrella…in the car.
September 25, 2014 at 9:02 am | Uncategorized
The Nobody and Somebody Everybody Knows
The Band Perry wedding
By Karen ‘Girl’ Friday
I leaned toward my husband with a revelation, “these people think we are somebody.”
A somebody event. The marriage ceremony of two somebodies of fame. My husband had the honor of officiating the wedding. As the pastor’s wife and a family friend, I was invited to attend. Although they tried to maintain privacy, word leaked to the press and on social media.
We made our way down the street to the small chapel—dressed in a tux and long gown—where a crowd had gathered outside. Fans were being kept behind police barriers marking how close they could come to the area.
I noticed a lady snapping our picture with her cell phone and soon realized many people were taking our picture with phones and cameras. The fandom wonder of, “Who are these guests arriving? Are they somebody?”
September 18, 2014 at 8:49 am | Uncategorized
Spotlight Surrender
© 2014 by Karen Friday
The beaming light was blinding. Illuminating me to the audience, but keeping me from seeing them.
Funny thing about spotlights—they are spots of light. Lighting a spot for one. The one in the spot at the time. Only so much presence can fit into a beam of light.
It’s likely we have desired to be in the presence of a person we admire or who is famous. Attending an event or performance, having our picture taken with the person, or backstage passes—as one of their fans—giving us a momentary glimpse of them. What they are like in person—up close.
Up close and personal. The platform I desire for my ministry in speaking and writing. Momentary glimpses of me through my audible voice and my writing voice—in words penned and shared.
September 11, 2014 at 9:14 am | Uncategorized
The Nose Snubbing Club
By Karen ‘Girl’ Friday
If we would spend more time conducting surprise inspections—on our own barracks—we could measure ourselves against the standard of scripture instead of gauging by comparison.
It wasn’t a military barrack inspected by a drill sergeant, but winning the cabin inspection at camp for the cleanest barracks was a huge honor. Especially for neat freaks.
I like things in order. A place for everything and everything in its proper place. According to Karen’s standard. I am not at peace when the beds are not made, clothes and shoes are not put away, and the bathroom or kitchen is dirty. I admit, I have snubbed my nose at a few unkept houses along the way. Even my own.
September 4, 2014 at 8:51 am | Uncategorized