I slapped a girl yesterday.
Ok, ok. Calm down. It wasn't out of anger, and we weren't fighting. But I did slap her. Right across the face. It didn't leave a mark and I doubt it even hurt that bad.
Wow, maybe I should have opened with something different...
Anyway, here's what happened: She was being very unfair to herself. This young woman is incredible, inspirational, and drenched with God's love that it is simply contagious. Not to mention the fact that on the outside as well as the inside, she is incredibly gorgeous. And when she persisted to use adjectives about herself that were in stark contrast to who she truly is, I just had to slap her. I knew my words wouldn't stop her, so I just had to do something drastic.
Admittedly, she says she was "joking", but even so, I couldn't bear to hear them come out of her mouth. As soon as I did it, she stopped. My plan was successful! However, 2 seconds later, she proceeded with the ever-understandable, "Did you REALLY just slap me?" Ah, it seems my plan was thwarted.
Luckily, we are still friends and she forgave me for being an idiot. But honestly, it was just too much for me to hear her speak untruth about herself. This personal heresy was just too overwhelming.
One of my favorite Christian rap songs (yes, I said Christian rap) is called "Beautiful" by PRo. The convicting and encouraging lyrics of the chorus say: "God ain't make you like anybody else, don't let nobody tell you that you're anything less; 'cause you are beautiful." This song really began to gave me a clue about how much God sees us as truly beautiful- and not because of the clothes we buy, the eyeliner we paint on, or the products in our hair. He is the only being in the universe that does not see us for our exterior perfection. I suppose I knew this in theory, but I have only recently began to believe it and take comfort in it. He sees us as beautiful for the work we do in others, when we bring His Light to dark places, and when we speak truth about His name.
I would not suggest, my dear friends, slapping girls when they are feeling vulnerable. I got lucky in this situation, for this girl is quite forgiving and loves me too much. Remember, it is everyone's personal responsibility (and privilege) to affirm and encourage those around us. I will most likely not go about it in this same fashion in the future, however :)
So yes, I slapped this poor girl (not hard, mind you!) But only because, through Christ, I have received the privilege of seeing her as a Daughter of the Most High, a Princess, the brightest gem in His Crown. I see her for the love that exudes within her. I want to see people the way God sees people. I want to love them with a powerful, undeniable, God-given love. I want to stop at nothing in order for people to see Him and know Him better, simply by doing the wonderful task of calling someone "beautiful".
Will you join me?
