Be Careful What You Wear

I shared earlier this week, in this post, about my recent sinful desire for the world to revolve around me. I also mentioned my favorite shirt that says "It's Not About Me". Well, I did decide to wear it every day this week to remind myself that life is not about me.

I want to share something that happened a few weeks ago while I was wearing my beloved shirt. I had taken Jacob to Cincinnati Children's Hospital to see some of his doctors. We were there ALL day. I decided we would go outside the hospital for lunch. The only choice in that area is a McDonald's. In this area of Cincinnati Jacob is the majority and I am a minority.  So we are waiting in line to order food and a very nice lady, who was escorting a young woman who appeared to be cognitively disabled, walked up to me.  She told me that she really like my shirt and wanted to know where I got it.  Of course I told her all about Project Hopeful and directed her to the website. She ordered her food and left.

Jacob and I sat down to eat lunch in the restaurant. A few minutes went by and a young man walked up behind me. He said, "Excuse me. Do you have some money that I can use to get some food?"  I hardly ever carry cash but I had brought $7.00 with me for lunch. After buying my food I had $2.00 left.  I said, "I only have $2.00 but you are welcome to have it." I handed him the money and as he walked off he said, "Thank you. I could tell you were a nice person. By the way I like your shirt". The young man walked out the door without buying anything to eat. Mind you I never thought for a moment that he would actually buy food with that money. That really was not even the point. God prompted me to give that young man the money so I obeyed without question.  I think that day was more for me to learn a lesson about listening to God.  There are so many times that God has prompted my heart to act and I missed the opportunity out of selfishness.  I am working on that.  My friend Linny over at A Place Called Simplicity wrote a wonderful series of post on listening to God.   I challenge you to read them.  Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4

This really got me thinking about how many times I have worn this shirt or another shirt with a Christian message out in public but did not act in a Christ like manner.  How many times have I been frustrated with my children or expressed my frustration with waiting in line while wearing a shirt with a Christian message.  WOW!!!   Better watch what you wear because people are watching.