This pandemic will not stop progress. We are forging ahead in spite of all the disruptions, thanks mostly to technology. I’m an old school girl, who has been technologically challenged for many years now, refusing to learn the new normals. I like things the way I am used to doing them. I never thought I’d hear myself utter these words: Technology is your friend!
When the schools shut down, learning continued on zoom. Churches were forced to close, but you can do church on line via Facebook, You Tube, Zoom and others. Bible studies were expected to be put on hold… but, not so, people are using Zoom. Business meetings, family get-togethers, happy hours, book clubs, doctor visits, teachers conferences, etc… all go on with the help of technology. While this is both wonderful and terrifying to me, it seems we’re in it for the long haul. So, it’s time for me to move forward with an improved attitude. After all, Zoom meetings allow you to enjoy the relaxed comfort of home, your pajamas, no traffic, and no unnecessary small talk, (unless you’re that kind of person). And even though you’re home, you can still have that business mentality too.
To maintain a level of respect that you deserve as a business professional or an influencer, it takes a little focus, positive energy, and confidence. Sadly, a lot of people now are displaying signs of discouragement and are there just because they have to be. There is a spirit of apathy going around and it can be contagious. But, you can be that positive, upbeat person who is embracing this new normal with enthusiasm. Show up for your Zoom meeting looking your professional best! Make that your contribution to the overall zoom experience. Just because you’re zooming, don’t neglect your grooming. I love that line, I just had to repeat myself. You can still be comfortable and look professional on Zoom. It’s really the best of both worlds and it takes only a little effort.
Let’s face it, if you’re anything like me, the hardest part of getting fashionably dressed for work, is finding an outfit that doesn’t make you look fat. But here’s some good news: No one has to know about those few extra pounds we’ve put on, slouching around the house and eating out of boredom. We’ve got technology to thank for that. You can adjust your camera so people only see you from the chest up. You can wear a beautiful blouse, without anything constrictive around your waist. You can even keep your comfy jammies on and no one will be the wiser. But, be sure to put your makeup on and keep your hair professionally styled.
In two of my earlier blogs, I wrote about simple eye makeup, because in this new season of mask wearing the eyes are all we see, and the mask is the new lipstick. This is not true on a Zoom meeting! No masks are required. Therefore, I recommend lipstick. Take the time to make up your face, style your hair and look your best. You will stand out and be the inspiration to help your apathetic coworkers, friends and family get out of their slump.
My son now works from home. He is usually dressed in very comfortable basketball shorts and a tee shirt, something he wouldn’t be wearing when he has go into the office. Recently, he was undergoing a series of interviews for a promotion during a Zoom meeting. I noticed him working at the dining room table, wearing a shirt, tie and suit jacket, along with his basketball shorts. He came to find out that his superiors were all impressed at his effort to appear professional. It wasn’t something they required or expected, and was apparently out of the norm from all the other applicants. However, they all had something nice to say about it. Only one person asked if he was wearing pants. Lol
A beautiful self image includes your hair color and style but, they have to be maintained. There is no reason to be afraid to go back to the salon and get your hair done. Salons now are struggling to stay a float as are many other businesses because of people being afraid. With all the new guidelines in place, salons are adhering to the strictest of standards in sanitation and sterilization. They want to accommodate their clients any way they can, and will even offer a private audience to those with fears of exposure to the virus. Don’t worry, just schedule your appointment at the salon. They’ll all be wearing masks, and so will you. You’ll be happy you did! After all, there is nothing like the great feeling you get looking at yourself in the mirror with a fresh cut and style. So pick yourself up, dust yourself off and start all over again. I know it’s cliche but sometimes I can’t help myself.
Faith Grooming
How does one groom faith? Technically, the word “groom” does not seem to fit this question, but I will take some creative license to fit my title. Actually, the grooming I am referring to here is actually growing one’s faith. You groom your faith by growing it. These are some things the Bible says about faith.
“Without faith it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6
“Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.” Romans 10:17
“For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.” Hebrews 4:12 NLT
God is sovereign over everything including the enemy of our soul. However, in spite of this truth, Satan will do everything in his power to knock down your faith and have you believe his lies, so you would be discouraged and walk away from God.
He is liar and the father of lies. (John 8:33) Don’t buy into his lies! Know the truth of God’s word and refute every lie by speaking out loud what is written, just like Jesus did. (Matthew 4:1-11) Back in Jesus’s day these truths were recorded on scrolls by Jewish scribes and handed down through the generations. Today all of these truths are contained in the Bible in both the old and new testaments to teach us God’s love and His ways to live our best life ever. You must read it to know the difference between truth and lies. Here are a few common lies the enemy baits us with, and the truth of God’s word that is written that overpowers them.
Click on the Lie to reveal what is written in the truth of God’s Word.
Lie: Things are looking very bleak, where is God now?
It is written: “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9 NLT); “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7 ESV)
Lie: Be afraid, times are scary!
It is written: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. (Isaiah 43:1-3 ESV)
Lie: You can’t do this!
It is written: For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NLT)
Lie: You can’t trust God! You need to figure out how handle this problem.
It is written: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV)
Lie: God doesn’t speak to you, that’s just silly!
It is written: “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” (John 10:27 ESV)
Lie: You have to be perfect to earn God’s love!
It is written: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” (Romans 3:23-24 NLT); “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 ESV)
Lie: Jesus will be angry with you for continuing to sin!
It is written: “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 ESV)
Lie: You are alone, no one loves you!
It is written: Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10 NLT); “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)
Lie: You don’t have enough, you can’t even pay your bills!
It is written: “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:19 ESV); “Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?” (Matthew 6:26 ESV)
Lie: You can’t afford to tithe!
It is written: “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce; then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10 ESV); “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need.” (Malachi 3:10 ESV)
Lie: This illness will get the better of you!
It is written: “You shall serve the Lord your God, and he will bless your bread and your water, and I will take sickness away from among you.” (Exodus 23:25 ESV); “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.” (Isaiah 53:5); “Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; save me, and I shall be saved, for you are my praise.” (Jeremiah 17:14); “Jesus said, I will come and heal him.” (Matthew 8:7 NLT); “Jesus traveled through all the towns and villages of that area, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.” (Matthew 9:35 NLT)
Lie: You can’t change; your past defines you!
It is written: “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20 ESV)
God’s word is so vast and covers so much, that every time you read it you find treasures beyond your previous understanding. You will be filled with Godly wisdom and knowledge which is of greater worth than gold. There is great power in God’s word and in the name of Jesus. Don’t let your faith wane, and don’t let the lies of the devil avert the promises of God. I’m not saying name it and claim it like a prosperity gospel preacher. But, I am saying God’s Word is true and it will strengthen your soul, encourage your heart and mind, and lift you up to persevere with confidence. Just try it… you will receive more out of it then you can ask or imagine. And that’s not my words; it’s a promise from God!
“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT
Im so glad you’ve read my blog. I hope it helps strengthen your faith walk with the Lord. Feel free to post comments or email me if you have any questions. You can also request related topics that you would like me to write about as I’m always looking for more ideas. I’ll be back again soon talking about patience.
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