Are You Holding Your Head Up?

When I was in my early teens, it appeared that I would never master the ability to walk in high heels shoes, much to Mama’s horror. Unfortunately or fortunately, depending on how you look at it, my mother doesn’t merely walk in heels, she glides in them!  So, imagine what expectation she had for me. “You walk like you’re moving on gravel!” she once murmured. “Uaaaaaargh…I can’t get it!” I often complained.  Finally, she and I both accepted the fact that I may never get over my clumsiness.  Then one day, Joanne Boller and I were discussing how much we adore the stylish accessories.  Joanne is an older woman seasoned by the grace of God. “I don’t know Ms. Joanne, for whatever reason, I can’t seem to walk in high heels,” I miserably confessed. “Yes, you can,” she assured me. “Just hold your head up and keep your shoulders back.” “What did you say?” I asked. “Just remember to hold your head up,” she instructed me with a smile.  And you know, I did and I’ve been strutting in high heels ever since.  In fact, I walk better now in heels  than I do in flats!

Often times as we move through this journey called life, it’s easy to look down or around in an effort to see where we are going. However, the steps that we take in the spiritual realm are quite different.   Faith will nudge our head and eyes upward.  It teaches us that we do not control the order of our steps, God does.  Most importantly, we have to trust in His directions. Only He can guide us to our destined path; as well as, keep us on it.   Focusing only on what we’ve left behind or the things we currently see in front of us, can easily lead to depression and despair.  Trust me when I say, no one knows this better than I do. Furthermore, I will be the first to admit, it’s hard to ignore when you have more expenses than revenue.  Perhaps, it’s that wayward child that refuses to behave in school or at home.  Maybe your situation involves a supervisor who can see your every mistake from one mile away.  If any of these scenarios sound familiar, don’t lose hope Beloved, just hold your head up!  The good news is that every darkened tunnel of tribulation has a beginning and end, praise God.

So, no matter what type of situation you’re forced to walk through today, hold your head up and meditate on Psalms 121: 1-8 NIV in its entirety.  When you do, I can guarantee, you’ll not only move forward, but you’ll be strutting with the Sandals of Peace.

“I lift up my eyes to the mountains—where does my help come from? ² My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.

³ He will not let your foot slip—He who watches over you will not slumber; ⁴ indeed, He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.

⁵ The Lord watches over you—the Lord is your shade at your right hand; ⁶ the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night.

⁷ The Lord will keep you from all harm—He will watch over your life; ⁸ the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.”