C.S. Lewis gave us “The Chronicles of Narnia.”  But his novel that he liked best was “Till We Have Faces.”  It was a retelling of a Greek myth in which the unattractive Orual is jealous of her sister Psyche.  She seeks to ruin Psyche’s life.  Then, she feels guilty and so wears a black veil over her face for the rest of her life. 

Strangely, the black veil makes her attractive to people.  The mystery surrounding her gives her suitors and power.  Toward the book’s end she visits the widow of a former slave.  The slave had been attracted to her and she felt that it inspired jealousy in the widow.  So, she says, “You have no reason to envy me!  Look at the real me!”  She lifts her veil to reveal her ugliness.  But instead of the widow being repulsed, she feels compassion for Orual.  She loves her for who she is, not for who she pretended to be behind the veil.

Many veils are available today.  Social media allows us to present a false view of who we are.  We can play a role at church, at home, work or school instead of being real and vulnerable.  God loves us for who we are, people created in his image.  Sin has shattered that image, but he will live through us uniquely if we let him.  We can shine confidently through his Spirit as he uses us in ways that he can use no one else.

Sunday I’m preaching on “Shine Confidently” from Judges 7:15-22.  We’ll look at “Act Confidently,” verse 15; “Act Strategically,” verses 16-18; and “Shine,” verses 19-22.  We’ll see how Gideon and his army beat overwhelming odds by letting their light shine!  God can use us to shine in dark places and win life’s battles!  Come Sunday and find out how.

Love,

Jim Meek