John and I, in college, dressed as Abe Lincoln and Napoleon for a Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure date party. We were supposed to dress in togas, but I loathe that. Dude, I totally made those epulets. I'm immensely proud of them. Plus, I'm holding a fake baguette- it's what French people do I think.
If you have ever read any of this mess I call my blog you are aware of the fact that I don't embarrass easily.
You know how you meet a group of people, i.e. in a camp setting, and you have zero information about each other so you play awkward games to make it less awkward? And inevitably the "what's your most embarrassing moment?" question comes up? My standard answer is: "Does everyday count?" I'm a walking punchline, but hopefully with endearing qualities.
WHERE THE CRAP AM I GOING WITH THIS? No, really, I just internally posed this question to myself.
Today we were driving 2 teenage boys from China to our church; which every year puts on this fantastic American Exposure (that word makes me think of extreme, Alive coldness and or nakedness but whatever) Program where we host students and basically show them the love of Jesus and what being American is all about. Honestly, it's the first time a lot of them have fun. Real, honest to goodness fun. They don't have a word to translate for Fun in Chinese- they just say the word 'interesting'. Which is very interesting to me. For the past 2 years we've hosted girls and I have thoroughly adored it, but this year we are taking a break. Thankfully the Lord has healed my broken body and I'm actually helping to transport students who need rides!!!! My how the tables have turned!!
First of all boys, no matter what age, make me a little nervous even though I'm fluent in the boy language of sci-fi, action movies and bodily humor jokes. So that was happening with the nerves. Then there's sweet Leelah. Leelah apparently doesn't get embarrassed easily either. I don't know if it's her sweet age of 4 (5 on Thursday!!!) or because it's genetic, but you better believe it is precious.
She spoke so much English to them I thought they were going to crack and want to jump out of our CRV whilst in motion. SHE WOULD NOT STOP TALKING about Space Buddies the movie, Pandas, how do you say_______ in Chinese, Compassion International, etc. etc. I started laughing, because dang it I love my kid! But isn't it wonderful that she could just talk about everything and didn't realize that she might be embarrassing herself and then have the guts to think that people want to hear it!!? I want to hear every word, but you know what I mean.
I guess I just like a little bit of unabashedness.
Like John asking the server at Pappa Bros. Steakhouse if they have sweet tea? (In front of Brits no less!).
And our trash-juiced-duct taped bottom to our garbage can we put out front twice a week. It's gross y'all don't even know!
About how I'm working on my hormones and saliva tests- hey if you have questions I'd love to answer them. I'm pioneering natural hormone replacement therapy for 30 year olds. So what!
Or my crazy water aerobicking adventures.
And how about when I was jamming to "Independent Women" by Destiny's Child in my Beetle, windows down, while driving the wrong way on a one-way street in the middle of Texas A&M University?
And you remember all the unbragging posts! Well, I kid myself that anyone remembers anything I write. I don't!
I think the enemy uses embarrassment to keep us down. I know that's not some brilliant take on things, but really. What if we were all just a little more fearless in being ourselves? I mean, I'm not going to be strolling around H.E.B. with crazy shoulder points a la Lady Gaga anytime soon, but I am stopping the assimilating nonsense. And I think God likes to see my attempts at coolness failing into my normal dorkyness daily. I think He is a funny God. I mean He made the quality of funny up, right?
"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
-Deutoronomy 3:16
5 comments:
Love love love it! I believe I took that picture of you two! You shouldn't ever be embarrassed due to the fact that everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, loves you! Your silliness is what draws people to you. I know that anytime I'm going to be around you my stomach is going to hurt when I leave because of how much fun you are (You know, all the laughing)! Love you sis! You are perfect! And I'm so excited that your getting to drive your students around this year. They are so lucky to be with you guys! I'm sure they love Leelah too!
Oh friend, you make me laugh so hard. You forgot the story about kicking yourself in the face! I think that is my favorite. Love you!
people DO want to hear it. I can tell you from experience that people who only say generic "cool" and suave things are not very interesting. The trick to being "nerdy cool" is one that Leelah instinctively knows...simply being completely unembarrassed. Take a lesson from the little one and start signing all letters with "may the force be with you" or "live long and prosper".
the abe lincoln/napoleon thing actually fits with you two. I doubt John is more than an inch or so off in terms of Abe Lincoln's actual height (6'4"). I could swear he was taller than me and I am 6'2"
Never, ever, ever lose your sense of humor. I believe that God laughs at us everyday AND He still loves us! Love ya! Momma J
You know that I could gush on and on about all of you. Thank you for your kindness. You each bring me joy! Love to all.
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