Holy checkers, Batman!

I think everyone has dreams during the night. You may not remember them, but they take place. I RARELY remember any of mine. As I wake up in the morning, I can usually remember something happened, but can never remember any details. I think God speaks to us in our dreams sometimes, but I don't think every dream is a message from God, at least I hope not. I think a spicy pizza before bed might play a part.

I had a dream recently that truly struck my soul and I not only remember it, but I can't forget it. I dreamt I was in a church and everyone had a cape on... you know, like Superman. Some capes were black, some were white. And upon looking a little closer, I discovered that many capes were white on one side but black and white checkered on the underneath side. I was puzzled and a bit distracted for a moment by all the capes in the room. Then, someone got up to speak and as they were speaking, the Lord told me what the capes and the colors meant.

The ones that were black on both sides did not know Jesus. The ones with white on the front and black and white checkered underneath meant that they knew Jesus but were still working out their walk with Him. Then as a scanned the room with my new-found knowledge, I realized that no one had white on both sides.

When I woke up, it occurred to me that I never even looked to see if I had a cape on! Was I the only one? Maybe no one else bothered to see their cape either? Maybe NO ONE knew they were wearing a cape? MAYBE we all go through life thinking no one else can see our true colors?

Maybe, just maybe, we're supposed to live as though no one is looking at our cape??

I think those that wear a black cape, that walk in darkness, don't think about the fact that they're not saved. I think most people believe they are good enough to get to heaven - that walking in darkness is a myth. But WE should see it as an opportunity. An opportunity to love and see them through the eyes of Jesus.

And those that walk this earth each day only showing the white side of their cape, are trying to keep the struggles of life hidden from all those around them. It's easy to act like we have it altogether, to let everyone see only the good, but we still see the dark patterns in our lives at the end of the day when we're hanging up our cape.

And the only one capable of wearing a full white cape is Jesus. He's the only one that has no sin. His unblemished life is worthy to be clothed in white. He IS the light of the world.

Choices. We all have choices. Right, wrong, yes, no, left, right...black cape, white cape. But what part does the checkered side play? The side we keep hidden from the world?

Here's a thought... What if we always wore our cape checkered side up? (I think I just felt a gasp in the room.) What if the people in our lives saw everything, everyday - good and bad? Does that thought make you nervous?

We all have a checkered side. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. He expects us to walk in love. Love, mercy, and forgiveness. The same love, mercy and forgiveness that He has shown us. And maybe if we wore our cape checkered side up, we'd have more opportunities to talk about Jesus. Because those robed in darkness would see God's love - not because we're perfect, but because we're NOT!

And MAYBE if we wore our cape, checkered side up, they would get the opportunity to see the Light that is always with us. The Light that always wraps us in love, mercy and forgiveness... even though we've exposed our checkers? They would get the chance to see how REAL He is because of our checkers.

Another thought... what's the best way to have God be seen in our lives, the best way to show off our white side of the cape? By moving! Maybe God is calling us to MOVE, checkers and all, so more people can see Him in action.

I love the thought of being wrapped in Jesus everyday. Now, if I can just move fast enough to fly! Wouldn't that be awesome!

Romans 10:14-15 NIV

How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”