YOU ARE LIKE POPEYE!

That’s what a close friend and sister in community replied when asked which cartoon character best describes me. 

If you know Popeye then you belong to my generation (or even earlier). If you don’t know him you are either too young or you are a liar or even worst, you forgot.

“You are like Popeye!”

I have nothing against this pipe smoking sailor. I like him. He plays the good guy. He loves his young nephews - Peepeye, Pupeye, Pipeye and Poopeye. He is always willing to help. His love for Olive is truly admirable. It’s an honor to be compared to this fictional character. I got excited to hear which of these positive traits I had. 

Is it the good guy image? Maybe the love for kids? Perhaps, its always being ready to help? Or my dedicated love for my wife Christine? (aawww, cheesy)

There was a silence as I waited for her explanation.  

“You are like Popeye when he eats spinach…” 

What? Is that it? Her explanation did not even include one of the traits I was expecting. I don’t even like spinach. I have a very short list of vegetables that I consider friends. And spinach is not one of them. My face lit when she finished her statement.  

“…Popeye eats spinach to be strong, you go to Jesus to be strengthen.” 

Wow. I heard a lot of compliments from my close friends that night since it was my birthday celebration. However, I love the “Popeye” honoring the most. I love it because it reminded me that;

• I am weak and God is mighty 
• I make mistakes but God is perfect 
• I get tired while Jesus does not feel fatigue

But I feel blessed that I can always go to Jesus. Friends, Christianity is difficult. It is normal to feel tired. Its’ acceptable to make mistakes. If you feel burdened and you need to re-charge, then go back to Jesus.   

Allow Jesus to strengthen you. 
"I have the strength for everything through HIM (Jesus) who empowers me" -Philippians 4:13

THERE IS NO NEED TO SHOUT...

Because HE is closer to you than you think.

I strongly believe in this principle. Let me share a personal experience related to this.

Back in April 2003, I was driving a car on the way to a meeting with a client. I decided to take the side streets to avoid traffic. It was a good decision because the road was clear, but of course, it was narrower than the main street. Then out of nowhere, I saw the a man directly blocking our path! The man was looking the other way as he continued to cross the narrow street. I immediately stepped on the brakes. The car came to an abrupt stop, the engine died but it was not enough to stop a collision with the man. His body rolled over the front hood and slammed into the car's windshield. I was shocked with the sudden turn of events! The previously clear windshield was now filled with cracks and splattered with blood. I opened the car's window and saw the man's motionless body lying on the street with his face down.

"Is he dead? What should I do? Will I be imprisoned?"

A lot of things were flashing in mind.

I said a short prayer - "Lord, please take care of the man and guide me on what to do."

It was at that point that I saw the man moved. I opened the door and quickly ran towards him. I carried the man to the car with all my strength. I started the card and drove off to the nearest hospital. I continued to pray along the way - "Lord, please take care of the man and guide me on what to do."

I brought him to the E.R. where he was promptly attended to. I was filled with anxiety as I was waiting for his x-ray and other test results. The doctor returned after an hour with teh test results. I was happy when I heard the doctor say "there are no major injuries. He just needs some rest and couple of pain killers".  I joined the doctor when he shared the good news to the man. I felt blessed when the man agreed that it was an accident. He also told me that he will won't file charges against me. In my mind, I was silently thanking God as the man continued to spoke to me.

I felt the presence of God throughout the ordeal. I believe that God is always with us. Whenever we are facing a trial, let us trust and believe that God will take care of everything. There is no need to "shout" because HE is always beside you.

"The God of all grace who called you to HIS eternal glory through Christ Jesus will HIMSELF restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you after you have suffered a little" - 1 Peter 5:10

 

A blessed day to you!