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