Shoulder Padded Jesus Power

Today's family time in South Dakota began with a conversation about shoulder pads. 

The topic was brought up by my beloved husband, and no, we weren't talking about manly football shoulder pads. As we half-watched a rerun of Matlock, Brandon spouted off "Why does that chick's shoulders look like that? Is she wearing... shoulder pads!?!" 

Mama Lex (my mother-in-law) and I looked at one another. Here we go.  This is gonna be good. 

Thus started our extremely random conversation about the who's, whens, wheres and whys of shoulder pad fashion. Precious, right? 

Lex and I both explained that we have both been through the 80's ish era of wearing shoulder pads. I shared with my husband the purpose behind them was to broaden up the shoulders of women, to make us look more "powerful" in what was a man's world. His reaction? A good-natured sigh and roll of the eyes. 

We briefly continued the conversation then moved onto less ridiculous topics. (Thankfully.) I realized I still needed to come up with a blog topic for today, so said a few brief prayers for inspiration as we were venturing around Sioux Falls throughout the day. 

Late yesterday afternoon found us stopped at Crossroads, a Christian book and music store. I was browsing around, trying (operative word: trying) to exercise control and not purchase everything I picked up. I came across the clearance section and grabbed a book called "Guerrilla Lovers" by Vince Antonucci. I opened it to the first page and read the beginning paragraph. Guess what? It mentioned 1988 and shoulder pads. 

Ok, God. You have my attention. 

On our drive home, I started thinking (AGAIN) about the former shoulder-padded power fashion. I wonder how often we try figuratively bring back this fashion by doing things to our heart, mind, or attitude to gain power in this world? Do we desire to have power and control? I know I do. I have to fight that worldly urge daily and submit to Him. And while I have no longing to bust out a suit jacket with shoulder pads again, I think I am putting a padding on my heart and lean on my own power instead of Jesus. 

Pray with me today to let go of our "shoulder-padded power" desire and turn it all over to Jesus. With the power of God in us, we can do all things... we don't have to have big awkward padded shoulders... AND the power of Jesus NEVER goes out of style. 

Powered by Jesus, 

SGK 

"Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised." Romans 4:20-21