Have you driven along Piney Forest Road recently? If so, perhaps you’ve seen the unusual live promo that’s been going on since the first of January. It seems that a local income tax service has hired a young lady to dress up like the Statue of Liberty and stand along the roadside each day from about 8 AM to 6 PM. All day long, she waves at passing cars and seeks to draw attention to the business she represents. The interesting thing about this real life statue is that she wears earphones under her crown with which she apparently listens to some jivin’ tunes on her iPod. Hour after hour, she does a soulful strut to the music while simultaneously smiling, pointing and waving to everyone who looks her way.
Some days, the hip-hoppin’ Lady Liberty is joined by a swingin' Uncle Sam who rocks and rolls alongside her in his white goatee, star-spangled duds, and red, white & blue suede shoes. In some instances, Miss Liberty is accompanied by multiple Uncle Sams. When that happens, the assemblage looks kind of like Gladys Knight & her patriotic Pips. At other times, she is joined by additional Lady Liberties, and the whole act takes on the flavor of Diana (Betsy) Ross and the Supremes. On some occasions, the main Miss Liberty has had the day off and they’ve had a substitute Lady Liberty filling in. But it’s just not the same. Nobody moves & grooves quite like the original.
Driving along Piney Forest, I’ve waved at Miss Liberty a few times. I’ve honked my car horn at her. I’ve even thought about stopping by just to say “hello” to this living, breathing national monument, but I’m afraid that I might inadvertently get corralled into using the tax service she represents, and I really prefer to do my own taxes at home online.
If I did have the chance to stop and converse with Miss Liberty, I would want to commend her for a job well done. It seems to me that her number one assignment is to get people’s attention, and she’s certainly doing a good job of that. Furthermore, I would want to compliment her for seeming to truly enjoy her work. Just think of how many people look upon their job as a drudgery. But here’s a lady that gets up every morning, puts on her greenish Statue of Liberty attire, and dances and smiles and waves to people all day long…even when the wind is blowing and the temperature is in the 30s.
Some people might think “How boring!” But to me it sure looks like she’s having a good time. And because she’s having such a good time, those that pass her way seem to get a little bit of a lift as well.
How could a person stand outside…all day long…in the cold…along a busy roadside…in a silly costume…and be so happy? I don’t know, but it kind of makes you wonder what she’s listening to on those earphones, doesn’t it?
I suppose the question for us is this: When people pass our way, what do they see? Do they see a positive attitude, a pleasant demeanor, a joyful heart...regardless of our immediate circumstances? Or do they see something else? I Peter 3:15 says “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” This statement implies a few things. First, it implies that you are living a life of hopefulness in the midst of some generally less-than-hopeful circumstances. (Hence, people note that your life is different from that of others.) It also implies that you have positioned yourself in proximity to some people that need the hope of Christ in their lives. (In other words, you've not totally isolated yourself from unbelievers.) It furthermore implies that others are not only attracted to your hopefulness but they also sense your approachability. (In other words, people trust you. They feel they can safely and freely come to you without fear of rejection or condemnation and ask you what it is that makes your life so different.)
Some days, the hip-hoppin’ Lady Liberty is joined by a swingin' Uncle Sam who rocks and rolls alongside her in his white goatee, star-spangled duds, and red, white & blue suede shoes. In some instances, Miss Liberty is accompanied by multiple Uncle Sams. When that happens, the assemblage looks kind of like Gladys Knight & her patriotic Pips. At other times, she is joined by additional Lady Liberties, and the whole act takes on the flavor of Diana (Betsy) Ross and the Supremes. On some occasions, the main Miss Liberty has had the day off and they’ve had a substitute Lady Liberty filling in. But it’s just not the same. Nobody moves & grooves quite like the original.
Driving along Piney Forest, I’ve waved at Miss Liberty a few times. I’ve honked my car horn at her. I’ve even thought about stopping by just to say “hello” to this living, breathing national monument, but I’m afraid that I might inadvertently get corralled into using the tax service she represents, and I really prefer to do my own taxes at home online.
If I did have the chance to stop and converse with Miss Liberty, I would want to commend her for a job well done. It seems to me that her number one assignment is to get people’s attention, and she’s certainly doing a good job of that. Furthermore, I would want to compliment her for seeming to truly enjoy her work. Just think of how many people look upon their job as a drudgery. But here’s a lady that gets up every morning, puts on her greenish Statue of Liberty attire, and dances and smiles and waves to people all day long…even when the wind is blowing and the temperature is in the 30s.
Some people might think “How boring!” But to me it sure looks like she’s having a good time. And because she’s having such a good time, those that pass her way seem to get a little bit of a lift as well.
How could a person stand outside…all day long…in the cold…along a busy roadside…in a silly costume…and be so happy? I don’t know, but it kind of makes you wonder what she’s listening to on those earphones, doesn’t it?
I suppose the question for us is this: When people pass our way, what do they see? Do they see a positive attitude, a pleasant demeanor, a joyful heart...regardless of our immediate circumstances? Or do they see something else? I Peter 3:15 says “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” This statement implies a few things. First, it implies that you are living a life of hopefulness in the midst of some generally less-than-hopeful circumstances. (Hence, people note that your life is different from that of others.) It also implies that you have positioned yourself in proximity to some people that need the hope of Christ in their lives. (In other words, you've not totally isolated yourself from unbelievers.) It furthermore implies that others are not only attracted to your hopefulness but they also sense your approachability. (In other words, people trust you. They feel they can safely and freely come to you without fear of rejection or condemnation and ask you what it is that makes your life so different.)
Look around you today. Are there people within your sphere of influence that could be encouraged by a caring attitude, a kind word, and an upbeat, positive, joyful demeanor? Is that what you’re presently projecting to them? Remember, people watch our lives every day. We don’t have to be wearing a costume or standing on a street corner to draw attention to ourselves. People are always watching us, whether we realize it or not.
What are people seeing when they look at you? Do they see the hope of Christ? Do they see a happy heart dancing to the rhythm of God's music deep in your soul? Do people ever look at your life and wonder what frequency you’re tuned into (because they want the same song for themselves)?
Think about that the next time you drive down Piney Forest Road and see Lady Liberty in action. Oh, and by the way, if you've yet to see her, you'd better hurry and do so before April 15th. Because once that day arrives, she’ll be long gone, just like your tax payment. But, wherever she goes after that, I'm sure she'll still be smiling and dancing and enjoying life.
Pastor Danny
