living loved

“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” – Proverbs 29:25

I worked with a woman a few years ago, whom I adored (still do) who always had a humorous adage, lesson, word, or comment to accompany each conversation whether it be with me, another colleague, or a student. And one of the many things that stuck with me through the years was when in her wise advice to me, she said, “Loni Lou, who gives a hoot?” That simple question stuck with me and became part of my own pithiness when encouraging others to stop thinking and over caring about what others think and focus on what God knows.

Fast forward a few years, and “Who gives a hoot…” has recently become a major part of most recent conversations I’ve had with others. In our social media highlight life, we have become consumed with what others think. Every image, response, caption, etc. must be perfect or emulate perfection or be a posed “candid”. We are a consumed people obsessed over image and what people think of us, our families, our kiddos, ministries, everything.

Someone I love and adore is currently going through something messy and too much for her to handle alone. And while we attempt to comfort, prayerfully guide, and give wise advice, this person is willing to compromise their mental, emotional, and physical health in order to appease those around them who think they know best for her life (based on law and not love). Another young person is so consumed by what their friends think about another friend (who doesn’t participate in “normal” teenage things), they were willing to “unfriend” the other person to appease the others. And a parent I know and love is embarrassed about their kiddos choices in college and career because according to the world’s standards, “that’s not good enough.”

I am guilty as well. Consumed. If we don’t go to church, what will people think? If I respond in emotion before prayer, what will people assume? If my kiddo doesn’t say ‘hi’ or behave like they “should” what will others think/do? If we don’t get into that couples group, what will people think about my hubs? If this fails, what will people think? My weight. My hair. My clothes. My kids. My hubs. My house. Me. My. I.

Friends, who gives a hoot? People are people – desperately in need of a savior and grace. All people need Jesus. And I do, too. Instead of focusing on people, turn your lens back to God. It doesn’t matter what people think – The ONLY thing that matters is what God knows. What does God say about you? The situation? Next steps? There is so much scripture about God testing the heart and not trusting in man. Man is fickle, arrogant, judgmental, and prideful (and full of selfish and (often) misguided advice). God is steady, loving, forgiving, and selfless (and always wise).

A wise owl says, “hoot, hoot,” which is translated (if I speak bird), I trust you, Lord.

Hoot, Hoot…

XOXO, Loni