Control + alt + delete
A few weeks ago, I had a no good, very bad Friday night. I wrote a TV recap, attempting to burn the midnight oil in a way that would create something both entertaining and informative. I went for an obvious joke mid-way through the recap, finished the piece and published the wondrous creation around 2:00 a.m.
The next morning, I noticed I had two comments on the post. The first one berated me for my insensitive joke.
Wait, what?
I kept reading. Unbeknownst to me, I had inadvertently poked fun at a moment that shouldn’t have been ridiculed. After some quick research, I learned the commenter was right. I apologized for my oblivious moment and immediately ran to edit the post. It took another few hours for the site to refresh with the updated information. I cried about it for several hours. I’ll never know how many people read my insensitive remark, but I am grateful I had the ability to remedy the situation.
Sometimes I wish life had a refresh button. I wish I could go back and re-code how I handled certain situations in the past. I would edit all those times I said something dumb, or hurt someone’s feelings or drank that funny-smelling milk.
Later that week, a dozen or more ladies in my Bible Study arrived at the Star of Hope women’s shelter for our monthly service project where we give the ladies manicures and pedicures. As I looked around, I saw many individuals who would probably love a chance to re-write their story. After serving inside their walls for five years, I can attest that most women there feel hopeless, alone and completely exposed.
How in the world will we ever make a difference?
Then it occurred to me. The “reboot” was happening all around me. We sit at their feet or across the table from them, listening to their stories. We silently pray for them as they unload their burdens. We offer kind smiles and encouragement. We paint their nails girly colors and rub their hands with smelly lotions. From the simple acts, we can show them the love of Jesus.
And how He can make all things new.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
Now that’s what I call a real [control + alt + delete!]
Yes, yes, and yes! I’ve been particularly hard on myself this week, focusing on all the ways I’m failing. Failing myself, my family, and being the person God created me to be. Thanks for the reminder. Here’s to NEW. I’m sure thankful for grace!!
Way to go amy a!
What a great Easter message.
Thank you Jane!
What a great Easter message. Thanks for writing this.
So true…thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading and commenting Jeanette!
I wish the article was a bit more transparent on what you inadvertently insulted.
I still use DOS as well. CTRL + ALT + DELETE for a reboot.
So does my mom!
It’s ok to forgive yourself when you didn’t mean to offend someone – God knows your heart! I was so touched by how you and your bible study women minister to the women at Star of Hope. You are blessing more people by showing them love than you could ever offend with an accidental comment!
Thank you JennShim. We get so much more out of Star of Hope than the women we serve. Those are some strong women!
Great message!
There’s a song that I thought of when I read this.. some of the lyrics that are my favorite are “There’s no place I can go that Your love can’t find me. No place I can hide that You don’t see. When I misunderstand, Your love understands me…..” and I felt this was fitting for this post.
A lot of times it’s much harder for us to forgive ourselves… He has already forgiven us!
The song is “You Don’t Miss A Thing” by Bethel.
Downloading now. Thanks Amanda V!
No problem! Enjoy!
Lincee, anyone who has read your blog over the years knows your good heart and good intentions. We all have those slips of the tongue or light-hearted remarks, in speaking and in writing, that miss their mark and come off wrong. I’m so sorry you cried about it! You bring so much wonderful humor and fun along with sincerity to your writing. Thank you for everything you write. I enjoy it so much. Giving people something to smile about is the best gift of all.
K.D….I couldn’t have said it better myself. Sending hugs your way Lincee.
You too Conbones!
Thank you K.D. I appreciate you taking the time to comment. This made my day.
Oh, I hate it when things like that happen! I enjoy your writing so much because you use your humor to poke fun at lighthearted issues while not being insulting. I feel bad you inadvertenly missed the mark on one of your recaps because that is sooo not like you.
What a wonderful way to serve others like you do at Star of Hope. I am truly inspired by your effort every month and know you really touch these women’s lives in more ways than you’ll probably ever know!
Thank you Colorado Kathleen! This means more than you know.
That is the beauty of God; whether your error is intentional or not, He will always give you a mulligan…
And JennShimm is right — He knows what is in your heart. And so do your loyal readers!
Mulligan. I love it. Thanks Shopgirl!
Thank you! for reminding us of this wonderful message from Christ. For being a fantastic example of Christ’s love and humility. And thank you for being real and transparent. We ALL wish there was a Alt+Ctrl+Del function, more times than we want to admit, but we are about to celebrate the most profound kind of reboot there is: Christ is Risen Indeed!
HE IS RISEN INDEED! Thank you Terri
Lincee, you are a girl who has a heart of gold! God knows our heart and knows our intentions and when we sin He is there to forgive. What a great message that we need to always be alert to what we say and as a Christian we have more people watching us. Have a blessed Easter!
My reboot happens everyday when I talk with God and find His grace freely given to me.
Amen Kim!
Amazing. I’m sorry for your hurting heart last week. People that know you or “internet know” you, know that your heart is not unkind and that is what matters. Love how you are able to teach us through that difficult time and the lesson you shared for us…
I appreciate that Kristin! Thank you.
Lincee, you are the most kindhearted person I have never met! Because you are such a gem something like this would naturally really get you down. Most people would say ‘suck it haters’, but you are always so much better.
I recently zinged my gonna be ex husband (who I recently found out was cheating on me) with a clever, sarcastic and mean spirited comment. It made me feel horrible once I said it, and the last thing I need is to feel worse than I already do! I realized that it was an aberration and not who I am.
You’re a doll, peace be with you…
Thank you Shelley. For sharing such a personal moment. Grace, grace, grace! Thank you Lord for grace!