Days have gotten extremely hot here in Ethiopia. The sun has increased it's intensity.
Several times ... I've been stuck in traffic with the sun blazing down and I can feel myself getting burned as I sit and smolder.
And it's had me longing for SHADE ... a place in the coolness.
My first several years living in Ethiopia, I loved the year round fall like temperatures and the months and months of sun. I would walk everywhere and sit outside to grade papers on rooftops. I loved seeing the hot peppers roasting on the ground and the big birds flying in the pretty blue skies.
Many people here carry umbrellas to provide shade from the sun, and for a long time... I always found this humorous.
But the sun's intensity is not comfortable like before... so the shade now is needed and desired by many, EVEN ME.
And this kind of shade is GOOD.
But there's also "BAD" shade.
I always thought the phrase "throwing shade" sounded funny... but unfortunately it's not funny... when "shade" is thrown on you.
"Throwing shade" means to "disrespect or ridicule something or someone, verbally or non-verbally." The talk or action is shady. It can be gossip or trash talking someone.
Has anyone ever "thrown shade" on you? How did you respond?
I think as you get older in life, you realize, shade will be thrown on you at some point. It's just the nature of humanity. Also if you're a follower of Jesus, we're actually told to expect it.
Don't be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through as if something strange were happening to you. Instead, be very glad- for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering (1 Peter 4:12-13)
"I am sending you out like a sheep among wolves... Be on your guard... the student is not above his Master...if they talked about me they will about you too..." (Matthew 10: 16-17; 24-25).
Yet when shade is thrown, even if you're told to expect it, it can feel like a knife in the back. Anger and hurt can grow. Your integrity feels under siege. You want to get offended. You want to hit back. You want to defend yourself. Yet, it's so important in these moments ... to get alone with God so He gives you perspective.
In the Bible, Jesus is our best example of someone who had shade thrown on Him. He was unjustly accused and questioned and condemned. Yet, He sought His Father's Will and perspective, though all of heaven's armies were at His disposal to refute people's doubt and accusations. Yet, He showed restraint and silence...
When the leading priests and elders made their accusations against Him, Jesus remained silent (Matthew 27:12)
When Jesus was accused, He gave no answer (Matthew 26:63).
Jesus did what I believe we are also to do when accused...we are to follow God's leading. And if none is given, silence is best.
God helped Jesus respond the right way! He can do the same for us.
I think we have to think about ...WHY do people "throw shade" on others? Why do we?
There are several possibilities..
It could be a lack of understanding; maybe you've been hurt; maybe you feel insecure; maybe it's pride.
There are many many reasons for someone to throw shade. We are tempted to all the time if we admit it. We tend to speak before thinking and get emotional.
Yet Jesus didn't take offense to the actions against Him but actually offered people compassion and grace, even praying for them!
"Father forgive them, they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
Our humanity will respond aggressively and defensively when we are wronged. We can easily internalize offense until it poisons us. But God can help us respond as Jesus did.
First -we have to keep in God's presence. To be in this shade and rest ... brings identity and peace and joy and hope and love for others. God offers us refuge in Him and good shade. When people accuse, we are at peace and rest in the shadow of God....
In the shadow of your wings, I will take refuge Psalm 36:7
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty (Psalm 91:1)
You have been a shade from the heat (Isaiah 24:4-5)
In the day of trouble, He will keep me safe in His dwelling (Psalm 27:5)
The Lord is your protector, He is there to shade you (Psalm 121:5)
But even with that protection, we can expect "hits" to come and "shade" to be tossed towards us.
But at these times, we don't have to be surprised. We can be ready and respond the right way.
The Bible tells us how...
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Always consider others as better than yourself. (Philippians 2:3)
Get rid of all bitterness, anger and rage, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:31-32).
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28).
Every careless word you speak, you will be held accountable for (Matthew 12:36).
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen (Ephesians 4:29).
Your words can bring life or death (Proverbs 18:21).
Keep a clear conscience, so that those who slander you may be put to shame by your good behavior in Christ (1 Peter 3:16).
As we continue to live and work where God places us...may we stay in the "shade" and "shelter" of God.
When bad "shade" is thrown on us, may we rest under the shadow of God in silence and let Him give us right perspective and right action. The world is watching.
Onward!
Praises and Prayer Requests
-It's been an honestly rough reentry back into Ethiopia. My work changed up a bit unexpectedly which brought stress. I'll share more soon. My work permit - residence visa was a huge challenge... but it should finish this week. I'm so thankful for the chance to continue to live here and work here and serve in whatever way God sets up. Not my will, but His be done!
-Prayers needed for the way ahead as my new work becomes more clear and that I'll be right where God wants me to be!
-Big praise for good health for me and my family in USA! May God continue to keep us safe.
How can pray for you?
When "bad shade" is thrown at us, may we respond well and love others as we are loved!
Life is a gift and God can use us where we are to shine for Him!
