The TWO-P’s! … Hello weekend readers. I have been musing on two words: posture and perspective for my daily life and my spiritual life. Posture reminds us to stand up, do what is right yet be kind. Perspective is a way of viewing-understanding-interpreting, kind of like a mental “point of view” where obstacles are not just our struggles, but as opportunities for spiritual growth and deeper purpose. So, let’s dive into the “Two-P’s!”

An old saying “A change in your posture means a change in your perspective.” These two words are like identical twins! Posture controls systems from a developmental perspective. Posture actually says a lot about your confidence thus your perspective is more heightened. I can remember growing up with my not-always-kind-grandma. She would loudly shout at us “Would you please stand up straight and don’t slouch!” That’s when I wanted to put a finger in my ear! Later on, I realized why this meant so much to her. She had scoliosis and was always hunched over. She didn’t want us to live that way. She was in pain all the time. I think I can say “My grandma had a good perspective” and that was her love for us.

Posture and Perspective are also part of our spiritual life. For instance: ‘The enemy wants to keep you hunched over so you never get a glimpse of what God wants to do in your life.’ No wonder my grandma didn’t want her twin grand-daughters to live that way! So how do we keep the enemy away? First, we learn to recognize his lies so we don’t, we’ll get sucked in. We need the determination to stand up straight-you’ll be amazed at the outcome! Here’s that old saying again, “A change in your posture means a change in your perspective.”

The Apostle Paul told the people in Ephesus when they were often attacked: “For this reason, you must take up God’s complete armor. Then, when wickedness grabs its moment, you’ll be able to withstand, to do what needs to be done, and still to be on your feet when it’s all over.” Ephesians 6:13 (NTFE)

Christine Caine is an author and bible teacher. She and her husband Nick have a foundation called A21-an anti-human trafficking organization dedicated to abolishing injustice in the 21st century. Christine was trafficked as a child and that’s why they wanted to change that for others. Their strong faith gives them the ability to take on this dangerous job! They have helped thousands of survivors of human trafficking: children, young people-even old people for 18 years and still going. They’ve identified over 1000 children in dangerous operations and provided comprehensive care to survivors across multiple countries. Many folks say “but isn’t it so dangerous what you are doing?” They tell them that they weren’t sure if they were qualified for something like this, but—as they learned to take a stand in God’s truth and strength, their posture changed along-side with their perspective—and that’s when they knew that God was constantly by their side—helping the loss and keeping them alive as well!

If we want a posture and perspective in our life, we have to work for it. It doesn’t just show up! We need to look to God and his purposes for our lives and follow what he wants for us. We find our limitations become opportunities to share the love of God. We find our “posture standing up straight” and, through the lens of God’s perspective we stand firm in the real truth which has changed us beyond what we could ever imagine!

Remember “A change in your spiritual posture means a change in your perspective.” And think about this: how would your perspective change if you took your stand in God’s truth and embraced who you are—a beloved child of God? Think about it, AMEN.