Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Wednesday February 13, 2008

Jerry Nash, fellow pastor and longtime friend sent a quote to me that I found to be exactly what I need for today. Today, February 13, is the Birthday of the love of my life, Joyce, known to my regular and normal readers as The Great Blonde. We have celebrated many birthdays, actually since she was but a child. It has been and is a good trip.

Jerry's quote is from Maggie, or more formerly, Margaret Thatcher, former Prime Minister of Great Brittan. She was known as a girl that wise world rulers did not mess with and her statement today is good for women and doubly good for men, especially Christians of either gender.

"Being powerful is like being a lady. If have to tell people you are, you aren't."

Being a lady and being a person of inner power is a certain something that emanates and makes its statement without a word being said, certainly no trumpeted announcement, "I am a lady" or "I am a powerful man/woman." I get around quite a bit and meet people on a near daily basis who yearn to be powerful. Preachers, like little boys on the school playground try to let you know of their power by flashing some symbol of supposed power. Salesman by sporting trinkets showing they sold so many whippets. Ordinary business people have the insignia of this or that club and the beat goes on. But people of real power need none of the above. Power literally oozes from them and they usually are not stuck on themselves.

About a year and a half ago I attended a meeting called by New Century Publishers in Indianapolis. Numerous writers and city movers and shakers were at the meeting. One man, dressed simply in business casual, khaki trousers, light blue shirt and blue blazer introduced himself to me. He was a retired military man, had written a couple of books and was helping a group of struggling people learn the craft of writing fiction. I asked the president of New Century about him and he told he as a humble man who really cared and having served his country as a Marine, now wanted to continue a life of service, helping people along the way. I remarked that he "has power." Dave knew what I meant and said, "Larry, that is an understatement." A few meetings later I was told that this retired military man was going to run for Mayor of Indianapolis, against the giant Mayor Bart Peterson. Most folks gave a friendly nod, a forced smile and best wishes. Greg Ballard walked through many humble neighborhoods in Indy and it was as though a king was walking around. He pulled the upset victory of all time and won the mayoral office by a healthy margin.

Why.

He has innate power that comes from within. If you attend an event in the Capital City you will not have to ask; which one is the mayor? Among the most powerful people in this part of the country he will stand out. Simple as that. The quality of what he is on the inside will radiate outward.

These same qualities are evident in all real people. People of influence are totally different than people of true power. Jesus did not operate on the principles of influence, but of inner power. All truly powerful people operate the same way. And so do real ladies ala Margaret Thatcher.

I have watched in wonder as the bride of my youth simply radiates the beauty of Jesus and strangers to our group will pick her out of the crowd, and remark, "That is Mrs. Lilly, isn't it." Yep that's my girl. I never known her to walk up to someone and say, "I am a lady." You just know it.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2008 Use with credit.

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