The Smudge

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

Ash Wednesday is a weird day in New York.

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Because for really the first time during these blistery winter months, you actually look up and see people.

Now, I know…that sounds bad. Like, what the heck? Who is this girl that she just goes around with her head in the clouds, not seeing people?

  
But it’s true. In New York, people commute –read: walk— on a mission. Especially in the winter. You’re bundled up. Hunkered down. And you’re walking with purpose to get to where you need to go, as fast as possible, so you can get in out of the cold.

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Or when you’re on the subway — You listen to your ear phones, look straight ahead, and try not to get in anyone’s way.

Welcome to New York.

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But.

Ash Wednesday is a little different.

Because of a smudge of ash on your forehead.

Maybe it’s curiosity or nosiness, maybe it’s voyeurism, or perhaps a combination of all three, but I find myself looking at people. Really seeing them. Seeing their faces.

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And this really did something to my heart. It convicted me.

I should be truly seeing people everyday.

Yes, the ashes on your forehead mark whether or not you went to church that day…but here’s the truth: regardless of whether we have a silly smudge on our foreheads or not…we are all God’s creation. And each and every man, woman, child, elderly, business man on the subway, mother with three kids in tow, homeless man on the street, teenager at the mall — every single person has an inherent value and dignity simply because of that fact: that they were created by God.

And regardless of a “smudge” or not — we are called to love each other. Show kindness. Compassion. Generosity. To everyone.

We are called to see one another.

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Yesterday was really a wake up call for me. A realization that I need to look up, look into people eyes, and see the precious creation that is in front of me.

Because his or her inherent human dignity demands it.

To love my neighbor as I (am trying/learning) to love myself.

Lastly, walking around yesterday and really seeing the people around me, it made me think about how I saw myself.

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I’ve been very open about my battle with the mirror – first: avoiding it at all costs because my self image reflected the pain my anorexia caused myself and others; and then finally (and more recently): growing to find the beauty inside. But the experience I had today in being intentional with how I looked at each person, reminded me that I need to do the same with myself. Really see the person looking back at me in the mirror. See her worth. Her dignity. Her beauty. Because it’s there. I’m just so accustomed to not look for it. But it’s there. He put it there.

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At the end of the day, it’s just a smudge of ash on our foreheads. And perhaps, I’m not focusing on the point that these ashes remind us that we once were dust, and to dust we shall return. A symbol of humility. A symbol of the full-circle-ness of life and faith.

But this is what was put on my heart today.

Help me to see each person in the compassionate and loving way that He sees each and every one of us: as His precious and beloved children, worthy of His sacrifice.

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

263 thoughts on “The Smudge”

  3. I wish women could see themselves through my eyes. You would see how amazingly beautiful you are, and how what you think are “imperfections”, are actually your uniqueness. You are amazingly wonderful, beautiful, and magnificent, just as God created you to be! Each and every one of you.

      16. It’s like nothing I’ve ever written before. Its pretty outlook on my life that I did not expect to have. This is especially true the more I kept writing. The more I kept writing the more the story of evolved. In actuality if one person is affected by my writing when I’m done my job.

      17. My theory and estimation is you like my writing. So in essence if it so happens to be but you are the only one that likes my writing but I will continue to write because my writing somehow some way puts a smile on your face. Personally that is impact enough for me to keep going. Think on that thought for today.

      18. My friend I have a new blog post coming today that I thinking you might enjoy. The blogpost deals with the top Christian headlines from yesterday to today. The most important subject of how they differ and how they presented today compared to the days of the Bible in the days of Paul the Apostle after his conversion. Be enjoy always my friend you are worthy of being called a child of God. Never forget that you are worthy of being called a child of God. God loves you so much that he gives you bread on your table. He gives you a purpose to breathe that gives you purpose to love the unlovable he gives you purpose.

  6. Great post. I’ve been challenged recently about something similar to ‘seeing’ people. Which is hospitality- not just to people I know, but also to strangers. And this definitely starts with ‘seeing’ people …

    1. Thank you so much. You’re right – seeing people – truly seeing them – is something I definitely have to work on too. Cuz it is so important. It’s the first step to loving people. Thanks for this great reflection!

  7. What an absolutely beautiful, heartwarming post, perfect for this day and every day. Yes, we should all look up at others, look into their eyes, smile and recognise that we are all part of the same world and universe. Thank you again. I loved this.

    1. Thank you so much Miriam! You’re so right- we’re all in the together. And when we see one another and love each other, it makes the world a little bit brighter ☺️❤️thanks for stopping by xox

  9. Reblogged this on msktb and commented:
    2016 is moving about quickly. The next chapter of my narrative has begun. I have forced my own hand which has caused time to morph. Is it standing still? Has it sped up? I’ve lost track of time entirely.

    I overlooked the fact that lent had begun.

    What sacrifice will I make? Well, what resolutions have I have I stuck to? It’s the change that I want to see–the person I want to be. Instead of continuously reflecting; instead of diminishing my own selfworth; instead of making it about me, I will value the relationship that I share with you. I thank God for you! When I see you, but especially when I don’t see you, I value you as God’s child. I will be less angry with the world. I will try harder to value each experience and perspective offered to me. I will practice being a better person. So when we see each other in passing in the street, at work, or in church, we will recognize God’s Love in each other.

    Today, I reblog this as an example of God’s Love working constantly in our lives.

  12. God Bless you with all the amazing things you are in reminding us that we need to get our heads out of our gadgets and see the people in front of us for who they really are and not just what is on our little screen. How beautiful!! I know this is always a gloomy time in NY, weatherwise, as much as where I am as it is in NYC. But you just brought out a beauty of this time, that many forget!! Love it!! 🙂 Hugs!!

    1. Thank you so much Migueltio! ☺️☺️ yes, although our smart phones are links to the world, we can’t forget about the world in front of our noses! Thanks for this thoughtful reflection! Have a great evening!

  13. Beautiful picture. Beautiful post. During mass I sometimes get lost in a feeling of joy or awe. It’s a hard feeling to explain. Does this ever happen to you?

  17. I loved this! No matter where we are, it seems we are all cut off from each other without realizing it. Lent is a great time to be intentional about community.

  19. I was reading “See her worth.” when i had this chocolate wafer roll in my hand and despite trying to ignore the voice, I couldn’t. It said “Your body is not going to be thankful for these chocolate wafer rolls. You ought to eat more healthily” 😐

  21. What a great post, and your thoughts definitely made me realize how easy it is to just ignore the people around us. I’m guilty of it, too. Thank you for such a wonderful reminder of God’s love and to start paying attention to those around us. 🙂

    1. Thank you so much. I really appreciate this thoughtful reflection. I can definitely get caught up in my own world and forget to look around. But you’re right, we are called to love. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love to you xox

  23. Such a wonderful post…and I’m so amazed that you are at this place at your tender age. This: “I should be truly seeing people everyday.” I’ve had that realization after facing trauma 21 months ago, and regret so much the many years I neglected caring, connecting and loving in an authentic way as I bustled about doing life…but not living life. KUDOS that you SEE. and HUGS.

    1. Thank you so much for these wonderful words of encouragement and kindness. I’m sorry that you’ve had to deal with trauma. It sounds like you’ve used that experience for good and have gained a lot of wisdom from it. Thanks for sharing that:) sending so much love and hugs tonight. Thanks for stopping by xx

  25. Once again you have written another inspiring post that makes one think about the subject up close and personal. Everyday we see complete strangers walking in a supermarket or on the streets and we think they could be anybody, but we always never take into account that like ourselves, they came from God as well. Make no mistake, we all know that, but how many of us think about it often? I will admit though that when I am inside a church, it is much easier to think of the thought that they came from God because the building is obviously a house of worship. It is very encouraging that in our everyday cynical world, you can see a lot of beauty as well. Anyway, keep up the great work as always 🙂

    1. Hey John! Aw thanks so much☺️ I agree. It’s easy at church to see god’s fingerprints, but it’s a whole ‘nother ballgame out on the streets! I just pray to be given to eyeballs to recognize his creative genius-both in others as well as myself ☺️ thanks for stopping by and for your thoughtful response and wisdom, as per❤️ hope you have a great weekend John!

  34. Do you make your own quotes or you just Google it? Where on earth do you get all these awesome quotes? I’m thinking of creating a new blog with your inspiring quotes and I’m pretty sure that I will get instant hits (likes) and attract a lot of followers!! And not to mention good traffic too!!😄🙋🗽.(Yes even you can click the blue star like button).

    Is that your dog? 😂It looks really funny, small face with huge round eyes! lol!!

    No doubt GOD has pushed you to create 🔯BeautyBeyondBones🔯

    👑Blessings👑

    1. Hi! Thank you! I’m glad you like my quote art:) I do make up most of the quotes. Not all-Some I get from other places, but a lot are mine. Thanks for the positive feedback:) I do make every single one of the quote art images though – it is quite labor intensive, but I guess it’s kinda like my gift to the readers. I don’t know..a weird way to think about it. But yeah. My only request is that if you do use or repost my images that you link back ☺️ just cuz they’re such a labor of love lol ❤️ but no, sadly that’s not my dog! That little fella I did find on Google 😂 have a great day my friend!

      1. Certainly it’s a gift. Yeah Sure! I will provide all the links to your website. I know how hard it is to edit all the images and even searching the right images for the subject matter is quite labor intensive. Thank you very much and have a nice day, too 💞💞💞

  36. Excellent article! You know, it’s “funny” how things come together sometimes. This message is the second one I’ve read this morning, and I’ve needed them both. . . They also go hand in hand with one another. The first was written by a very real, down-to-earth, authentic man living in Nigeria; https://thesecondbreakdown.wordpress.com/2016/02/12/safe/

    Just thought you might be interested in at least breezing over the article he wrote in and around the same time you wrote the above! All the best to you w/blessings!

  40. I tried to explain this to a minister once: the world crusts our beauty over with dirt. When we finally surrender in love to the Holy Spirit, we turn around to consider the life we left behind. Seeing the world as He sees it, through the connections to the pieces of all of us that are still whole and pure, our heart cries out in compassion for those still carrying the burdens that sin has placed upon them.

    Thank-you, dear ambassador for love.

    1. Thanks for this beautiful reflection, Brian. What a powerful metaphor. You’re so right: God wants to carry our burdens for us. How comforting to know the He does indeed hear our cries and rushes to console is. Thanks for stopping by and for sharing your great insight. Have a great weekend my friend xx

  41. An excellent read. I live in a quiet rural community where everyone smiles, waves and says “hello”. Your description of New York sounds so similar to the once or twice I go to Toronto a year for races, and it always made me sad to see so little interaction.
    Each of these humans have such great worth as part of God’s creation, and as small and insignificant it may have been, I did try to make a difference, and put a smile on someone’s face. Thank you for sharing. 🙂

    1. Thank you so much Carl! And what a difference that is – even if small- very impactful. I’m originally from the Midwest, so when I first moved to the city, I’d be like nodding and smiling at people when I’d go out for a jog – and I quickly came to learn that people just don’t do that here. It’s really quite sad. Thanks for reading! Have a great day!

  42. I love your posts well done. I,m a prairie boy, I grew up in a town where you knew most everybody and you were expected to wave to and greet and acknowledge most everybody. What a shock to move to the city and be so ignored all the time. You are very beautiful, and what is most beautiful about you is your transparency. You are allowing yourself to be seen and not just the smudge on your forehead but the smudges on your soul as well, I deeply appreciate that transparency. It is what makes your posts so meaningful.. Thank You.

    1. Hey Jack. Wow I am so humbled and touched by your kindness. Thank you. Yes, moving here from the Midwest was definitely a change. But even though I may have had to “learn” NYC’s “interaction” etiquette, I’ve also learned a lot of other things too–beneficial things: independence, self-assurance, confidence, gratitude for relationships…it’s a double edged sword. Thanks for bringing a smile to my face this morning! Hugs!

  44. Beautiful post and thanks for giving me something to think about. I may not live in NY (though I would love it for a while), I also can just go thru my day and not really “see” anyone either. Not see their pain or hurts or pay attention at all. Thanks again! I will keep my eyes open today!

    1. Gosh, thank you so much Kristy. Yes, especially with all of the distractions today from TV, smart phones, busyness, jobs, school, chores, LIFE – it’s easy to get caught up in it all. Definitely guilty of that myself! Thanks for this beautiful reflection! Hugs to you xox

  45. words can not express how much your words mean to me, how much you to me, I love your main photo for this post, you look so beautiful in it, I believe the first full photo i’ve seen of you, you are such an incredible, caring, kind, inspiring, beautiful human being, friend and sister <3 x. I miss our gasbagging (Long chats) :D. love the word smudge, it could be my nickname for you 😀 x.
    Love you so much Sister xxx

  46. Beautifully written (as always)! I used to live in New York briefly and have spent many years in other cities, so I know what you mean by looking right past people on a regular basis. It wasn’t until I moved to the Midwest that I started looking people in the eyes and smiling. I think my recovery is increasing my capacity for empathy and my curiosity about others, seeing their humanity and dignity, but what you described about seeing my own dignity… Well, those words struck me, because I still shun the mirror and won’t pose for photographs. I’m not looking at myself that way. I focus so much of my prayer asking for help being less judgmental of others, but I don’t spend much time asking for help seeing myself with the COMPASSIONATE eyes of Christ (usually, I ask for help with seeing my faults more clearly).

    Whew! This is a really lengthy response. Basically, I just wanted to say, “Thank you!”

    1. Thank you Lulu! Oh my gosh what a powerful reflection. I am clapping and giving you a standing ovation right now! You’re so right- we have to ask for Him to help us see ourselves with compassion. I definitely need to do that❤️ thanks for being such a great supporter and friend. Have a lovely weekend!

      1. Oh, thank you. I’m blushing. Have a wonderful weekend. I hope you find yourself with friends and family you love on Valentine’s Day and are able to take some time to treat yourself especially well and practice some self-love on Valentine’s Day.

  48. Hello, I love your message in this post and the positive messages in some of your accompanying posters which have spoken to my heart. Thank you for sharing your heart.

  49. Yet another awesome post! I love it. I do remember Ash Wednesdays in Miami. Kind of the same idea you describe here. I could curl up with a cup of tea and read through your posts all day (if I had the time of course…lol). But for now I will be grateful for what I can get…Thank you so much for your inspiriting posts. I love seeing how you touch so many people. Blessings.

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