THE SIZE OF A SOUL
I remember the old adage quite well from before the days of full height and face hair. In case you’ve forgotten the old adage, consider this a reminder. One of the first times I ever heard it used was in reference to a kid who went to our church and was around four years older than me and in high school.
The kid was making a name for himself on the basketball court, even though he was short by basketball standards. That was good news to a short point guard on the junior high’s team at the time… I overheard a couple of the elderly ladies at church having a conversation about that kid, who was a nice guy by the way.
I’m not sure the elderly ladies had a clue about basketball, but they were passing on the news they’d learned… I’ve heard elderly ladies in churches are good at that… They were older so I assumed wise. Yes, there was a short time in my life that I did have innocence.
I eavesdropped on the elderly ladies as they were talking about the kid’s game… I’ve heard kids in churches are good at that…
“You know what they say, don’t you?” the generous cheeked woman asked the more frail church pew companion.
“What’s that?” she bit.
“They say dynamite comes in small packages!” They both giggled in appreciation as I pondered the adage briefly before putting two and two together.
Turns out when that kid latched onto his growth spurt he didn’t let go. Last time I saw him he was a lean giant. At least he was from my height back then.
I wasn’t as disappointed as I was surprised that I ended up the shortest of my dad and brothers. But I learned long before my youngest put another adage to work she learned from a preschool teacher, the truth in it, “You get what you get and you don’t throw a fit.”
I ponder some of the heroes in our culture who are blessed physically. Giants that move like lightning and are strong enough to move cars with their hands, and backs. Impressive to be sure. Their abilities are worthy of note, but the measure of a person when defining their lives can’t be measured by a plain ole number.
I remember learning about a war hero that I watched in black and white re-runs on TV as a kid named Audie Murphy. Although relatively small, especially by today’s standards, his bravery was beyond measure. Tough to the core, the core of his soul. Only God that made the heart and soul can measure the size of it.
I’m reminded too of the history recorded in the Bible of heroes and what God said about them. Such as Samuel regarding David compared to his brothers, “…. people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at their heart.” (partial NIV)
David’s brothers looked like kings. David was still a lad, but God knew the size of his soul.
Those of us chosen by our Father know that He created our souls and doesn’t care a lot about the way our soul cage looks. He cares about our souls and the capacity of those that He’s designed in us to change the world according to His good will.
Friends, let not your eyes be deceived. Only God can measure the size of a soul.
Sharon
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 11:03 am
Wonderful post, Floyd. I am also the shortest person in my family at 5’4″. I’ve spent my whole life *vertically challenged*. I got teased about it a lot growing up, and was very self-conscious about it. But, it’s one of the few things that you just cannot change, right?!
Perhaps it’s for that reason that I love the story of Zaccheus – another person short of stature. However, that did not stop him from seeking the Lord with all of his abilities. And of course, Jesus saw him.
Is this not the true measure of a soul? The extent to which it is yielded to the Lord? Nothing else really matters. So, with every inch of my 64 inches, I am striving to serve my Lord as a faithful servant. May God measure me and find me standing tall…
GOD BLESS!
Floyd
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 5:28 pm
Awesome and wise words, sister! May He measure all of with His grace and may we be found full of His measure! You have the greatest attitude, Sharon! Thanks!
tcavey
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 2:12 pm
I’m so glad God uses the least of us. None of us are beneath His attention and love. What an awesome God we serve!
Great post.
Floyd
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 5:32 pm
Funny how we are at our best when we see ourselves as the smallest. Our Father is amazing like that, isn’t He? “Who is first will be last and who is last will be first.” It’s coming into focus. Awesome He is, TC. Thanks, my successful authored friend!
tcavey
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 6:14 pm
This publishing thing certainly makes me feel small and I’m so thankful for it causes me to rely upon our Lord more and more. So thankful, it’s all for His glory!
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:34 pm
You have the great attitude, TC. I appreciate your humility. It brings honor to our Father and your work.
Bill (cycelguy)
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 2:59 pm
perfect reason “beauty is only skin deep.” We too easily lose sight of that. We should never cut short the power of a person’s heart.
Floyd
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 5:33 pm
With you there completely, Bill. It’s the things that we can’t see that are always the most powerful. The senses betray us. Thanks, Bill.
Pam
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 5:53 pm
We were just talking about this very subject in Bible Study this evening, Floyd. We were discussing the non-importance of how one dresses to come to church. It’s really about the heart for worship that they bring.
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:07 pm
Amen, Pam. The brand of clothes means little in our Father’s economy. Good call, Pam. Thanks.
Rick Dawson
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 6:19 pm
All of my sons are taller than I, as I was taller than my dad after my growth spurt. Height – or any other attribute – only tells the story it can.
Appearances – at the dinner table tonight, we talked about 2 Timothy 3:1-5, and went on from there to the division into two classes of barnyard critters. Save me from being captured by appearances, Lord – He does, and He has. Yours. Mine. It isn’t what (or who) you look like, but who you are in God’s eyes that matters.
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:09 pm
Yes, sir, Rick. Well said, brother, and with conviction and compassion. I always have loved that attribute you have! Thanks, Rick.
Betty Draper
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 7:14 pm
Love the thought that God knows the size of my soul and will continue to grow it as I allow. I so remember when Ace and I were praying about being dorm parents in Bolivia. Only a God who knew our hearts would use us, it looked beyond our limitations and just ask us to step out in faith. Never been sorry. Each step of faith expands our hearts. Good post brother.
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:11 pm
That’s a great example, Betty. How amazing our Father allows our world to become when we move forward in faith. You have been so blessed in so many ways through that faith. Blessings to you and all of yours as the blessings and answer to prayers continue! Thanks, Betty.
Voni
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 10:27 pm
Well, duh…only the God who made the soul can truly know it. Sometimes we even surprise ourselves. But never God. I am so glad God knows what’s in my soul and pray I remember daily I cannot truly know what’s in someone else’s soul.
By the way…I’m 4’6″. 🙂
Blessings,
Voni
Voni
Wednesday, April 9, 2014 @ 10:28 pm
Enjoyed this post, Floyd. Thanks!!
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:16 pm
Thanks so much, Voni. And I won’t be crackin’ any short jokes either… !
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:15 pm
I’m with you, there, Voni. I’m not about to be able to know the heart and soul of a person by what they look like! And by the way, you’re living proof that dynamite does indeed come in small packages! Thanks, Voni.
Barb Raveling
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 2:57 am
I love the fact that God cares more about our insides than our outsides. It makes me feel cherished! Beautiful post, Floyd!
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:17 pm
Me too, Barb. It brings peace within to know we are loved. Thanks, Barb.
David Rupert
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:43 am
“. people look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at their heart.” has always been the most sobering verse in all of Scripture to me. Because I’m good with words, I can talk my out of and into just about anything. And I’ve used that gift to manipulate, lie, and twist circumstance to my own benefit. But God, he is not fooled.
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:20 pm
We must be trudging the same path, David. We even try to fool and lie to ourselves, but not for long. The long and sovereign hand of our Father catches us like He did Jonah. Thanks, David. I appreciate your honesty, brother.
June
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 8:00 am
“Only God that made that heart and soul can measure it.” A good word, brother. In this day, when a mass shooting or stabbing is in the news about once a week, it is becoming increasingly more difficult and, in some cases, unwise to {blindly} trust your fellow man. I struggle to balance judgement {i.e. judging someone by their outward appearance} against wise “profiling” of a person and situation. God tells us to be wise as serpents and as innocent as doves, so I know it can be done.
PS I just went back and read the other comments – and see that I’m “out of the ballpark” as usual with my own thoughts. But this is what came to mind when I read your post, so I’ll submit it anyway, lol
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:21 pm
NO! I like it! You bring up a good point, June! Not judging someone has nothing to do with letting them harm us or our family. That verse nails it down to the ground better than gravity! Excellent point! I like the way you think, sister!
Hazel Moon
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 10:44 am
What is the measure of a man/woman, but to have a clean, gentle, loving and large heart. As height is after shrinking a bit, I am about 5’3″ and in Jr High, I would have been the shortest girl in my grade except for Lei Lei who was a midget. I am so happy that God does look at our heart and not our height! This post is awesome and will appear Tuesday at “Tell Me a True Story.” http://letmetelluastory.blogspot.com/
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:23 pm
I hear you on the subject of shrinking. I’ve done some dumb things in my life that has speeded up the process! But our Father knew it all before any of us were born! Thanks so much, Hazel. I’m always honored to get to share at your wonderful site!
Jason Stasyszen
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 12:09 pm
Just going to say, “amen.” Always a great reminder. Thank you, Floyd.
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:24 pm
Thanks, Jason. We all need a reminder, and sometimes I have to remind myself!
Ceil
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 2:21 pm
Hi Floyd! Did you see on TV the story about people flipping the Smart cars? That’s what I was reminded of when you were talking about how we see the outward strength.
Thank goodness God sees more than my ‘outside.’ So many people in this world make it their mission to make everyone else feel small. But we are not. We are all children of God, and very precious and BIG!
Genes are a funny thing. I am the shortest of my three sisters myself. But as I said, I’m big on the inside 🙂
Blessings,
Ceil
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:27 pm
I didn’t see that but I heard about it just yesterday! Our strong is like comparing an ant to the sun, even less, when it comes to fathoming the strength of our Father. And I agree, with Him in us we are Big! You might be small, but your heart is enormous, Ceil! Thanks, sister.
Betty Jo
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 4:02 pm
My siblings and I were all fairly short. And what did this one want to be when she grew up? A basketball star; of course! LOL My oldest son is very short. He used to stand in front of the full length mirror when just a little tyke and ask me, “Mama, do you think I’ll grow today!” Used to break my heart. I often told him, “Dynamite comes in small packages son!” Now this is truly aging us, but I loved Audie Murphy too! It is truly a relief that God looks on our heart, not our height or heroism, for that matter. Another awesome, thought provoking post Brother Floyd.
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:29 pm
I love this story about your son! “Dynamite comes in small packages, son!” Our true stories are the best in my book! Boy, you can tell so much so fast like that. What wonderful memories you have, Betty Jo… and an awesome family! Blessings to you and all of them. Thanks!
Chuck Allen
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 5:13 pm
At 6’2″ I can’t complain about height, but I totally agree with you that real stature is a matter of the heart.
For some reason my 2nd son, the middle child, can’t wait until he is taller than me. And while I haven’t admitted it to him yet, I think he’s gonna catch me pretty soon.
Floyd
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 6:31 pm
And no one will be prouder of him that you, Chuck! I know your kids are learning about the things in this life that measure up to the most. Thanks for sharing that about your son, Chuck. I so appreciate the real life things that drive home the points better nails. Bless you and all your family, Chuck!
Ngina Otiende
Thursday, April 10, 2014 @ 9:57 pm
“God knew the size of his soul.”..Too often we think we can tell the size of even our own souls. I am grateful He alone has the tape-measure and is not moved by wrong math 🙂 Wonderful thoughts, thanks for sharing.
Floyd
Friday, April 11, 2014 @ 7:42 pm
Good word, Ngina. His math is perfect and beyond comprehension! Thanks, Ngina. God bless you, sister.
Caleb Suko
Friday, April 11, 2014 @ 9:35 am
I think sometimes we get glimpses of the size of a persons soul when we see them taking faithful action in situations where no one else is willing to act.
Floyd
Friday, April 11, 2014 @ 7:43 pm
Yep, that’s the fruit, Caleb. Good call, brother. Actions speak louder than cheap words!
Dolly@Soulstops
Friday, April 11, 2014 @ 10:37 am
Floyd,
So true…we can’t measure the size of a person’s soul or courage simply by his/her physical size…and thankfully, unlike our physical height, God can always grow our soul to be more like His in character as we cooperate with Him…your description of “generous cheeks” made me chuckle…precious 🙂
Floyd
Friday, April 11, 2014 @ 7:45 pm
Good call on the soul growing, Dolly. This is such a great thing to contemplate! Glad to give you a chuckle. Makes me smile! Thanks, Dolly.
Jennifer Dougan
Friday, April 11, 2014 @ 6:12 pm
Hi Floyd,
“God knows the size of our soul” — that’s a new way of saying, he looks at the heart. Fun. 🙂 My husband has always loved that story of God choosing David.
Thanks for your comment on my post “What You Didn’t Know You Knew.” I’m so thankful you find rest there, and in my words. Thanks for that!
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Friday, April 11, 2014 @ 7:46 pm
Thanks, Jennifer. Your husband and I probably have much in common, well, wishful thinking on my part! And yes, your posts are wonderful and your prose makes me want to come over for a cup of coffee with you and your hubby.
child of God
Saturday, April 12, 2014 @ 7:24 pm
Good things come in small packages. 🙂
When my dad wanted to marry my mom and give her an engagement ring he knew his funds will very little so he decided to pull a trick on mom. He went to the jewelers and picked out a huge zirconia stone ring which was pretty cheap and asked the jeweler to show this to his bride to be when he brought her in. The next day he brought my mom into the jewelry story and the jeweler showed my mom this beautiful, big diamond ring. My mom took one look at it and thought to herself, “That must cost a fortune! There is no way I can be so greedy.” She turned to the jeweler and said, “My that is beautiful but I have always wanted a little diamond.” Then she proceeded to choose one of the smallest diamond rings there and it turned out to be one of the expensive ones, because it was a real diamond with a perfect cut to it. My dad tried to convince my mom to he wanted to buy her the big stone but she down right refused to have it and insisted on the little one. Dad bought her the little stone and didn’t tell her his scheme until after they were married. My mom just looked at him and said, “Well, I guess it is true that good things come in small packages!”
Blessings brother, I LOVE your story!
Floyd
Sunday, April 13, 2014 @ 8:00 am
That’s a great story! Funny how that old adage conjures up so specific of memories in all of us. I’ll use this as a reminder to cherish the things in life that get so easily overlooked and taken for granted. That’s a story to pass down to your kids! Blessings to you and all of yours, sister. Hope it’s warming up for you up north.
Dan Black
Wednesday, April 16, 2014 @ 10:53 pm
Amazing post and reminder. It’s not what’s on the outside that counts but what’s on the inside! God judges the heart (inner life) while people often judge the outward appearance. It’s something we all should remember.
Floyd
Thursday, April 17, 2014 @ 4:37 pm
Couldn’t agree more, Dan. We get to hung up on what we can see and that’s when our senses actually betray us. It’s a wise person that seeks the heart of others first. Thanks, Dan.
Dan Black
Friday, April 18, 2014 @ 12:54 pm
Amen!
Joanne Norton
Saturday, April 19, 2014 @ 6:12 pm
AMEN!! You did it again. Made me laugh. I was the shortest in my family when my sisters finally grew up. Mom and Dad were just over 6’…which for my Mom was very unusual back in those years as a teen in high school. My sisters all ended up 2-5″ taller than me. And when you talked about David and Audie Murphy, you got me grinning. YES, the Lord knows the spirit and that’s what counts. Our height, etc., doesn’t count for eternity. The other does. AND that’s what I “count” on, especially as my age-thing is kicking my tail and my brain. This was a good one to read and a good one for you to share. Thank you so much.
Floyd
Monday, April 21, 2014 @ 6:18 pm
I’m with you on the size of our soul. I know enough to know that while you might not be as tall as your sisters, your heart is grand, sister. Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Always enjoy your style, Joanne. There’s only one you! Thanks!