Healthy Move

Life in the Village is different than anywhere else we have ever lived. People are so friendly it is almost overwhelming. One friend described the Village as “La La Land.” “Once in while you have to get back out into the real world.” she says.



Still we are graciously and enthusiastically greeted by strangers. We have been invited to every form of work out group, games and activities imaginable. When I was approached about attending “Healthy Move” I told my husband these people are trying to kill me. And of course my insecurities kicked in. “Do I LOOK that fat and out of shape?” As it turns out “Healthy Move” is not an exercise group but a newcomers group.





At our first meeting we were asked to say something about ourselves. I was the last person in the group to share. As I listened to all of their wonderful stories I grew more and more insecure. What should I say? Tell them I am a community college drop out? Worse yet, it dawned on me that I was beauty school drop out!



Grease has always been one of my favorite plays. Suddenly one of the songs “Beauty School Dropout.” from the play started twirling in my head. I began thinking about the character Frency from the film this song was built around.

Interestingly all of the characters in the play change their natures in some way; Frenchy is the only one who changed careers. Frenchy was the loving and foolish but very friendly member of the Pink Ladies; dropped out of high school to enter Beauty School; a little light-headed and unsure of what to do. She cares a lot about her appearance. She is genuine.



I like Frenchy spent many years trying to figure out my place in life. I have failed many times. I been through a lot and put myself through even more. I have repeatedly tripped and fallen hard. I have made terrible decisions from which I yet suffer the consequences from.



Short of trying on the pink hair and French inhaling cigarette some, there is much of Frenchy’s character to be admired. She is kind. She is loving. She is a good friend. She is loyal. She is genuine. She has dreams she dares fulfill. She fails. Yet, her nature remains the same.



It is certainly feels safer to hide behind our masks. Our pretense of all is perfect in our world. God has really impressed upon me particularly lately to be open and honest with those around me. It is scary. It is risky. But how are we ever to minister to others hurting and wounded if we don’t admit our failures. How can others learn to trust God in their trials if we do not share how God has graciously restored us?



Lord I pray that we all can be gently used by You. Lord, help us to be as genuine in our walk as Frenchy.







Bless the LORD, O my soul, And forget none of His benefits; Who pardons all your iniquities; Who heals all your diseases; Who redeems your life from the pit; Who crowns you with loving kindness and compassion; Who satisfies your years with good things, So that your youth is renewed like the eagle.

Psalm 103:2-5