A typical exchange on a cute outfit day:

"That dress is so cute, I love it!"

"Thanks, Old Navy!"

Why?! Why do we do this?! You know it, I know it, it's a natural response when someone compliments us. I've yet to figure out the reasoning or why. We all spit out the name of the store like we're stars on the red freaking carpet. Someone tells me my eye make up looks nice, I respond with the brand of makeup. You tell me you like my shoes, I'll let you know where I got them. Think my bracelet is cute, insert name of boutique.

The funny thing is it isn't even about designer labels or pride. I'll proudly tell you my entire wardrobe probably consists of Old Navy and I love it. I don't care where it came from, I don't think most of us do. It's like we don't want to take credit for looking nice because let's be real I DID NOT "woke up like dis". It took the effort of talented designers who made my waist look tiny, wonderful makeup that elongates my lashes, and stylish stores that supply me with jewelry to accent my look. Yea maybe I put it together but I had nothing to do with the making of it.

And my friends here it is the mic drop moment from the Lord. Whenever someone compliments me on any of those things my immediate response is to acknowledge the maker. And then WHAM God had me. I acknowledge the maker because it was none of my doing.

So, why am I not acknowledging My Creator in such a way?

I'll let that soak in, cause it hit me like a ton of bricks.

When someone compliments me on the things that I know and believe to be the work of the Lord, why am I not responding by pointing back to my true maker. Just like my outfit wouldn't have been made possible without the makers, my life, the things I am good at and the purpose I hold in this world would not be possible without The Creator.

Just the other day I got a compliment from my favorite and most admired professor. She told me I was going to make a wonderful teacher. And my response? "Thanks!" I took all the credit, I soaked in it and patted myself on the back all day. I'm going to be a great teacher, what a great job I've done, what hard work I've put in, what natural talent I have. But guys, really...what a wonderful God I have. Who formed me in the womb and knew at 22 years of age I would walk across a stage to receive a diploma in education for the career he CREATED me for. A career he designed me for. A career that he shaped, modeled, and formed me for. Made in His planned, perfect, image for me. I have no credit to take there, only thankfulness to give.

This article you're reading, sure tell me it's wonderful because now my response moves beyond thanks. Thank you, I believe the Lord has given me a way with words and I'm glad He allows me to use that and to point back to him. Make life about Jesus, acknowledge your Maker.