As a writer, I enjoy observing all things. I try to recall my surveillances when I am depicting characters and situations. There was a time when I fixated on people’s noses. I realized that the nose is an unappreciated organ. Not only can it whiff culinary pleasures, but we can also smell our abiotic surroundings. Whether it’s foul or sweet, your nose is all over it. What’s more, your snout can sense emotions. Like the old TV detective who says, “I can smell fear …” Well, he can.
According to the Ask a Biologist website from Arizona State University, “When your nose smells something, it tells the brain about what it is smelling. The nose talks a lot with the limbic system, which controls your memory and emotions. The olfactory bulb that recognizes smells is part of the limbic system, the part of the brain that deals with emotion, memory, and feelings. When you smell things, the olfactory bulb talks to the rest of the system, allowing your brain to connect the smell and what you’re feeling or experiencing.”
I remember walking into an office at work and having an older man turn his nose at me. I had showered that day, wore a pleasant but not overpowering body spray, and pulled together a snazzy outfit (at least in my opinion). What’s to scrunch your nose over?
I approached him to ask a question, and again, he sneered at me. The person curtly answered my question. When I turned to leave, he said under his breath, “Have a good Christian day.” Surprised, I turned and thanked him. He walked away, mumbling to himself.
Second Corinthians 2:14-16 says, “But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumphal procession in Christ, and manifests through us the aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place. For we are a fragrance of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing; to the one an aroma from death to death, to the other an aroma from life to life.” (LSB)
To my colleague at work, I reeked of death to him, not my death, but his own. I was a reminder that the sin he enjoyed insulted Christ. The more he relaxed his conscience, the more comfortable he became with the aroma of impending death emanating from his life. I’ve had similar situations with family members who reject “everything Christian.” Although rejection is harsh, I understand that it isn’t me personally that they’re rejecting. It was the Savior I represented.
The opposite happened the other day when retrieving a quote for auto insurance. Before giving me a dollar amount, the agent said, “Wait, are you associated with any organizations? Clubs, colleges, etc.” I didn’t think so. When he asked what college I attended, I said The Master’s University in Newhall. He gasped and said, “I knew it!”
What? He said nothing further but told me as an alumnus, I enjoyed discounts with certain businesses and gave me a discount. There must’ve been something in my speech that identified my conversation as a believer.
Again, the other day, I was at the Optometrist picking out new glasses and started chatting with the technician. During our conversation, he asked what college I received my degree from, and I told him of the Master’s. Before I could say anything further, he said, “I know that college. Huh?” The man was not unpleasant but seemed to soften and become more amicable.
I don’t know if I “whiffed” of life to those two gentlemen, but there was something about the knowledge of my belief that softened them and gave them the desire to serve me. It was a blessing on my end.
As Christians, we represent our triumphal Savior who, one day, will return and collect his followers, and to the rest, they will face judgment that will lead to an eternity of suffering. It’s hard to realize that our loved ones carry a foul smell of death. It’s heart-wrenching.
Let’s face it: the world is watching us. We carry the banner for Christ or suppress it by conforming to societal norms and diminishing grace’s sweet aroma.
So, do you smell? You’ll know by how people react to you.
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Hey friends, I want to tell you about my new Children’s book that came out this week. It’s called, Gigi’s Surprise Prediction. Here’s a quick description: Gigi’s Surprise Prediction follows the heartwarming journey of a lesser-known groundhog named Gigi. With dreams of stealing the spotlight from the famous Punxsutawney (punk/sue/taw/nay) Phil on Groundhog Day, Gigi invents a naughty plan that takes an unexpected turn. Gigi learns that honesty and kindness shine brighter than any spotlight. Join Gigi in this charming tale of friendship, forgiveness, and the value of telling the truth.
Both digital and paperback versions are available on Amazon under the name Liz Vega.
Click here to purchase. Thank you!
A Tree Firmly Planted 