Not Just a Car Story: A Mirror for the Soul
Odette
So just the other day…I marched myself into the hair salon like, “Help me, please!” because listen—ya girl is officially over being her own stylist. I’ve been out here battling with “nanny” plaits, bonnets, and deep conditioners like it’s a full-time job. Enough is enough!
So there I was, legs swinging back and forth in the salon chair, enjoying my purple Crocs, and I happened to glance out the window. And boom… There it was. My car. Just sitting there, “staring” back at me like, “Yeah girl, you did that.” For a moment, I zoned out and started reflecting on all the things, the sacrifices, the saving, the stress, and how excited I was when I finally got my car. I even remembered picking out the name like it was a baby or something. Now keep in mind, I’ve had this car for about 5 or 6 years, but anyway, while I’m sitting there, still swinging my legs in those fabulous purple Crocs, just staring out at my car like it's an old friend, I started thinking… whew! She’s starting to look a little rough. The paint’s peeling, the top feels like sandpaper, there are a few dents and scratches here and there—basically, she’s been through some things. Life has lifed her a bit, okay? But God is Good!
From the outside, someone might look at my car and think, “It’s not too bad, but it could use a paint job.” And they wouldn’t be wrong, the wear is starting to show. But when you step inside, it’s a different experience. It’s clean, it smells decent, except for the occasional ride with Riley, and everything works just as it should. The AC blows cold, and the engine runs smoothly. P.S. A gentle reminder: take care of your car, and it’ll take care of you. Regular maintenance and a little intention go a long way in keeping it running well for years to come. It’s not just about appearance; it’s about preserving what still has value.
I know some of you Bloomers are probably wondering, “Okay, Azalea… where exactly are you going with this? Are we really sitting here reading a whole reflection about your car? No, I’m not just talking about my car. I’m talking about us humans. How quickly we are to judge based on what we see on the outside. We form opinions rooted in appearances or the image someone presents, rarely stopping to consider what’s going on beneath the surface.
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve had my fair share of moments where I judged someone too quickly, only to realize later that I was completely off. And then there were times I just had to laugh at myself, realizing it was all a façade from the start. The truth is, sometimes we’re drawn to people or even choose to keep them around not because of who they truly are, but because of how they look in our lives. How they fit the image we want to project. And it’s not just with people, we do it with things too, like a car. If it looks polished and shiny on the outside, we assume it’s in perfect shape… even if the inside is falling apart.
It’s the same way in today’s society, so much of it is driven by perception. How does this person make me look? Do they fit into the lifestyle I’ve curated online? Even if they treat us poorly or don’t add any real value to our lives, we sometimes keep them around just for the image. But the truth? That never lasts. Eventually, the cracks start to show, especially when your heart’s not in it. It becomes clear that the concern was never about connection, but about control… about how you look, not how they feel.
But we can’t live like that, not if we want anything real. At some point, we have to stop asking, “Do they look good next to me?” and start asking, “Does this feel safe? Is there peace here? Is there truth? Can I be myself?” Because in the end, what’s inside, just like with that car, matters far more than what shines on the outside. But here’s the thing: you have to be able to discern these things. And you have to protect yourself at all costs.
Please understand, this isn’t just about romantic relationships. This goes for all the “ships” in your life, especially friendships. Do they call you out on your foolishness, even when you don’t want to hear it? Are they your mirror, the one who lovingly reflects the truth to you, even when it’s hard? Do they pray for you when you don’t have the strength to pray for yourself? Are they there when you need them, not just when it’s convenient? Do they let you vent, cry, release, sometimes for hours, and never get tired, never judge, just hold space for you? Those are the questions that reveal what’s real. Not the aesthetics. Not the image. But the heart.
As I stop my rambling… I'm reminded of two powerful scriptures. The first, Proverbs 31:30, says, "Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain‚” And the second, 1 Samuel 16:7, reminds us that "The Lord does not see as man sees. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." While Proverbs 31:30 speaks specifically about a woman, the deeper truth in both verses stretches far beyond gender. They serve as a reminder that charm can mislead, and outward beauty is temporary. Whether it's a person, a friendship, a relationship, or even a lifestyle, what matters most is what lies beneath the surface.
Because true happiness doesn't come from how something looks-it comes from how it feels, how it supports you, how it brings peace, and how it aligns with your soul.
- Substance over shine.
- Truth over image.
- Depth over display.
That's where real value and lasting happiness live.
Reflective Question
“When God looks beyond the surface of your life, past the polish, past the presentation, what does he see? Are you surrounded by what nourishes your soul, or simply what pleases the eye?
”
P.S. If you know someone good at paint jobs for vehicles, please let me know! I would love to get my car done…LOL, my OCD is not letting me live :)
