Not long ago, I read an article in the paper about a kudzu vine that had transformed a utility pole into a vision of Jesus on the cross.
Article from the Virginian-Pilot
The absurdity of seeing Christ in kudzu had me laughing. I never could understand how some people who say they have seen Christ’s image in a misshapen zucchini or the knots in a tree trunk, think God would choose to remind us of His existence in something as mundane as a potato chip, but these people will tell you that these odd sightings are messages from God.
I’m wondering what that message might be. God in the potato chip–the fragility of life? Zucchini God–Be good or I’ll squash you? (Sorry, I couldn’t resist.) As for the kudzu, we southerners know about kudzu. If left alone, it will devour everything in its path. It’s been known to swallow an entire deserted cabin and pickup so thoroughly, you wouldn’t know they were there. So God’s message might be, “I’ve got you covered.”
I’ve been watching the news about the horrific situation in Somalia. Makes our country’s debt problems and the squabbling in Congress seem so petty. I look at the aid workers and what they’re doing to ease the suffering, and I point to them as messages from God. If we are created in the Divine Image, then I think we will find the divine in each other.
Coming East 
If someone is inspired to be a better person because they see him in nature or in the acts of another human being, then truly whatever the vehicle, it may be the way God meant it to be. God reaches out to each of us in the manner of our understanding. Once he has someone’s attention then maybe their eyes will be open to appreciate and do greater works. I would never make mock of something that may open someone’s heart and make them feel closer to the Lord.
I truly believe the Lord moves in mysterious ways.
🙂
The last part makes me feel crass, but what I really liked was the “Be good or I’ll squash you” reference, because that’s hilarious. Also there was a woman who saw Jesus in a grilled cheese sandwich. AKA Grilled Cheesus.
The Grilled Cheesus is as good as the kudzu Jesus! I had a lot of fun with this one. If you click on the article, you can actually read the whole thing.
Wonderful and powerful post.
I was reminded of the television show “Glee” and their Grilled Jesus episode wherein one of the kids sees Jesus in his grilled cheese sandwich and starts praying to it.
I’m not a Glee-watcher, but I would loved to have seen that episode. Thanks, Robin.
We forget how truly blessed we are. Great post.
Thanks, Bill. Somalia really puts things in perspective.
I probably did not express myself well by using a potato chip as a metaphor. I was referring to the experiences of people who see the image of Jesus in clouds, vegetation, or whatever. Yes, these interpretations are a bit ridiculous. Someimes I fall for the intrigue and look at the “images” myself. But for the most part I am indifferent and bored with the subject. I don’t find the subject all that interesting and therefore have never responded with long-winded laughter. And I wonder why you do. What really is funny about it?
I guess we all find humor in different things.
You get my vote for best headline title of the week. Nice post that makes us chuckle and think. Thank you.
Thanks for your vote. Who could resist reading a post with that title?
Good point, CE!! I’d rather ‘see’ Jesus in a fellow human being any day, especially one who is ministering to the needs of those who suffer. That’s why I ‘see’ Jesus in my daughter who’s a nurse. What really gets me is when people start worshiping the ‘whatever’ (potato chip, kudzu, etc). I say put your faith into action, not into the plant that ate the south. 😉
HA! Thanks, Mama. Yes, I’m sure Christ works through your daughter every day. You’re right about the worshiping these images. Don’t get me started on icons that supposedly cry real tears or the blood of Jesus.
What a great title…I think think God sometimes does reveal Himself in the mundane, but it is to be a private matter, not shared with many…otherwise, you look like a froot loop. (Now that I think about it most of the Bible characters were considered loopy.) But a potato chip….I don’t know. It makes me want to check every chip before I eat it, lest I destroy a Masterpiece!!
LOL, J to E. I need to down my salt and vinegar chips more slowly; I don’t want to miss something. The title was actually a quote from one of the people in the article. If you click on the picture, I think it will be big enough for you to read the whole thing.
Very powerful post. Amen. I try as much as possible to remember that other people/countries are far worse of that we ever will be. It’s humbling and shouldn’t be forgotten.
Thanks, Leah. We forget that sometimes, until images of the starvation in Somalia appear on TV night after night.
I love your closing sentence and I think it is so true! I also chuckle when the stories of images of God in a potato chip (or a tortilla here in Southern California) pop up. I do believe that we see God in the beauty of nature around us and our actions when they are motivated by love. I learned something new too! I have never heard of the kudzu. I’ll be looking that up!
Kudzu is known as “the vine that ate the South”! Thanks, LDC.
Clever girl! I may think I see the divine in earthly images, but I can feel its reality in the kindness of others.
Thanks, Dor! I love being called clever. LOL!
Amen to that! And as for the kudzu it will eat you alive. But I love the” He’s got you covered.
Thanks for the comment on my photograph edit. Do you have Paint? I go into paint and use text. From there you can pick your font, size and placement for the Text you want to put on the photo. If you click the photo and where it says Open with click that and open it with Paint and go from there. Its fun to play around with but do it on a copy of the photo not the original.
If you can’t get this to work I will be glad to put the text on it for you. Just email it to me.
My problem is that I am a Mac girl, and Paint is a PC program. My husband has a PC, though, so I can see if I can figure it out on his computer. If not, I will definitely send you a picture. What a sweet offer, Julie.
Oh, it was perfect!! I have enjoyed reading your posts and have given you the Liebster Award. Please visit my blog at: http://www.booksintheburbs.com to see your blog listed 🙂
I just sent you a reply, but it might just have been a ping back and you won’t get it, so I’ll paste what I said here: OMG! I am so flattered! I’m assuming I need to pass this on? How do I know if the bloggers I choose get less than 300 hits a day? And I have no clue how to copy and paste the award onto my sidebar. I tried it with the Versatile Blogger award and was a failure. Boo hoo. Thanks so much!
Outstanding. I like to think He sends his messages in less obvious ways than a crunchy image. Voldemort, on the other hand: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ddH174XkCN8
Yes, I think Voldemort tries to send us messages in the form of disgusting food that’s been in the back of the refrigerator so long, you don’t know what the heck it once was. Thanks, Dan.
Food is far too plebeian for Voldemort; he prefers to send his image via clouds. At least, that’s what the guy in the video seemed to think.
I love your perspective on life.. .and the visions people may see in various vegetation. Perhaps seeing God in the clouds or the grass or wherever is more about the one seeing–then about God making him/herself visible. As you note about all the tragedies around the world, God is best seen in the actions of all the care givers and first responders.
I agree that we see God in nature, or rather, we see His handiwork and feel close to him. I can’t feel close to him in a weird-shaped potato chip! Thanks, Patti.
great topic! I think people are always looking for a sign, any sign (edible or not) 😉 However, the sign is within us with the compassion and help we give to others like those relief aid workers. Great point!
Thanks so much, BB. I was a little nervous about making light of this, but it was such a ridiculous article, I couldn’t pass it up.
Seeing Jesus in a potato chip may be a bit ridiculous. However it reflects man’s fragility and need to embrace the creator in what seems to be an increasingly frightening world. Let’s be a little more accepting of man’s need to find comfort, even if it is in a potato chip.
Sorry, Cuz’, I just can’t stop laughing long enough when people find comfort in a potato chip. Oh, wait…a big bag of salt and vinegar chips always gives me comfort. I do hope your comment was tongue in cheek!