I didn’t say it to him, because he was my boss and a pastor. I didn’t raise my voice and I remained seated, but mentally, I was on my feet and my emotions were rising precipitously.
You want me to do what? I questioned silently … with exasperation and, admittedly, a bit of resentment.
As he continued to describe what was to be my role in leading the opening sessions of each morning’s Vacation Bible School assembly, I knew I’d heard him right. Nonetheless, I still couldn’t believe it. He wanted me (me!) to portray a pink hippopotamus named Miss Hippo, as I encouraged VBSers in a fun romp through the Bible each day, engaging their imaginations and their hearts. My attitude would be key in setting the tone for the morning, and letting the kids know that learning about the Bible could be fun. I also knew that some children had never set foot in a church before, so how they were welcomed was important.
But a pink hippopotamus?
Good grief! I was the church’s Director of Christian Education, and formerly the Executive Director of the world’s largest airport USO. It was hard enough to have left a full-time career at forty to raise our baby daughter. I missed the personal accolades and professional camaraderie. But far more, I missed a fulfilling sense of purpose in serving America’s military and their families. I had taken this part-time church job of supervising Sunday School teachers and, in my arrogance, considered it a step down.
And now God was permitting my utter humiliation in playing a Pepto-Bismol pink mammoth mammal in front of a multitude of children and their teachers. It was embarrassing, and I almost refused.
But the Holy Spirit instantly reminded me that my ultimate purpose is to glorify Him, and He is glorified when I am mortified.
God had taught me that painful lesson numerous times in the past, because I was filled with pride. But God also showed me time and again, that mortification, in its truest sense, doesn’t involve shame and degradation. Mortification means “putting to death.” Now the Lord was asking me to die to myself, to my selfish aspirations in this job, for the sake of others, because He had something special in mind. My work at the church was not about me and what I considered purposeful, but all about Him and His purposes for His little children.
Reluctantly, I surrendered to God and never complained to the pastor. I donned a perky pink wig and adopted a high-pitched hippo voice, like Miss Piggy on steroids. And for the next two weeks I hippo high-fived my way down the center aisle of the church, slapping hands with eager kids and shouting a friendly hippo-hello on my way to the pulpit. Day after day, I watched the children’s wide-eyed wonder as Miss Hippo shared exciting Bible passages, bringing ancient stories and characters to animated life. The kids grew more excited by the day, and I grew more humbled. God brought a number of children to Himself that summer.
When I died to my own purposes and served God’s, even when I didn’t want to, He got all the glory. Isn’t that our purpose: to glorify God no matter what?
Explanation of the Hippopotamus Hypothesis: I believe that the Lord gives each of us a specific purpose by which we glorify Him. This purpose remains constant. I also believe He gives us various missions at certain times in our lives through which we flesh out this purpose. I do not believe that God generally has called me to work with children. I exercise my purpose and gifts in serving women. But when God asked me to work as a Director of Christian Education for a short time (and, of all things, as a pink hippo!), it was not my option to tell him: “This is not my calling. I do not do pink hippos.” As Christians, we should be willing to serve the Lord in whatever way He directs, whenever He asks us, regardless of whether or not it is in His usual job description for us. Humility is a trait He desires in all Christians.
Lynn D. Morrissey
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What a perfect example of what I was thinking about this morning! Living a laid down life by his grace for his glory. Your words always edify, Lynn. Thank you!
Dawn, I’m so glad that this resonated with you. It seemed kind of frivolous to me at first–not my usual style of post. But the experience was real, and I certainly needed humbling. So glad that this speaks to you. You’re so dear.
Love
Lynn
Lynn, this makes me smile. Mostly, because I’ve been in these shoes. For years my role in our church’s VBS was to play the fool to another’s straight man. I always say, I’m a fool for Jesus! But you are right. The kids’ joy is contagious and to play any role in that is humbling. Even a pink hippopotamus :).
Laura, I really appreciated hearing about your own experience with the children, and the role you were asked to play. You know until I starting writing to you, right here, right now, it just dawned on me with LIGHTBULB CLARITY….it wasn’t just about appearing foolish! Oh my, I’m getting chills….I was not willing to PLAY! What do you think of that? Since reading your book, I’ve looked back at my life, and realized how often I have needed to lighten up and how not playing has really been a detriment in my life. And how does Jesus ask that we come to Him? I know that you know, Laura….as little children. Here’s to looking foolish right along with you, dear one–in His name, Amen!
Love
Lynn
PS I will soon start writing my playshop, which Kel Rohlf and I hope to teach this summer.
There’s a powerful truth here in this amusing memory-it’s about us being a vessel for His glory and purposes. In the end, while what He asks us to do may not be “our thing” we find that He has poured in to us and enriched us when we are being poured out for others. I loved this, Lynn, and picturing you in a hippo suit made me smile.
Elizabeth, thank you so much for adding your words of wisdom here. I always learn so much from you. I love that idea of being God’s vessel (in my case, cracked pot!) into which He pours His life and glory so that we in turn can be poured out for Him to bless others. You didn’t realize it, but God is asking me to be poured out yet again–emptied actually–and about something very painful to me. But your comment here is a reminder that Jesus was poured out for me, and so, I need to be poured out for Him–even in pain–if it will bless others. This is not about my will, but His be done. Thank you so much for sharing!
Love
Lynn
Lynn, your words are especially helpful to me right now as I find myself wavering between a “yes,” and a “that’s not my thing.” You have encouraged me to examine my motives — the heart of the matter is to be doing “God’s thing.”
Michele, little did I know when I pressed “send,” that what seemed to me like a fairly insignificant post would resonate with you at a heart-level, and as a self-examination exercise. I’m so grateful. I would encourage you, oh yes, to do God’s thing, first, last, and always. If you read what I wrote above to Elizabeth, you will see that I am preaching to myself, as well. We never get to put our thing (our our “not thing”….when we really don’t want to do something) above God’s will for us. This is a lesson He will ask us to live out over and over again, I’m realizing. Thanks for stopping by to read. God bless you as you obey.
Love
Lynn
Lynn, as always, your writing is wonderful! I could really see this in a Christian publication and encourage you to submit it somewhere! I love how God breathed His purpose and desire into you despite your not wanting to be a pink hippo! And how He took your willingness and used it mightily with those children. 🙂 And brought forth some blessings for you in the midst of it!
Pam, coming from you (my exquisite lyrical muse), I’m so grateful for your generous words.Thank you. And thank you for reminding me that our obedience always results in blessings, some of which we don’t see till later, or maybe never. But they are there….even just in the deep satisfaction of pleasing God. But this time, He did let me see how excitedly the children responded. It was very precious even to one who doesn’t “do children.” God really has changed my heart, but I was way out of my league.
Thank you so much for reading and commenting.
Love
Lynni
I can’t stop laughing at the sheer sight of it! You! A pink hippo! He is so faithful to use our obedience for his glory, no matter the job we are called to. This one reminds me how the fools confound the wise. Oh well I know this! <3
Well, you know me personally, and have seen me in a # of situations, so I’m glad that this made you smile. I wasn’t of course, till later, and yes, now! I’m so glad that I obeyed. I think I can even summon the voice of Miss Hippo if you ask me. I said she sounded like Miss Piggy on steroids, and actually with a little Julia Childs thrown in for good measure (pun intended). So appreciate your encouragement, and you always make me smile b/c you are a ton of fun and you love the Lord so much!
Love
Lynni
I appreciate your vulnerability here, Lynni! Both in admitting your reluctance and revealing your pink hippopotamus persona. 🙂 Love and hugs-Kel
Ha, Kel, well,now you know my secret and the real person I’ve been hiding all these years! And do read what I wrote to Laura Boggess, b/c it was revelatory to me . . . re: play. also, I know I sent you that private email for prayer about yet something else I need to obey about and do not want to . . . which reveals the deepest part of me. But if I can help, God is showing me, that I must. Mortification is always in order.
Love
Lynni
What a wonderful story of how you served the Lord in humility and saw how He brought many kids to himself. I agree with Pam above, you should submit this to a publication…
Katie, honestly you are too kind. Thank you so much. I really hesitated to post this, b/c it is not my usual “fare” in terms of what I thought might sound a little too lighthearted. I’m so humbled that it seems to have resonated. I have never been drawn to children, and God had to give me a daughter of my own to help me to understand the treasure they are. Oh, from the mouth of babes….they are so innocent, and yet so wise. We would all do well to cherish them. Bless you for reading and commenting!
Love
Lynn
Hippo high-fives for His glory! Years from now, your delightful story will remind me that sometimes we must be playful and donned in Pepto-Bismol pink to serve Him. Thanks for be willing!
Love this story and the heart behind this post. This is a good reminder that we’ll never be used by God, in a positive sense, to bring about His perfect will and actually be able to see His hand at work. It’s only in humility that we find joy and His blessings… and usually always after we surrender our pride.
Thanks for sharing… Pinky…!