cbr, 2025 - #nowplaying - Elley Duhe - Pieces

Brothers and sisters, today I want to share with you a story that unfolded in the most unexpected of places—Erewhon Market in Calabasas. It’s a tale that reminds us of the profound truth that we are all pieces of a greater puzzle, each with our own unique story. This is a story about not judging a book by its cover, about seeing beyond the surface, and about the connections that can change us.

The Encounter

About a year ago, while working as a cashier at Erewhon Market, I met a young woman who seemed to carry an aura of talent and mystery. She approached my counter with a smile that was both warm and intriguing. As I scanned her items, she casually mentioned, “You may have heard my music before.” Those words hung in the air, piquing my curiosity and setting the stage for what would become a transformative encounter.

In that moment, I was reminded of the words of Proverbs 18:24, “One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Little did I know that this chance meeting would blossom into a friendship that would challenge my perceptions and enrich my understanding of human connection.

The Conversation

As we continued our interaction, I found myself sharing my own experiences with music. I recounted the nights spent strumming my guitar, the melodies that danced in my mind, and the dreams of creating something beautiful and meaningful. To my surprise, she listened intently, her eyes lighting up with genuine interest.

We exchanged stories about our musical journeys, the inspirations behind our creations, and the challenges we faced in pursuing our passions. In those few minutes, we transcended the typical cashier-customer dynamic, connecting on a deeper level through our shared love for music.

The Revelation

Later that day, curiosity got the better of me, and I decided to Google her name. To my astonishment, she was a rising star in the music industry, a name that resonated with many. Her songs had millions of streams, and she had performed on stages that most musicians only dream of. Yet, there she was, standing before me earlier that day, without any airs or pretensions.

This revelation brought to mind the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:1-2, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” How easy it would have been to make assumptions about her based on her fame, to think she might look down on someone in my position. But she had approached our interaction with humility and openness, seeing me as a fellow human being rather than just a cashier.

The Lesson

This experience taught me a valuable lesson: we are all pieces of a larger story, interconnected in ways we might not immediately see. Each of us carries a unique melody, a distinct rhythm that contributes to the symphony of life. The Apostle Paul beautifully captures this idea in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”

In our world, it’s easy to make assumptions based on appearances or positions. We often categorize people based on their job, their status, or their outward appearance. But God calls us to a higher standard. In 1 Samuel 16:7, we are reminded, “The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

The Friendship

Over the next year, this chance encounter blossomed into a beautiful acquaintanceship. Our conversations grew deeper, and we found common ground in our love for music and the stories that shaped us. It was a friendship that transcended societal labels and expectations.

Through our interactions, I learned about her struggles in the music industry, the pressures of fame, and her desire to remain grounded and authentic. She, in turn, listened to my aspirations, my doubts, and my journey of faith. We shared laughs over coffee, exchanged book recommendations, and even collaborated on a small musical project.

This friendship served as a living testament to the words of James 2:1, “My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” Our connection was built on mutual respect and understanding, not on societal expectations or preconceived notions.

The Challenge

As we reflect on this story, I want to challenge us all to break down the walls of judgment and assumption that we so often build. Let us approach each encounter with an open heart and mind, ready to discover the hidden gems within each person we meet.

Think about the people you interact with daily – the barista who serves your coffee, the janitor at your workplace, the CEO of a company, or the homeless person on the street. How often do we make snap judgments based on their appearance or position? How often do we miss out on beautiful connections because we fail to see beyond the surface?

Colossians 3:11 reminds us, “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” In God’s eyes, we are all equal, all worthy of love and respect, all pieces of His grand design.

Call to Action

Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. Embrace the diversity of stories and backgrounds that surround us. Celebrate the pieces that make up the beautiful mosaic of humanity. Here are some practical steps we can take:

Practice Active Listening: When you meet someone new, truly listen to their story. Set aside your preconceptions and hear them with an open heart.
Seek Common Ground: Look for shared interests or experiences, no matter how different someone may seem from you.
Challenge Your Assumptions: When you catch yourself making a snap judgment, pause and ask yourself why. Is it based on truth or on societal stereotypes?
Extend Grace: Remember that everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Approach others with compassion and understanding.
Be Vulnerable: Share your own story. Authenticity invites authenticity, and vulnerability can be the bridge to deep connections.

The Reflection

As we go about our week, let’s reflect on our own lives. Are there people we’ve judged too quickly? Are there relationships that could flourish if only we took the time to see beyond the exterior?

Ephesians 4:2-3 encourages us, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Let this be our guiding principle in all our interactions.

The Promise

When we commit to seeing others as God sees them, we open ourselves up to a world of rich relationships and profound understanding. We become instruments of God’s love and unity in a world that so desperately needs it.

Remember the words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” Every interaction, every kindness, every moment of seeing beyond the surface is an act of worship and love towards our Creator.

In closing, let us remember that we are all pieces of a greater masterpiece. Each of us, with our unique gifts, experiences, and perspectives, contributes to the beautiful tapestry of God’s creation. Let us honor each piece, cherish each connection, and walk together in unity and love.

May we have eyes to see beyond the surface, ears to hear the unspoken stories, and hearts open to unexpected connections. For it is in this unity, this celebration of our diversity, that we truly reflect the heart of our Creator.

As we go forth from this place, let us carry this message with us. Let every interaction be an opportunity to see Christ in others and to be Christ to others. For in the end, it is love that binds all the pieces together in perfect unity.

Amen.

-Pastor Mitchell Royel

Pieces