Happy Valentine's Day

This week, our Life Group ladies met at the lovely home of one of our members, Sharon, for our traditional Valentine Lunch.  She makes the entree, and we provide the salads and desserts.  Oh, my what a meal!  Each of these ladies is so very dear and contributes to my life in different ways.  I am so blessed by their friendships.

As I looked at each of these women that day, I marveled at how every one of them made my heart sing. Later, I was reminded of a seminar I once gave on the power of first impressions—and how quickly they are formed.

Have you heard the term “thin-slicing”? It has nothing to do with vegetables. It refers to the brain’s ability to form an instant judgment about someone’s confidence, competence, and likability — often in less than a second. Researchers believe this instinct developed as a survival tool, helping us quickly decide whether someone is friend or foe.

Studies show it takes just one-tenth of a second to form an initial impression, and less than two seconds to make one that lasts. Our minds gather a collection of subtle cues and turn them into an overall feeling—one that often lingers long after the details fade.

As image consultant Emily Cho put it,

“People make vital decisions about a stranger in less time than it takes to blink an eyelash. If you squander that moment, you’ll have to work awfully hard for the next one.”

First impressions matter—and these women remind me just how beautifully a lasting first impression can be made.

Notice how each lady expressed red in her own unique way. For some, it appeared in stripes; for others, it was a single piece of jewelry. Debbie, who usually reflects her sweet personality through soft colors, chose a deep pink that suited her beautifully. Mary’s only red item in her closet, was a Christmas sweater, which she paired with black - making a statement only she could pull off.

Carol and Brenda wore rich, jewel-toned reds that perfectly enhanced their dramatic presence. Lois chose a red with warm orange undertones, ideal for her coloring. Dot topped off her look with a cap that matched her outgoing, friendly, always-smiling personality. Our lovely hostess, shown in the lower right, looked chic in her stylish black-rimmed glasses—something only she can truly get away with.

As for me, I chose a bold gold necklace between the red and my yellow-toned skin, completing my own version of the look.

Someone said, “It is impossible to make a 2nd 1st impression.”

So, what really determines a good first impression? I think you’ll agree that each of these beautiful ladies made a lasting one, not just by how they looked, but because each radiates confidence, kindness, and above all, the love of God.