I met the young woman below in Nashville, Tennessee. Her name is Maritza. She is from Los Angeles. It is amazing to me how God orchestrates divine meetings with such special treasures. Her family calls her Maria and her friends call her Ritz. She shared with me how one of the first books she learned to read English from was the Bible. She is a natural born leader and is also a great mentor to others.

During COVID she worked for an urgent care center, and she and I spoke about the importance of mentoring, especially in times of crisis. She told me about a doctor who helped her grow and mature in many ways including the way she works with others. The integrity the growth and wisdom produced have become quality traits which aids her very well in her new career as a quality control manager. She has a great business mind, a great sense of humor and genuine love for others.

The title to this blog came out of a song written by Irving Berlin, “Puttin’ on the Ritz“. When you hear the edited original lyrics (1946 – from the movie Blue Skies), they make reference to the luxurious Ritz hotel, getting out on the street, having a good time, and emulating the lifestyle of the rich and famous. (As a young girl, I remember learning to tap dance to this.)

The original founder of the Ritz hotels opened in Europe with three locations: two in London, and one in Paris. After Cesar Ritz, the founder died in 1918, the name Ritz was bought out, and a Ritz was opened in Boston, Philadelphia, and New York. The Boston location did not survive the depression. Other luxurious Ritz hotels were opened, special dress was required, and women were not allowed to eat in their cafe’s alone until 1970. History of the Ritz Charles Fredeen – USA

The original version of the song “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (1929) which was written by Irving Berlin, has a darker and completely racist side to it. It was sung and performed on stage with dancers wearing blackface.

My “Ritz” puts on nothing but an air of genuine empathy, professionalism, and love for her family, friends and others.

On our last day together, we talked about one of my favorite parables; The Parable of the Three Talents. Matthew 25:14-30 shares this parable; in case you are unfamiliar with it. A master gives three of his servants five, two, and one talent based on what they could handle. The servants that were given five and two doubled their talents and were rewarded by the master. The servant given one talent was afraid to invest his and buried it to keep it safe. When it came time for his master’s return, the servant who buried his talent had gained nothing for his time or effort.

We only have one life to live. How we spend the gifts and talents God has given us is so very important. It was refreshing to meet a young woman who believes she has been given so much. She is following her heart to pursue a dream, to invest her life into others, honors and cares for her mother and father, and speaks life to those whom she meets and helps mentor along the way.

On Ritz’s day off we had the joy of going to the Ryman Theatre and seeing country singer Dwight Yokum, and actually meeting Tyler Booth! We were able to share some awesome meals together and also went to Madame Tussauds, the world’s most famous wax museum, in Nashville at Opry Mills., and posed with some of Music City’s finest singers and songwriters!

As 2021 ends and 2022 begins, it is impossible to not realize how blessed I am. I’m so proud of what the LORD is doing in my life and in the lives of so many others. Whenever I begin to feel discouraged or overwhelmed, the Lord is quick to remind me, He is the one who is always able to help me face my fears, draw me near to Him, or help me correct my mistakes.

Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us, to Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 3:20-21

We often think this only applies to the Word of the Gospel as formally preached on Sundays. But every expression of the will of God is in some “sense” a “word” of God and therefore a “seed” of new life. The ever-changing reality in the midst of which we live should awaken us to the possibility of an uninterrupted dialogue with God.

We must learn to realize that the love of God seeks us in every situation and seeks our good.

Thomas Merton

Happy New Year!
BLESSED IS OUR LORD MOST HIGH!

Marlene
Cinderella Released Ministries
Email today for prayer…
http://CinderellaReleased.org

And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ. Philippians 1:6