As a former barista, I do not pretend to be in the least bit a professional, but during my 2 month adventures in the coffee world, I learned many lessons. The lesson I reflect on today: espresso taught me the value of time.
Due to the shortage of espresso funerals/ceremonies, most people are not aware that a shot of espresso dies after 10 seconds. That is to say, once a shot has been pulled, it goes from a creamy brown color to a dark brown color....and at the point it becomes bitter. When I first started working as a barista, I found it hard to balance steaming milk, pumping syrups, rinsing pitchers, making other iced beverages, etc. during the about 15 seconds it takes to pull a shot of espresso. As time went on (and like I say, I was never a pro) I began to understand better just how long 15 seconds was. Now, for most of us, we sit down to accomplish a task and think 15 minutes is not enough to do most things, much less 15 seconds, but you learn just how fast you can do things when you are limited in time.
Currently, I am reading a book called Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung. It reflects on finding God's will and other useful information. Today I read a chapter titled 'Our Magic 8-ball God'...a spin on a previous quote DeYoung had, "God is not a Magic 8-Ball we shake up and peer into whenever we have a decision to make. He is a good God who gives us brains, shows us the way of obedience, and invites us to take risks for Him. We know God has a plan for out lives. That's wonderful. The problem is we think He's going to tell us the wonderful plan before it unfolds. We feel like we can know--and need to kn0w--what God wants every step of the way. But such preoccupation with finding God's will, as well intentioned as the desire may be, is more folly than freedom. The better way is the biblical way: Seek first the kingdom of God, and then trust He will take care of our needs, even before we know what they are and where we're going."
...so now you're like, umm what does this have to do with espresso? Remember...we're thinking about time here. Follow me...back to the chapter.
DeYoung goes on to say, "We want to know what tomorrow will bring instead of being content with simple obedience on the journey. And so we obsess about the future and we get anxious, because anxiety, after all, is simply living out the future before it gets here...Worry about the future is not simply a character tic, it is the sin of unbelief, an indication that our hearts are not resting in the promises of God."
So, now let's talk God's timing: in our past, in our present, and (what most of us are concerned about) in our future. Working with espresso took training, and I had to come to comprehend through trial and error what all I could do in the 15 seconds a shot pulled. It was silly to stand and watch the shot pull and most of the time ended with unhappy customers or a back-up on drinks...so that wasn't an option. I had to learn to multitask. So how long is 15 seconds?
What I am learning with age and experience (neither of which do I have an abundance) that sometimes we get overwhelmed by juggling--"God, how can I get ALL this done in that amount of time?"....it's never enough time. We also get overwhelmed by waiting--"God, why is this happening/why aren't you speaking or moving/why have I had to wait this long?"...it's always too much time. Weird balance huh? In the doing, we don't have enough time; in the waiting, we have too much. So here's what I gather mathematically from that...in your waiting, be doing [something productive for God] and in your overwhelming of doing, be waiting [for God's provision to carry your load, for the target to be hit, for His help and guidance]. Balance is key.
Do not limit yourself to less than you can handle in life. Remember Psalm 121: 5-6, "The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." Kevin DeYoung spoke toward anxiety--not knowing what is coming, but trying to live in it before you get there. You cannot hand out an espresso-based drink (i.e. latte, americano, caffe mocha, etc.) until the shot pulls...so you use your time wisely. You cannot get to tomorrow's successes/struggles until today's events have taken course....so use your time wisely. You only have one life...make the most of it when you give it a 'shot' :).
Philippians 4:6- "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God."
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
life may not always seem solvable, but it is entertaining, and your dreams...they sparkle
Let's start out by first agreeing and establishing that sometimes life sucks. We face adversity, the right person says the wrong thing at the right time, your favorite cardigan rips, shin splints take over your ability to venture to the nearest Subway, etc. From the little things to the big things and all that falls in between, we can all confess that not every moment of our life is a happy one. Today, and in fact, most of this week was full of favorite-cardigan-tearing/kick me in my weak spot/is this ever going to end moments...and so this evening I came home to take a break. So I put in the only movie in our collection I don't think I've seen yet, All About Steve, a romantic comedy about a crossword puzzle designer, her love for the written word, and her pursuit of love. In the movie, the crossword puzzle designer often quotes the 3 requirements for a great crossword puzzle: "Is it solvable, is it entertaining, does it sparkle?" Toward the end of the movie, real life disaster happen, and as she is coming out of a collapsed coal mine, she reflects on judging life's worth and greatness in the same way as the crossword puzzle: "is it solvable, is it entertaining, and does it sparkle?" So when facing any adversity and you feel that the problems in front of you are too much or too difficult, this simple and almost funny reflection perhaps will help you to realize that although life doesn't generally have the triumphant background music at just the right time like a well developed movie, it's going to be ok.
In fact, it's important that you realize it's going to come out alright. But, on the flipside of the coin, I was reminded today that it is also okay to hurt. For those of us with massive amounts of pride, sometimes it hurts to hurt. Others of us feel like by burdening others with our burdens, we only hurt others we love more and don't accomplish anything positive through sharing our struggles. These perceptions are in fact, untrue. A beautiful friend, in listening to my burdens today, shared with me Proverbs 14:10, "Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy." Everyone has their pain. We are each influenced by different events in different ways, and what only slightly hurts one will be heartwrenching for another facing a similar situation. Don't be afraid to hurt. God says there is a time for all things, including a time to mourn (Ecclesiates 3: 1-8). But, in balance, He also tells us there is a time to be silent, a time to embrace and refrain from embracing, and a time to dance. So dance when you can, mourn when you have to, and embrace others when they need it most.
And also to those of you who have pride or are afraid to burden someone with your burdens, remember we all have a desire to connect with one another. We are all battling something. Often I find that by sharing what we've been through, we help educate each other on the best and worst ways to approach situations. Also, none of us are perfect, and by sharing our struggles it reinforces the fact that in a world filled with so many hurting, there is hope, there is triumph, and we have others that are in this with us. So give your team a high 5, grant yourself some down time, and then get back at it. We've got mouths to feed, hearts to heal, and souls to save (and some of us even have ripped cardigans to repair ;)).
Life may not always seem solvable (take it one moment at a time), but it is often entertaining (learn to laugh at your mistakes), and my, how your dreams do sparkle.
In fact, it's important that you realize it's going to come out alright. But, on the flipside of the coin, I was reminded today that it is also okay to hurt. For those of us with massive amounts of pride, sometimes it hurts to hurt. Others of us feel like by burdening others with our burdens, we only hurt others we love more and don't accomplish anything positive through sharing our struggles. These perceptions are in fact, untrue. A beautiful friend, in listening to my burdens today, shared with me Proverbs 14:10, "Each heart knows its own bitterness, and no one else can share its joy." Everyone has their pain. We are each influenced by different events in different ways, and what only slightly hurts one will be heartwrenching for another facing a similar situation. Don't be afraid to hurt. God says there is a time for all things, including a time to mourn (Ecclesiates 3: 1-8). But, in balance, He also tells us there is a time to be silent, a time to embrace and refrain from embracing, and a time to dance. So dance when you can, mourn when you have to, and embrace others when they need it most.
And also to those of you who have pride or are afraid to burden someone with your burdens, remember we all have a desire to connect with one another. We are all battling something. Often I find that by sharing what we've been through, we help educate each other on the best and worst ways to approach situations. Also, none of us are perfect, and by sharing our struggles it reinforces the fact that in a world filled with so many hurting, there is hope, there is triumph, and we have others that are in this with us. So give your team a high 5, grant yourself some down time, and then get back at it. We've got mouths to feed, hearts to heal, and souls to save (and some of us even have ripped cardigans to repair ;)).
Life may not always seem solvable (take it one moment at a time), but it is often entertaining (learn to laugh at your mistakes), and my, how your dreams do sparkle.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Shanghai, Shang low...
Let me take you to China. June 16. Shanghai. This is from my new handmade leather journal I bought there. See if you can follow it.:
"There is something about the smell of new leather. The freshness of the aroma. It makes life seem simpler. Tame. Bittersweet. We think of prairie days in the West as a life of simplicity and bliss. Rather, it was a daily struggle to provide and survive. Fear. Death was common and sometimes sudden. A simple cold takes a child's life. A husband gets bucked off a horse. Accidents happen. Tragedy breaks. What is interesting--no matter the age or time, people adapt. What we are called to is not always the best, but it is simply this: to pursue the will of God in whatever bliss or horror we face, and through what we encounter to make the very best of it. Good can be found. There is something about the smell of new leather. The freshness of the aroma. It makes life seem simpler."
------------------------------------
Same day...quote from Thomas Merton's No Man is an Island
"This discovery of Christ is never genuine if it is nothing but a flight from ourselves. On the contrary, it cannot be an escape. It must be a fulfillment. I cannot discover God in myself and myself in Him unless I have the courage to face myself exactly as I am, with all my limitations, and to accept others as they are with all their limitations. The religious answer is not religious if it is not fully real. Evasion is the answer of superstition."
------------------------------------
Now, onto June 17...Shanghai, China
"People live in fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of loss. Pain. What is hope if it is only an attempt to replace or temporarily displace fear? Can it stand? What is hope if the thing you hope for is in something that you, the powerless, fearful self, have created? Can something birthed in fear cast out fear? When we feel powerless against the odds of rejection, loss, pain, etc., is there anything within our power we can do to correct this situation? Perhaps that is a contradiction...
Rather, I argue we are powerless being only endowed with the power allowed us by the Great Power, being God. Thus, fear cannot be prevented by our own means, but only by relying on something completely out of our control and power. Someone trustworthy. In acknowledgin how little control we have, we gain some control--at least of ourselves and our fears (which sometimes have no grounds). People live in fear. Thankfully, there is One we can cast our fears upon who has our best in plan (Jeremiah 29:11)."
"There is something about the smell of new leather. The freshness of the aroma. It makes life seem simpler. Tame. Bittersweet. We think of prairie days in the West as a life of simplicity and bliss. Rather, it was a daily struggle to provide and survive. Fear. Death was common and sometimes sudden. A simple cold takes a child's life. A husband gets bucked off a horse. Accidents happen. Tragedy breaks. What is interesting--no matter the age or time, people adapt. What we are called to is not always the best, but it is simply this: to pursue the will of God in whatever bliss or horror we face, and through what we encounter to make the very best of it. Good can be found. There is something about the smell of new leather. The freshness of the aroma. It makes life seem simpler."
------------------------------------
Same day...quote from Thomas Merton's No Man is an Island
"This discovery of Christ is never genuine if it is nothing but a flight from ourselves. On the contrary, it cannot be an escape. It must be a fulfillment. I cannot discover God in myself and myself in Him unless I have the courage to face myself exactly as I am, with all my limitations, and to accept others as they are with all their limitations. The religious answer is not religious if it is not fully real. Evasion is the answer of superstition."
------------------------------------
Now, onto June 17...Shanghai, China
"People live in fear. Fear of rejection. Fear of loss. Pain. What is hope if it is only an attempt to replace or temporarily displace fear? Can it stand? What is hope if the thing you hope for is in something that you, the powerless, fearful self, have created? Can something birthed in fear cast out fear? When we feel powerless against the odds of rejection, loss, pain, etc., is there anything within our power we can do to correct this situation? Perhaps that is a contradiction...
Rather, I argue we are powerless being only endowed with the power allowed us by the Great Power, being God. Thus, fear cannot be prevented by our own means, but only by relying on something completely out of our control and power. Someone trustworthy. In acknowledgin how little control we have, we gain some control--at least of ourselves and our fears (which sometimes have no grounds). People live in fear. Thankfully, there is One we can cast our fears upon who has our best in plan (Jeremiah 29:11)."
Friday, September 10, 2010
there's more to an intersection than a stop light. there's more to the call than just sitting.
Today I was sitting at a busy intersection leading to a mall, stores, restaraunts, etc. on a Friday night. So needless to say, lots of people are coming through the intersection--to give you a picture of where I'm at. I am thinking about my to do lists, agendas, etc. etc. when in the corner of my eye I see a cross moving. For those of you that have seen the Passion movie, it is moving at the angle you would picture Jesus moving it. It's a large wooden cross, about the size I would imagine a person would be crucified on, and over the cars in the distance I can read 'Jesus Saves' painted on the horizontal part. As the cars begin to move, I am able to get a better look, and realize there is a man carrying this cross....and as he approaches the intersection, he waits on the cars to cross by setting the cross upright and holding it. Just chillin there proclaiming Jesus saves. Interesting. And the question hits me, am I carrying my cross? I think about how many people passed through that intersection tonight and mocked him or pointed at him, or maybe thought he was too forward, a 'holy roller', or overly religious. It happens...on a daily basis. But yet, this man felt compelled to carry his cross and send a message.
As I drove past the man, I also realized he was at least middle aged, a little older gentleman, and I got to thinking about how many people that are most bold and set in their faith are the ones who have lived longer and had more experiences. I understand how wisdom comes from being around longer, but I ask myself, why does it take so long for us to realize what we really should be doing? Why do we wait until that point to be bold or care less about what others think? We are all called to stand for Christ in whatever way He may lead us to be. What are we waiting for? Ask yourself, do you have the mentality that you have plenty of time left in this life...you'll get around to x,y, or z? Perhaps there won't be another tomorrow, or perhaps your life will continue but the opportunity or ideal time to witness to that person won't. God is in control. He's omniscient (that's a fancy way of saying He knows all), so if He says move---for goodness sake, MOVE! If that means making a 'fool' (in some eyes) of yourself at a major intersection, by golly, go do it.
So anytime I see someone doing something, especially for Christ, I ask myself: should I be doing that? Why am I not doing that? What progress are they making through that? Is there a more effective approach? What are the consequences? As I reflected on the consequences of this man's actions tonight, I realized that some people with hard hearts may think he's silly...but what damage has he done there? No REAL passionate, faithful Christian is going to pass and be like 'that stupid idiot is trying to push the Gospel and change lives...what is he thinking?!?!'...no. So the only other alternative is that someone will drive through there today that's kind of been on the fence. Perhaps life's been a little confusing or not everything's gone their way and they're asking God why/turning their back to Him. Maybe someone made a mistake, did the 'big sin,' and think that they are doomed to Hell with no chance of forgiveness. Or perhaps a great Christian person is feeling a little discouraged in their walk today....all 3 of these scenarios have something to gain--the confused and hurting person maybe realizes there's love out there and people who care to let them know about it. That person with the big sin is reminded of the perfect sacrifice and ultimate forgiveness...and that NONE of us are worthy through our acts to receive His forgiveness (but He gives it anyway, praise God!). And that discouraged Christian remembers what exactly it is he/she is REALLY living for, what their goal should be, and that they aren't fighting this fight alone, there are other brothers and sisters out there persecuted as well.
So kudos to mr. intersection crusader. Whatever your story is, you changed my day. I hope you press onward in your goals to change the world for Christ.
To wrap up, here are some verses that spoke to me today, "Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Also, vs. 23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
And finally, here's a quick praise chorus that came to me today. It's simple, it's legit. Put it to a tune and repeat, repeat, repeat it to the Lord and to yourself when you're facing struggles, or just to praise Him because HE IS WORTHY. I love you all. God bless.
You are Jehovah, Jehovah Jireh
You have the power, You are the King
You are so worthy, You give us blessings
Jehovah Jireh, To you we sing
When ways are cloYdy, When skies are empty
You will not fail us, Your praises ring
You are Jehovah, Jehovah Jireh
You have the power, You are the King
As I drove past the man, I also realized he was at least middle aged, a little older gentleman, and I got to thinking about how many people that are most bold and set in their faith are the ones who have lived longer and had more experiences. I understand how wisdom comes from being around longer, but I ask myself, why does it take so long for us to realize what we really should be doing? Why do we wait until that point to be bold or care less about what others think? We are all called to stand for Christ in whatever way He may lead us to be. What are we waiting for? Ask yourself, do you have the mentality that you have plenty of time left in this life...you'll get around to x,y, or z? Perhaps there won't be another tomorrow, or perhaps your life will continue but the opportunity or ideal time to witness to that person won't. God is in control. He's omniscient (that's a fancy way of saying He knows all), so if He says move---for goodness sake, MOVE! If that means making a 'fool' (in some eyes) of yourself at a major intersection, by golly, go do it.
So anytime I see someone doing something, especially for Christ, I ask myself: should I be doing that? Why am I not doing that? What progress are they making through that? Is there a more effective approach? What are the consequences? As I reflected on the consequences of this man's actions tonight, I realized that some people with hard hearts may think he's silly...but what damage has he done there? No REAL passionate, faithful Christian is going to pass and be like 'that stupid idiot is trying to push the Gospel and change lives...what is he thinking?!?!'...no. So the only other alternative is that someone will drive through there today that's kind of been on the fence. Perhaps life's been a little confusing or not everything's gone their way and they're asking God why/turning their back to Him. Maybe someone made a mistake, did the 'big sin,' and think that they are doomed to Hell with no chance of forgiveness. Or perhaps a great Christian person is feeling a little discouraged in their walk today....all 3 of these scenarios have something to gain--the confused and hurting person maybe realizes there's love out there and people who care to let them know about it. That person with the big sin is reminded of the perfect sacrifice and ultimate forgiveness...and that NONE of us are worthy through our acts to receive His forgiveness (but He gives it anyway, praise God!). And that discouraged Christian remembers what exactly it is he/she is REALLY living for, what their goal should be, and that they aren't fighting this fight alone, there are other brothers and sisters out there persecuted as well.
So kudos to mr. intersection crusader. Whatever your story is, you changed my day. I hope you press onward in your goals to change the world for Christ.
To wrap up, here are some verses that spoke to me today, "Colossians 3:17, "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it ALL in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." Also, vs. 23-24, "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
And finally, here's a quick praise chorus that came to me today. It's simple, it's legit. Put it to a tune and repeat, repeat, repeat it to the Lord and to yourself when you're facing struggles, or just to praise Him because HE IS WORTHY. I love you all. God bless.
You are Jehovah, Jehovah Jireh
You have the power, You are the King
You are so worthy, You give us blessings
Jehovah Jireh, To you we sing
When ways are cloYdy, When skies are empty
You will not fail us, Your praises ring
You are Jehovah, Jehovah Jireh
You have the power, You are the King
Monday, September 6, 2010
don't get out your umbrellas, it's raining grace
I have a lot to thank God for. That's about it for my inspiration today, but I feel like that's far and beyond enough. I have a beautiful, inspirational family, a surrounding of friends who would drop anything to rescue me...or just to entertain me. I have some of the best church family in the world, I am getting an education....and soooo much more. Today specifically, I had an answered prayer. I was facing a situation that I wasn't sure little ole me would be strong enough and selfless enough to do. And on my own, I'm sure I wouldn't have. But with prayers from others and reading Proverbs 3 (on wisdom and trusting the Lord) and Philippians 4 (which reminds me of who gives me strength, and that no matter what I face, I can find contentment), I went in inspired, armed, and ready, and feel like I more than survived. So thank you, God. Thanks to all those that pray for me whether I know it or not. Thank you to Terry Rowe for calling me up and telling me to not let anything steal my joy today. So random, but he did what God put on his heart and it transformed my day. I feel like dancing right now...perhaps I will. God is so good. God is SO good. GOD IS SO GOOD. Worship Him. He created you, He sent His Son to die for you. If nothing, NOTHING else, you should dedicate your life to Him....what He's done was that spectacular. But you know what, I'm going to take a wild guess and say you have been blessed even far more than that. Turn up your life stereo and spread the good news about Jesus Christ. Let your life be an act of worship. Don't underestimate the value of your convictions, your actions, and what God has put upon your heart to do. He's got a reason, go transform someone's day.
Badda Boom, Badda Bing to Christ I'm gunna sing. Oh yeah, you can chuckle at that...you deserve a laugh and a smile today. :)
Badda Boom, Badda Bing to Christ I'm gunna sing. Oh yeah, you can chuckle at that...you deserve a laugh and a smile today. :)
Saturday, September 4, 2010
taking the turn on two wheels is better than taking it on none.
Is it possible to be underamazed? To look at all God has done for us and shrug our shoulders?..to dwell on the problems in our lives vs. the blessings or the potentially worse problems in others lives? I think so. I know so. I've done it.
Recently, I've had a lot of changes in my life. Changes I never saw coming, and in all reality may not have been completely ready for. But God knew what was going on and He had/has a plan for me. That's what I have to cling to. Instead of dwelling on the heartbreak of loss, I have to cling to what great new things God will place in that position. Instead of wondering how transitions occur so quickly, I just have to jump right into God's blessing, strap on my seatbelt and see it as a thrill ride as opposed to a bunch of ups and downs. Mindset is so much. Perspective is so much. God...is so much. In fact, God reminds us through Isaiah 55:8-13. I recommend you read this, but to sum up, God says His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts, but higher than those as well. His word will go out and achieve the purpose He intended. So here's where you stop trying to figure out why something happened or trying to reverse it, and you just begin to seek His will and what you need to learn from it, grow out of it, and do next.
Life is a constant zig and zag. There will be days of down and struggle, yes. But have hope in this: In all things there is a purpose, and at the end of all these struggles and changes, you will be a more complete person...hopefully that many steps closer to your Heavenly, Amazing Father God.
Recently, I've had a lot of changes in my life. Changes I never saw coming, and in all reality may not have been completely ready for. But God knew what was going on and He had/has a plan for me. That's what I have to cling to. Instead of dwelling on the heartbreak of loss, I have to cling to what great new things God will place in that position. Instead of wondering how transitions occur so quickly, I just have to jump right into God's blessing, strap on my seatbelt and see it as a thrill ride as opposed to a bunch of ups and downs. Mindset is so much. Perspective is so much. God...is so much. In fact, God reminds us through Isaiah 55:8-13. I recommend you read this, but to sum up, God says His ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are not our thoughts, but higher than those as well. His word will go out and achieve the purpose He intended. So here's where you stop trying to figure out why something happened or trying to reverse it, and you just begin to seek His will and what you need to learn from it, grow out of it, and do next.
Life is a constant zig and zag. There will be days of down and struggle, yes. But have hope in this: In all things there is a purpose, and at the end of all these struggles and changes, you will be a more complete person...hopefully that many steps closer to your Heavenly, Amazing Father God.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
go get your pom poms and prepare to battle
When I was in second grade, I took part in a talent show at my public elementary school. For my act, I performed a song "Our God is an Awesome God" and translated it in sign language. I thought nothing of it. I liked the song, the opportunity came up, so I sang it. It wasn't until this past Sunday night at church that it came to my mind what a big deal that was....so this was nearly 14 years later. My dad was testifying at church about how I sang this Christian song at a public school, which is normally not something endorsed, and I was so unphased by what people thought. And it's true, never before had I considered that what I did may have been controversial in some people's eyes or that some people may have for the first time heard about Christ, or heard that song, or maybe my 2nd grader voice left someone inspired. Interesting.
As I began to think about why it never hit me what I did or why I went into the situation so confident, I realized it was because of leaders around me who have courage, specifically my mother. Many people in this world struggle with confidence and courage, but it's something I have not faced too many struggles with. I would attribute a good portion of this to the fact that my mother has always told me on a regular basis how smart and beautiful I am, how much she loves me, and to never back down from what is right, and to do whatever God tells me...and also by setting an example of a courageous Godly woman herself. So as a second grader, I didn't consider that some people would think I was right or wrong for doing it, I just knew that at the end of the day if the whole audience rejected me or if someone tried to tell me I was wrong, I would still have done the right thing and my mother would still be there believing in me.
I don't tell this story just to brag on my mom or to make those who don't have as supportive of a mom feel bad, but rather to draw another inspiration from it. Looking back, I noticed that I was able to face any challenges and obstacles in front of me because someone believed in me, loved me, and supported me. Welcome to your call of duty, people of God. There is a world of Christians out there that are scared out of their wits to move, to speak, to express their love for Christ and to tell His story of incredible salvation (Romans 10:9). The devil convinces them that if they speak they will be mocked, imprisoned, or maybe even killed. They face adversity, and it wins. Why is this? Perhaps because they don't feel the support behind them. This is something we can fix.
Maybe the church has failed on the issue of backing brothers and sisters in their fight for the glory of God's Kingdom. Maybe we should be more supportive of others rather than fighting among ourselves about issues that are less important than spreading the Gospel, and that are killing our own man power?...not trying to bash the church, I believe the church has great purpose, but we always have room to improve...just a thought. As a 8 year old little girl, I knew going into my stand for Christ that I had a back up cheer squad. We all want one of those. So you know what, suck up your opinions, your judgments, and predispositions and cheer on a fellow Christian warrior. There's a war to win out there, and the longer we sit back and fight over the color of our armor, the farther we get from victory. Now, get out there and win some souls to Christ...for God's sake.
I love you all. I believe in you all. Be the little engine that could--think you can (with Christ-Philippians 4:13). And at the end of the day, know we're right behind you, pushing you up the hill we're all climbing.
As I began to think about why it never hit me what I did or why I went into the situation so confident, I realized it was because of leaders around me who have courage, specifically my mother. Many people in this world struggle with confidence and courage, but it's something I have not faced too many struggles with. I would attribute a good portion of this to the fact that my mother has always told me on a regular basis how smart and beautiful I am, how much she loves me, and to never back down from what is right, and to do whatever God tells me...and also by setting an example of a courageous Godly woman herself. So as a second grader, I didn't consider that some people would think I was right or wrong for doing it, I just knew that at the end of the day if the whole audience rejected me or if someone tried to tell me I was wrong, I would still have done the right thing and my mother would still be there believing in me.
I don't tell this story just to brag on my mom or to make those who don't have as supportive of a mom feel bad, but rather to draw another inspiration from it. Looking back, I noticed that I was able to face any challenges and obstacles in front of me because someone believed in me, loved me, and supported me. Welcome to your call of duty, people of God. There is a world of Christians out there that are scared out of their wits to move, to speak, to express their love for Christ and to tell His story of incredible salvation (Romans 10:9). The devil convinces them that if they speak they will be mocked, imprisoned, or maybe even killed. They face adversity, and it wins. Why is this? Perhaps because they don't feel the support behind them. This is something we can fix.
Maybe the church has failed on the issue of backing brothers and sisters in their fight for the glory of God's Kingdom. Maybe we should be more supportive of others rather than fighting among ourselves about issues that are less important than spreading the Gospel, and that are killing our own man power?...not trying to bash the church, I believe the church has great purpose, but we always have room to improve...just a thought. As a 8 year old little girl, I knew going into my stand for Christ that I had a back up cheer squad. We all want one of those. So you know what, suck up your opinions, your judgments, and predispositions and cheer on a fellow Christian warrior. There's a war to win out there, and the longer we sit back and fight over the color of our armor, the farther we get from victory. Now, get out there and win some souls to Christ...for God's sake.
I love you all. I believe in you all. Be the little engine that could--think you can (with Christ-Philippians 4:13). And at the end of the day, know we're right behind you, pushing you up the hill we're all climbing.
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