I love cards.
Last weekend, I was actually given two in one day. One was a thank you note from two elderly women my team helped as part of the Justice Project (bringing hope, love and change to our community!)--and the other was from a great friend. In particular, one thing my friend wrote stood out to me. Inside the card, I saw the words, "You love in a big way."
As I read these words, I paused and thought, “Maybe I do…sometimes. But how would the world be different if I loved ‘in a big way’ all the time? Or even if I just tried?”
The thought resurfaced as I sat in church that evening. Right now, my church is participating in the One Prayer series with hundreds of other churches around the world. In each video message, a speaker presents "one prayer" for the Church worldwide.
At the end of last week’s message, one of our pastors challenged the congregation to consider, “What’s your one prayer?”
“Lord, help us love big.”
As I thought about the question, the words of my friend came back to me along with a kaleidascope of other questions and conversations of the past week.
For example, as part of the Truth Project, we’ve been repeatedly considered, “What if what you really believed was really real?” It’s one thing to say, “I know God loves me. I know God wants me to love others.” But it means something completely different to live as if God really does love me with an indescribable, constant, perfect love—the same kind of love I’m called to share with others.
“Show me.”
This morning, I was listening to some new music by Jon Foreman (lead singer of Switchfoot) and it prompted me to write the following prayer/poem/song [ I don’t know what exactly…and obviously :) ] of the lost.
Show me more than colored lights and sound effects.
Show me love in darkness and the light of your heart.
Give me more than beautiful noise.
Give the truth a beautiful voice.
Care about more than cars and clothes.
Care that I need love and hope.
Live love.
Give grace.
Speak truth.
Be change.
Live for more than your hopes and dreams.
Live to bring hope to all you meet.
Know more than verses and religious words.
Know that I’ve been bruised and hurt.
See beyond the mirror and stage.
See a life that can be saved.
Live love.
Give grace.
Speak truth.
Be change.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Saturday, June 28, 2008
10 things that will NOT be part of my wedding
'Tis the season--for weddings, that is. In such a season, many single girls think about their wedding day details. Some collect magazine clippings and build personal portfolios of what their Big Day will be like.
I'm not one of those girls. (But kudos to them for their organization).
Don't get me wrong--I have pretty strong ideas for what I want in the most important details (the guy, the marriage), but not so much the other stuff (outside or inside? sparkly glam dress or sophisticated simplicity?). However, I thought in the middle of wedding season, it might be fun to share some of the things that will NOT be part of my wedding day. So here goes (in no particular order)...
I'm not one of those girls. (But kudos to them for their organization).
Don't get me wrong--I have pretty strong ideas for what I want in the most important details (the guy, the marriage), but not so much the other stuff (outside or inside? sparkly glam dress or sophisticated simplicity?). However, I thought in the middle of wedding season, it might be fun to share some of the things that will NOT be part of my wedding day. So here goes (in no particular order)...
1. Invitations that read "Bring your own bucket of chicken!" (Sorry, Britney Spears!)
2. Pink. The singer, the color or pants with this word written across the bum.
3. Bagpipes (or the guy in this picture for that matter). Anyone that really knows me knows that I love music. But I honestly think that some instruments really might be from the Devil. :)
4. The chicken dance.
5. Vegas.
6. Accordians. (See number 3.)
7. "Butterfly kisses" - Sorry, Mom, I know you once loved this song...
8. Karaoke - Yes, my extended family does include many people who are musically talented. But it also includes some who are...how do I say this?...musically bold (especially after alcohol).
*Random sidenote: Doesn't this pic look like a guy with a mullet? I think they may also be particularly predisposed to karaoke...I'm picturing "Achy Breaky Heart" here. :)
9. Shotguns. Enough said.
10. Rollerskates. Because as much as I enjoyed my last visit to the ER, I hope it's not repeated any time soon.
Related posts:
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Super sidekicks
With every leader, there stands a great ally...
Leadership is a concept continually praised in the Christian community. There are hundreds of Christian books, messages and conferences about leadership. Young children at Sunday schools, Christian schools and kids’ ministries are encouraged to lead. We often hear about the leaders and heroes of the Bible—people like David, Joshua and Moses.
Even in secular society, leadership is highly valued. In movies, being a leading lady is viewed as better than the best friend (e.g. The Holiday). Starring as the lead actor trumps being the wingman. (What little boy wants to be Robin for Halloween when he could be Batman?) College students dream of working in the C-suite of corporate America. When was the last time you heard someone say, “I’d love to work in middle management—or better yet, the bottom of the totem pole”?
Leadership IS important. But before any one of us is a leader, we first have to learn how to follow. And beyond following, I think we should learn how to be allies for the leaders in our lives. However, I haven’t heard much about what it takes to be a good ally—a super sidekick, if you will.
Why become a super sidekick?
Being a super sidekick is important because I don’t know of anyone who is a leader in every aspect of his/her life. For example, a woman could own her own company, but she may also be a wife, U.S. citizen and volunteer at a non-profit organization. She’s definitely a leader—but she also submits to the leadership of her husband, the police and non-profit leaders.
Caleb the “Let’s go for it!” sidekick
The idea for this post started last night when I was reading my Bible and came across some verses about Caleb in the Old Testament. Remember him? He’s probably best known as Joshua’s super sidekick. Though 10 other guys looked at the Promised Land and basically said, “It’s impossible for us to take this land”, he was the one guy who stood with Joshua and said, “Let’s take this territory. We can do it!” (Numbers 13)
I haven’t really heard much about Caleb. Joshua’s “As for me and my house” speech is what's often quoted in sermons and books featuring this dynamic duo.
But the Bible says some really cool things about Caleb, the “let’s go for it!” sidekick.
After the scouting incident, God said to Moses:
And Caleb says (and does) some pretty cool things himself. This is the passage I discovered last night. Here’s what he said 45 years after the Promised Land scouting trip:
"...I was forty years old when Moses the servant of God
Leadership is a concept continually praised in the Christian community. There are hundreds of Christian books, messages and conferences about leadership. Young children at Sunday schools, Christian schools and kids’ ministries are encouraged to lead. We often hear about the leaders and heroes of the Bible—people like David, Joshua and Moses.
Even in secular society, leadership is highly valued. In movies, being a leading lady is viewed as better than the best friend (e.g. The Holiday). Starring as the lead actor trumps being the wingman. (What little boy wants to be Robin for Halloween when he could be Batman?) College students dream of working in the C-suite of corporate America. When was the last time you heard someone say, “I’d love to work in middle management—or better yet, the bottom of the totem pole”?
Leadership IS important. But before any one of us is a leader, we first have to learn how to follow. And beyond following, I think we should learn how to be allies for the leaders in our lives. However, I haven’t heard much about what it takes to be a good ally—a super sidekick, if you will.
Why become a super sidekick?
Being a super sidekick is important because I don’t know of anyone who is a leader in every aspect of his/her life. For example, a woman could own her own company, but she may also be a wife, U.S. citizen and volunteer at a non-profit organization. She’s definitely a leader—but she also submits to the leadership of her husband, the police and non-profit leaders.
Caleb the “Let’s go for it!” sidekick
The idea for this post started last night when I was reading my Bible and came across some verses about Caleb in the Old Testament. Remember him? He’s probably best known as Joshua’s super sidekick. Though 10 other guys looked at the Promised Land and basically said, “It’s impossible for us to take this land”, he was the one guy who stood with Joshua and said, “Let’s take this territory. We can do it!” (Numbers 13)
I haven’t really heard much about Caleb. Joshua’s “As for me and my house” speech is what's often quoted in sermons and books featuring this dynamic duo.
But the Bible says some really cool things about Caleb, the “let’s go for it!” sidekick.
After the scouting incident, God said to Moses:
"But my servant Caleb—this is a different story.
He has a different spirit; he follows me passionately.
I'll bring him into the land that he scouted and his children will inherit it. (Numbers 14:24)
And Caleb says (and does) some pretty cool things himself. This is the passage I discovered last night. Here’s what he said 45 years after the Promised Land scouting trip:
"...I was forty years old when Moses the servant of God
sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land.
And I brought back an honest and accurate report.
My companions who went with me discouraged the people,
but I stuck to my guns, totally with God, my God.
That was the day that Moses solemnly promised,
'The land on which your feet have walked will be your inheritance,
you and your children's, forever.
Yes, you have lived totally for God.'
Now look at me: God has kept me alive, as he promised.
It is now forty-five years since God spoke this word to Moses,
years in which Israel wandered in the wilderness.
And here I am today, eighty-five years old!
I'm as strong as I was the day Moses sent me out.
I'm as strong as ever in battle, whether coming or going.
So give me this hill country that God promised me.
You yourself heard the report, that the Anakim were there with their great fortress cities.
If God goes with me, I will drive them out, just as God said." (Joshua 14:-12)
So here are a few of the things I love about Caleb:
- He was gutsy. He stood by his friend Joshua and stood up for what he believed in—even when it wasn’t popular.
- He trusted totally in God. He continually believed God’s promises…even when it took a long time to see them (hello, 45 years!).
- He was strong. Caleb was a tough guy in his own right (how many 85 year old warriors do you know?). Caleb’s strength wasn’t just physical—it was the strength of courage and character.
Jonathan the “I’m with you!” sidekick
Another super sidekick? David’s friend Jonathan.
Most people LOVE David (the guy after God’s own heart). I’ll be honest—I love David, too, but let’s face it—he was kind of a drama king. David had this passionate artist personality. He loved to worship God. But when he was down, he was REALLY down (and to be fair, he went through some crazy bad stuff).
But what about Jonathan? To be David’s sidekick, I think Jonathan must have had a more thoughtful, easygoing personality. He was likely the rational match to David’s emotional passion. I imagine him saying something like, “Yeah, it sucks that those guys are chasing you. But remember when you were just a kid watching sheep and that HUGE bear twice your size came after you? God helped you then—and the guys now don’t have claws, sharp teeth or sheep breath.”
Jonathan was this amazing friend through tough times. He was placed in a really tough position—his father Saul (another emotional roller coaster) wanted to kill David. Jonathan could have easily joined the “I hate David” club...or he could have been president. After all, Jonathan was next in line to become king—and David’s anointing by the prophet Samuel threatened that position. Jonathan had to choose to stand by his family or his friend.
I think ultimately, Jonathan realized his loyalty was first to God and God’s plan, so he chose David.
The Bible has some truly incredible descriptions of their friendship:
“Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself.” (I Samuel 18:1)
“Jonathan said to David, ‘Whatever you want me to do, I'll do for you.’" (I Samuel 20:4)
"And Saul's son Jonathan went to David at Horesh and helped him find strength in God.
'Don't be afraid," he said. "My father Saul will not lay a hand on you.
You will be king over Israel, and I will be second to you.
Even my father Saul knows this."
The two of them made a covenant before the LORD. (I Samuel 23:16-17)
What kind of sidekick am I?
I’ve always known I’m called to be a leader, but this mini-study on Biblical sidekicks prompts me to wonder what kind of sidekick I should be. I don’t really have a specific answer. I hope to have the unshakable “I trust God!” strength of Caleb and the selfless, loyal love of Jonathan. The Bible doesn't talk about them much--their stories are simple. But practicing how they followed is a tough challenge—especially for leaders.
Thursday, June 19, 2008
This seriously made me laugh...
Check out "Thoughts on the iPhone" - a blog post by one of my fave musicians, Dave Barnes. It seriously made me laugh so hard I started to cry. Hilarious.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
The other side
Last week, I read a book called Darcy's Story by Jane Aylmer. It's based on my all-time favorite, Pride and Prejudice, but told from Mr. Darcy's point of view this time. Pride and Prejudice will always be my favorite (who could really top the genius that is Jane Austen?), but I was intrigued by the whole concept of viewing the same story from a different perspective.
When I first read P&P in high school, I really didn't like Mr. Darcy. After all, he's the guy who offended the amazing Elizabeth Bennet with his stand-offish manner and the appearance of arrogance. But as I read the whole story, my view changed. And, like Elizabeth, I realized that I had been a bit prejudiced against him.
I wonder how many times in my daily life that same prejudice rears its ugly head. I try not to be too judgmental. As a writer, I try to believe that "everybody has a story."
Don't get me wrong--I also believe in right and wrong. But I'm starting to understand that it's not about me versus "the other side" or "us" versus "them." I'm starting to see that most people try to do the best they know how to do--meaning that they may be captivated by thinking that is different. It's not me versus them, but rather a clash of ideas.
Sometimes, I am also captivated by thinking that is wrong or sometimes, I am just grounded in believing something is "right" because it is what I have known.
Overcoming my own bad ideas and prejudice will be the task of a lifetime, but I am trying to be shaped by God's perspective, His view of people and His view of right and wrong. His view is beyond "everybody has a story"--His view is "everybody is worth dying for"--and that is something I know is true.
Related post: Life Lessons from Pride and Prejudice
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Beauty + Talent = Brooke Fraser. In concert.
Brooke Fraser is the kind of girl other girls love to hate...but can't.
She's model tall and thin (5'11"). She's got a singing voice that's crystal clear and effortless. She's got a cool New Zealander (is that even how you say it?) accent. And she's smart--with an uncanny ability to write music and lyrics. She genuinely loves people. She's the girl who makes even super-cool rocker guys (who happen to know who she is) get a little googley-eyed, sigh and say, "She's beautiful."
[Sidenote for guys: "Beautiful" beats "cute" or "hot" any day. And "You are beautiful" beats "You look beautiful." Just thought I'd help you out a bit by decoding the secret world of what women--your girlfriend, wife, daughter or even your Mom--want to hear. But do NOT repeat this powerful phrase to girls you are not romantically interested in (unless you're related to them).]
Anyway, I had the opportunity to see Brooke in concert Sunday and thought I'd tell you about my experience, since I know some of you wanted to know. Brooke didn't disappoint.
But instead of a giving you pure concert review, you'll get a little bit of my personal play-by-play narrative rolled in to this post. So here goes...
Who is Brooke Fraser?
I first learned of Brooke Fraser about four years ago from a good friend of mine from New Zealand who described her as something like, "The Norah Jones of our country...but cooler."
[Interestingly enough, at the same time, my New Zealander friend was asking about the independent artist playing in my car--Dave Barnes--who has since collaborated together with Brooke on his new album. Randomly weird coincidence...if only I could get them to tour together...]
Anyway, since then, Brooke has also written and sung a lot of songs with Hillsong United ("None But Jesus", "Hosanna") that many of you are probably familiar with.
The scene...
So I went to the Brooke Fraser concert with a cool date. That's right--my sister--another big Brooke fan. :) (Yes, we're kinda gung-ho nerdy and bought our tix the first day they were available.) The Sunday night concert was held at this place called Chop Suey in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle.
I think Chop Suey may have a little bit of an identify crisis. For the most part, it's definitely Asian-themed--hence the name, paper lanterns and gigantic paper mache dragon stretched across the ceiling. But it also had this weird contrasting Western theme going on with pictures of the Wild West and cartoony cowboys. It kind of reminded me of my college days driving through Lynden, Washington (Dutch-themed town) and spotting a fine establishment named something like Mr. Wu's Mexican Restaurant. :)
And what is it with the crack-shack bathrooms at Seattle establishments featuring indie artists?!? Seriously! The restrooms at Chop Suey were especially odd due to the fact that the main doors to both the women's and men's restrooms were kept open. This meant that as I walked to the ladies' room, I saw some guy wash his hands in the mens' room. It's either completely creepy--or some ingenious scheme to promote sanitary health. I would prefer to believe the latter, but the conditions of the restroom inside told me this was not the main goal of the place. [Okay, TMI--I'm moving on...]
The venue was small. About 150 people were there (including my Starbucks barista from downtown T-town!). We actually found some stools to sit on about 15 feet from the stage in an area of the room slightly higher than the ground level. Awesome.
[Note to readers: I could have some stinkin' amazing pictures...but realized a little too late that I pretty much have the world's worst digital camera. It's really sad, actually. I took a few pics that somehow manage to turn the beautiful Brooke into this green haze that could just as well be the Loch Ness monster. Maybe I could make some money selling them to the tabloids...oh well.]
The opening act...
The opening act was a guy named William Fitzsimmons. He took the stage and for a second, I wondered, "Did some homeless guy wander in off the streets and decide to perform for us?"
But then he opened his mouth and he had a voice that...dare I say it?...was actually pretty. And I mean that in a complimentary way. William's voice was soothing. Comfortable, coffee shop kind of groove. I don't think I'd necessarily buy his CD (a lot of the songs sounded pretty similar to me), but it was pleasant music and his humor was entertaining.
...and then there was Brooke
Then Brooke took the stage with a guy named Ben (drummer/keyboard player) and an Irish chick (keyboard player/violinist). And, of course, she was awesome. My googley-eyed guy friends probably would have fallen more in love with her if they could have heard her hilarious stories including some about bodily functions, clumsiness and a gory story about her husband (who managed to injure himself on an airplane by zipping his sweatshirt-turned pillow into his eye--really). And as much as I tried to resist it, at concerts I turn into dorky-sing-along girl who sings or mouths the words to my favorites. But if Oprah can do it (on video no less), why can't I? :)
The most memorable moment
The most memorable thing? Brooke told the powerful story of her latest album's title track "Albertine" (check it out on the link above). I'll try to re-cap the best I can...but won't do it justice.
Several years ago, Brooke took a trip with World Vision to Rwanda--a country devastated by the effects of genocide in the 90s. She was there for awhile and formed a bond with her guide/interpreter--a native Rwandan man. Throughout her trip (I think it was several weeks long), Brooke did not ask about his personal experience during the genocide.
But on the last day, he said, "I want you to meet someone." He took her to a school. And in a classroom, Brooke met a young girl and simultaneously experienced a life-altering moment.
"I know what your next song will be called," said the guide. "Albertine." He introduced Brooke to the girl and began to tell his story. Brooke's guide had been a member of the tribe responsible for the deaths of many in Rwanda (from a different tribe)--including Albertine's family members. But he could not sit in silence and allow his tribe members to kill an innocent little girl.
"I could not save everyone," he told Brooke. "But I could save one--Albertine."
And so a song was born--with a challenge. "All of us have an Albertine," said the beautiful Brooke. "What will you do to make a difference for the Albertine in your world?"
She's model tall and thin (5'11"). She's got a singing voice that's crystal clear and effortless. She's got a cool New Zealander (is that even how you say it?) accent. And she's smart--with an uncanny ability to write music and lyrics. She genuinely loves people. She's the girl who makes even super-cool rocker guys (who happen to know who she is) get a little googley-eyed, sigh and say, "She's beautiful."
[Sidenote for guys: "Beautiful" beats "cute" or "hot" any day. And "You are beautiful" beats "You look beautiful." Just thought I'd help you out a bit by decoding the secret world of what women--your girlfriend, wife, daughter or even your Mom--want to hear. But do NOT repeat this powerful phrase to girls you are not romantically interested in (unless you're related to them).]
Anyway, I had the opportunity to see Brooke in concert Sunday and thought I'd tell you about my experience, since I know some of you wanted to know. Brooke didn't disappoint.
But instead of a giving you pure concert review, you'll get a little bit of my personal play-by-play narrative rolled in to this post. So here goes...
Who is Brooke Fraser?
I first learned of Brooke Fraser about four years ago from a good friend of mine from New Zealand who described her as something like, "The Norah Jones of our country...but cooler."
[Interestingly enough, at the same time, my New Zealander friend was asking about the independent artist playing in my car--Dave Barnes--who has since collaborated together with Brooke on his new album. Randomly weird coincidence...if only I could get them to tour together...]
Anyway, since then, Brooke has also written and sung a lot of songs with Hillsong United ("None But Jesus", "Hosanna") that many of you are probably familiar with.
The scene...
So I went to the Brooke Fraser concert with a cool date. That's right--my sister--another big Brooke fan. :) (Yes, we're kinda gung-ho nerdy and bought our tix the first day they were available.) The Sunday night concert was held at this place called Chop Suey in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle.
I think Chop Suey may have a little bit of an identify crisis. For the most part, it's definitely Asian-themed--hence the name, paper lanterns and gigantic paper mache dragon stretched across the ceiling. But it also had this weird contrasting Western theme going on with pictures of the Wild West and cartoony cowboys. It kind of reminded me of my college days driving through Lynden, Washington (Dutch-themed town) and spotting a fine establishment named something like Mr. Wu's Mexican Restaurant. :)
And what is it with the crack-shack bathrooms at Seattle establishments featuring indie artists?!? Seriously! The restrooms at Chop Suey were especially odd due to the fact that the main doors to both the women's and men's restrooms were kept open. This meant that as I walked to the ladies' room, I saw some guy wash his hands in the mens' room. It's either completely creepy--or some ingenious scheme to promote sanitary health. I would prefer to believe the latter, but the conditions of the restroom inside told me this was not the main goal of the place. [Okay, TMI--I'm moving on...]
The venue was small. About 150 people were there (including my Starbucks barista from downtown T-town!). We actually found some stools to sit on about 15 feet from the stage in an area of the room slightly higher than the ground level. Awesome.
[Note to readers: I could have some stinkin' amazing pictures...but realized a little too late that I pretty much have the world's worst digital camera. It's really sad, actually. I took a few pics that somehow manage to turn the beautiful Brooke into this green haze that could just as well be the Loch Ness monster. Maybe I could make some money selling them to the tabloids...oh well.]
The opening act...
The opening act was a guy named William Fitzsimmons. He took the stage and for a second, I wondered, "Did some homeless guy wander in off the streets and decide to perform for us?"
But then he opened his mouth and he had a voice that...dare I say it?...was actually pretty. And I mean that in a complimentary way. William's voice was soothing. Comfortable, coffee shop kind of groove. I don't think I'd necessarily buy his CD (a lot of the songs sounded pretty similar to me), but it was pleasant music and his humor was entertaining.
...and then there was Brooke
Then Brooke took the stage with a guy named Ben (drummer/keyboard player) and an Irish chick (keyboard player/violinist). And, of course, she was awesome. My googley-eyed guy friends probably would have fallen more in love with her if they could have heard her hilarious stories including some about bodily functions, clumsiness and a gory story about her husband (who managed to injure himself on an airplane by zipping his sweatshirt-turned pillow into his eye--really). And as much as I tried to resist it, at concerts I turn into dorky-sing-along girl who sings or mouths the words to my favorites. But if Oprah can do it (on video no less), why can't I? :)
The most memorable moment
The most memorable thing? Brooke told the powerful story of her latest album's title track "Albertine" (check it out on the link above). I'll try to re-cap the best I can...but won't do it justice.
Several years ago, Brooke took a trip with World Vision to Rwanda--a country devastated by the effects of genocide in the 90s. She was there for awhile and formed a bond with her guide/interpreter--a native Rwandan man. Throughout her trip (I think it was several weeks long), Brooke did not ask about his personal experience during the genocide.
But on the last day, he said, "I want you to meet someone." He took her to a school. And in a classroom, Brooke met a young girl and simultaneously experienced a life-altering moment.
"I know what your next song will be called," said the guide. "Albertine." He introduced Brooke to the girl and began to tell his story. Brooke's guide had been a member of the tribe responsible for the deaths of many in Rwanda (from a different tribe)--including Albertine's family members. But he could not sit in silence and allow his tribe members to kill an innocent little girl.
"I could not save everyone," he told Brooke. "But I could save one--Albertine."
And so a song was born--with a challenge. "All of us have an Albertine," said the beautiful Brooke. "What will you do to make a difference for the Albertine in your world?"
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Stay in character
Stay in character.
It’s a simple lesson everyone learns in high school drama. I can remember my little sis coming home from play practices with an accent (British, Israeli, Scandanavian—depending on what play she was in, it varied)… she was “staying in character” even at home. :)
It’s a simple lesson everyone learns in high school drama. I can remember my little sis coming home from play practices with an accent (British, Israeli, Scandanavian—depending on what play she was in, it varied)… she was “staying in character” even at home. :)
If you’ve ever been involved in a drama class, play or skit, you’ve probably had a director or teacher talk with you about developing a character. Most encourage you to think about things like:
- “How would my character talk?”
- “What would would she feel in this moment?”
- “How would she walk? What would her body language say to those around her?”
These are simple questions I thought about again this week when I heard a recent message about courage—“staying in character” despite our feelings. And I wondered if the lessons of high school drama class should be taught to every Christian.
Here’s what I mean—at some point in life, all of us go through things that seem really bad…or really great. But do we “stay in character” through those times?
“When the world has fallen out from under me, I’ll be found in You.
Still standing.”
– “Shadowfeet” by Brooke Fraser
It takes courage to stay in character during the bad stuff. If a close friend or relative dies, do we “stay in character” and trust that God still cares? If we’re flat broke or lose our jobs, do we still trust in God as our provider? And if we pray for someone and don’t see a result, do we keep believing God hears us?
On the flip side, I think one thing people sometimes forget is that it also takes courage to stay in character in good times .
If we get a promotion or a raise, do we “stay in character” and increase our giving to God’s house and to those in need? If we’re hanging out at a cocktail party with non-Christian friends (and free alcohol), do we hold to the Bible’s standard of not getting drunk? If our lives are full of fun busyness from volunteering, going on vacation and hanging out with friends, do we stay committed to reading the Bible and talking to God?
I’m asking these questions to provoke my own thoughts and actions just as much as I’m writing to anyone else who may read this post. “Staying in character” is a tough concept I think most Christians wrestle with.
Most of us don’t want to be fake, but we also are called to be like Christ—to take on attributes of His character. To live authentically as the unique people He’s called us to be, despite our natural sinful instincts, feelings or desires. To “authentically imitiate” Christ (as a recent magazine article put it). It takes courage. But I think “staying in character” is one way we live our faith out loud—by not being hypocritical and starting to truly live as if “what we really believe is really real.”
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