To God Be All the Glory!! I so appreciate everyone's feedback via e-mails, phone calls, and comments to the "Stand"...keep it coming! Last week, I received a call from a beautiful sister/friend (Love you 'Chelle!) who shared that sometimes it is such a challenge to maintain who she is as a woman of faith in a secular environment. Now reader, don't get amnesia and act as if you have never experienced this. It's like being the only soprano in a choir full of tenors! It's not easy to be noticed or even heard when you're the only one there singing your note.
Maybe it's not about maintaining who we are when we don't fit in where we are. I believe it's more about remembering Whose we are...simply living in the confidence that God is and we are blessed to wear His badge. Faith is perspective and we ALL need to broaden ours. We must enjoy the liberty that goes along with being "set aside". Don't allow cliques to make you feel as if they are having a party and you're not invited. God's love, joy, peace, and grace are limitless and we, as His children, have access to all of that.
Is it hard to not get involved when a vulgar joke or gossip is spreading through the office? And to my teenage readers, do your school friends even know that you actively worship when you go to church?Here's your encouragement...I looked up the definition of "strange" and discovered words like, unsual, extraordinary, situated, and unfamiliar. I LOVE THAT! Dare to be different. Pray for the strength to be a stranger! Occupy 'til He comes.
It is hard, especially when what has been the "right way" is now seen to be the "odd way" to do things. Nevertheless, my desires to maintain God's way all the way. Thank you ma'am! :-D
ReplyDeleteLove it Steph-
ReplyDeleteI am working on it every minute of the hour, daily...and I love it, the challenge.
I want to reflect the difference in me and still be alongside the secular environment, so they can see the beauty and the GOD in me, and wonder...what's different about her??? She looks like me but her presence is not like mine.
Finally found peace.
Enjoying your blogs! I have always loved the lemonade stand. There is where you are refreshed and renewed for your journey. Reading your entries are indeed refreshing and renewing to my spirit when faced with life’s challenges. Your words cause me to ‘stop’ and ‘take a sip’ and bask in the renewal and refreshment that God gives to His people. I give thanks to God and Cakesbyfaith for meeting you and blessing my life richly.
ReplyDeleteAhhh! fresh lemonade…God bless you for His goodness and anointing flowing your way.
Good stuff Twin
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