Things That Need To Be Said
In the spirit of a classic Friday freewrite, here is what has been bubbling out from inside of me in fifteen minutes of uninterrupted, unedited writing.
- Christians-- we do not always have to vocalize our opinions about the things we disapprove of. Our silence can be a more impactful protest. The more we feel the need to publicly bash or attack or condemn something, the more we build it up and inadvertently promote it. If we just kept our mouths shut and let our actions talk for us, we might all be better off. If you don't approve of Fifty Shades of Grey, don't read it and don't see it. We all know what it's about and we don't need a million blog posts about it all.
- Love should be celebrated every day, not just on Valentine's Day. The chocolates and Cupids are sweet, but also very cliche. Find out the love language of the people close to you, and use that to serve them and love them well constantly. It doesn't take much to make others feel loved, but it makes such an impact when we do.
- Our world is broken. Equality is not our reality. The headlines make that very apparent, and it's devastating. This is something we should be speaking out about. This is something we should be using our platforms to shine light on and start meaningful conversations about. Nothing will change if we turn a blind eye to injustice and ignore that it exists right where we live.
"Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” --Martin Luther King, Jr.
Having big dreams, goals and strategies is remarkably important. Having a grip on reality and the present is equally important. Partnering dreamers and doers is necessary, unbeatable, and brings about unbelievably better outcomes.
Fostering strong and vibrant community means loving people when they're at their best, when they're serving well, when they're active, when they're present and contributing, and also when they are distant, when they disengage, when they aren't around, when they take a step back, when they are struggling. It's a beautiful thing when communities love well in all seasons, despite everything life brings.
We are blessed. We may not have the lives we envisioned or the possessions we desired, but we are blessed. We can choose to dwell on what is seemingly lacking or less than ideal, or we can choose gratitude. One is depressing and exhausting, one is freeing and life-giving. Let's choose thankfulness, appreciation, joy.