"When Freedom Doesn't Ring Right"

Years ago my daughter and I were watching the Olympics, and a discussion ensued about the various host countries.  We talked about how beautiful the presentations were, the color, the history and how the countries celebrated their culture.  It was obvious in their presentation what they stood for, or believed in.  Then the topic turned to the United States of America.  We celebrate with just as much cutting edge, color, lights, music, flair and it is often evident that Freedom Rings!  It seems that though we are considered a Christian nation, we only have our flag to uphold or represent what we believe in. FREEDOM. I come from a very patriotic family, we love America and respect this country.  We have family that have served, supported our veterans, served in government, and law enforcement as well.  Many people have died for the freedom that we stand for; but in the midst of  all this freedom ringing .. something doesn't ring right. 

WHEN IN ROME ...

It's been said, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do."  I recently came back for the UAE, a place that I have had the privilege to visit a few times over the years.  Aside form the beautiful architecture, good food and  interesting sights, I  always leave with an appreciation for this culture that I have nothing to do with. See although I am Christian and the native religion in the UAE is Muslim, I appreciate the fact that they hold to what they believe in.  It is evident when you google travel to that region, they will give you the ins and outs of their culture.  You may not agree with them, but you gotta respect them.  If you walk in a mosque, as a woman, you WILL cover your head.  There are places you cannot go with shorts on, though it is considered open to the public.  During their holiday, NO ONE eats, or drinks outdoors until a set time.  They have prayer time that is evident anywhere you go, they even have special places where you can go pray if you are out and about during the day.   If you are looking from the outside, you may think that is too much, or that they have no right to impose their beliefs on anyone else.  That is what people who are used to 'freedom' may think, but truthfully, it is their land, their religion, and it's your choice to go there or not. They will not make you believe what they believe, but you will not be allowed to disrespect what they believe.  Therein lies the great difference... "When in America..."

FREE TO BE CHRISTIAN?

America is known to be a Christian nation, but you don't really see it much because the thing we hold dear is our  "Freedom".  See we almost can't have a standard if Freedom is the standard.  That means whenever someone comes here, they are FREE to do their own thing.  They are free to practice religion how they want, free to speak how they want, free to have an opinion that does not make any kind of sense, and establish things based on that opinion.  Free to speak, smoke, drink, sleep with anyone, post crude thoughts, sue,  etc...

We are the only religion in America that is supposed to be a foundation of America, but we get flack for trying to uphold it.  Other religions can say something is against their religion, and we acknowledge their right and freedom to not do it, and adjust.  But in the same vein, if we use the name of Jesus in a prayer, or a valedictorian speech, we may be asked to change it, because it is offensive to others.  Freedom is not ringing true for us as Christians.   If we are going to stand, we may really have to stand alone, but still we stand.  The world and this system that celebrates Freedom, is not celebrating you as a Christian.   I am often told that I need to  let go of old thoughts and religious boundaries...  even when my boundaries are relationship driven, not religious.  People are intimidated by standards that they don't want to keep, or if they feel you think you are better than them.  Often people intimidated by your standard will call you a hypocrite if you miss it, and call you self righteous if you try to keep.   Don't be moved by people, remember we serve God.  He is the standard maker, He is the one we are trying to please not people.  If your living for God convicts them, that is between them and Him.  Don't be a Christian willing to dishonor God just to make others not feel convicted by your convictions.  True Freedom is not granted by the guidelines of a nation or by our own thoughts.  True freedom is choosing to live under the banner established by the only One who can really make you free.  In the end, His banner, His freedom, will ring true.

LIVE HIS STANDARD

Being a Christian today, is going to require  holding a standard set by God, and disciplining yourself to want to keep it.  God will help us, but if we are not even considering it, we won't try. You may be called old fashioned, judgmental, self righteous and more, just because you have a desire to live a life pleasing to God.  Don't wait for this world to embrace your Christian lifestyle, it won't.  In fact, the pressure makes it so much easier to go the opposite direction.  If you like many of us, have had hiccups in your walk, don't be discouraged.  This is not to condemn anyone, just repent, get up and keep walking with God.  Just understand that the path will not always be easy, but with God, it is doable!

"Life Out of Tune"

Success is great, but success is also hard earned.  That is true for those who are entrepreneurs as well as those who are just trying to be better in life.  It might seem like the church has poor judgment when it comes to who we use, but I am grateful for training ground…

I always think of the church as being very loving and forgiving, I think that because that is what my church has been to me.  When I started teaching years ago, I started in the Children's ministry.  That gave me a good audience that challenged me with their questions and their lack of interest. When I started teaching adults,  many would tell me how good I taught, even when I felt horrible.  There were legitimate times that I KNEW my deliver was messed up and no one should have said anything kind to me, just prayed.  You would not have known it by the response of the saints.  The encouragement though undeserved, was a balm that helped me to continue honing my skills.  I am much better today, but still have days that I am glad for a group that is truthful, but so thankful for those who are just well… nice.

LIVE CRITICS 

This is not always the case in life…  I recently watched as a well-known pop artist made a comeback on national TV.  She has survived suicidal thoughts and difficulties in her life and was finally coming back after two years of trying to pull herself together.   After a panic attack before performing, she went on stage and began to sing.  It was difficult but she made it through, but not without a slew of insensitive and nasty attacks on her performance.  My heart and prayers went out to her as she had to endure such hatefulness and live through such scrutiny.  Sometimes people are cruel because they don't know what people have gone through, but it is so much worse when they do.

HONESTY 

We may think that it is our job to be honest and scrutinize folks all the time, but think back to when you were beginning your journey, did you do everything right?  There has to be a time to learn how to do what you do better, or how do we learn.  I do believe that not every lesson has to be in front of the entire congregation, but there has to be a place and a setting that allows those who are called to teach, minister,  sing or speak, to do so with constructive criticism, and a heart to see them fulfill their purpose.  The most difficult things are when someone has chosen something that is obviously NOT their niche.  But even in that scenario, love can help to point them in the right direction. 

PRAY FOR EACH OTHER 

I pray for this young lady as she goes through this very public scrutiny, I pray that she finds hope in God and understands that we may miss it in life, but we  can get back on track and ignore those who mean us harm.   I encourage you today, if you are in the midst of testing the waters in your niche, surround yourself with good people who are honest, but love you.  The bible tells us to restore people with a spirit of meekness, not judgment or harsh words.   We are here for each other, we help each other do better and honor God while blessing people.  It pays to have people around you who love you enough to tell the truth in LOVE.  Be one of those people. 

"Single and Not Settling?"

Relationships, are one of the most complicated things we will ever be involved in!  

As we are nearing Valentines Day, many people get anxious about who they are with, their relationship status, and what they will do that day if they are alone.  Many desire to be in a relationship, but years have gone by, and they still have not found the 'right' person.  We have heard for years about what makes for a good relationship, and what things to avoid.  Before we get into what we are 'Settling for" if you are currently single, be sure you are taking advantage of this time!  Enjoy the break,  learn to discover who you are, who you are becoming, and learn to love you.    Work on your purpose projects that required faith without the backing of a spouse to rest on.  It  can be interesting, fun, scary, and also exciting to trust God in that way.  When it comes to a relationship, yes, you may have  a long term goal that includes marriage, and that is great, but don't get so focused on that person that you waste this time.   

DON'T SETTLE...

In talking to many unmarried people,  it seems we have all been given the same talk.  "Don't Settle."  But what exactly does that mean?  I know that typically it means don't settle for anything less than what you want, don't settle for a person who is not in a high income bracket, don't settle for looks that are not magazine ready, don't settle for someone who is not sensitive, driven, given to your every whim, and kind at the same time.  Don't settle for someone who is cheap... or could that be frugal?? See every negative trait is a positive quality that is being misused.  So what you see as cheap could later pay off a house, or have you going on regular vacations... it is all in how you see it, and what is really there.

I don't know what your 'Don't settle' BOX speech has been, but I will tell you this...  None of us meet all the requirements of  that BOX, including YOU.  Many single people- especially women have been put in a box that someone else made, and we stay there hoping this perfect person will walk out of the shadows and we connect.   We don't look for potential anymore, we actually want a ready made package. We don't listen to good conversations if they don't look like what we want, and somehow we want them to pass the BOX test instead of being what we actually need according to God's specifications. 

Many of us have been taught not to settle for things when it comes to relationships so we raise the bar so high that nobody meets it, then we wonder why we're  still unmarried. There's nothing wrong with being unmarried because this is opportunity for us to really focus on what God has called us to do,  and build on our own, directly from God without having to be concerned with others input.

SETTLING FOR OR SETTLING WITH 

"Settle: to resolve or reach an agreement about, to decide on, a mutual agreement, to adopt a more steady or secure style of life, or make a permanent home somewhere."

Let's be honest, with this definition, we all want to settle!  We want to come to an agreement with someone with mutual benefits and be able to be steady and secure in our relationship. When people tell you not to 'settle', it is really up to the two of you what you are both settling for.  To settle well means you have time to talk about what you both want.  It is time to examine what you both have and if compromise is necessary, you make it!  Settling can mean that you are going with what is in front of you, and you both have a plan to work it to get what you want out of it.  When both parties make that type of agreement, you have a  firm base to spring greatness from.  Your strength may build the deficit in one area of their life,  and their strength may build a deficit in yours.  The hardest thing is for both to admit the deficits, and at the same time embrace the strength of another.  

If you are still single and extra critical of everyone you meet, maybe you should consider looking outside the box you have created, or that has been created for you.  Talk to God, talk to them, and if you have the basics in place, and desire to build from there....  it might just be a good place to settle!