Hi friends!
Recently, I’ve had the wonderful experience of taking part of a camp at a Christian university. There were many inspiring classes and devotionals, and let me tell you- the Christian fellowship there was absolutely refreshing! So many Christians in one place… It was very encouraging (and you all know I’m all about the encouragement!). I met several strong Christians and was able to look up to some godly examples, and I think we all grew a lot in our faith. I know I learned several important things- I learned much about God and His holiness, but I also learned a lot about myself.
For one, I learned that I have a very hard time saying one very simple little word: “no.” This was a church camp, and thankfully, I came in no contact with temptation to do anything bad, such as drugs or alcohol or anything- I’m not talking about any of that. I’m simply talking about when my friends asked me to do something with them or go somewhere with them or for a favor. And most of the time, it doesn’t really matter- these are small things, and it’s all harmless. But there is a danger of being stretched too thin, sisters, and that’s precisely the situation I found myself in towards the end of the week. I’ll admit it- I really made a mess of things.
I have a feeling I’m not the only one struggling with this issue, friends. Sometimes, we just forget that it’s really okay to just say no- forgetting we have that privilege is very easy to do. But we must remember that we do have a choice- we have other options, sisters! Sometimes, the people we declined will be disappointed, but it’s not the end of the world if we have to say no, and sometimes, we really do have to say no. We can’t do everything, ladies.
I know that’s much easier to say than do. I’ve recently experienced it. The friends I confided in about this certain issue kept telling me “you can say no, you know?” and talking with them was a huge relief. But I realized that when I actually had to go through with it, it was easy to panic and just go along with things. It took an awful lot of psyching myself up to actually stick to my decisions, and I honestly couldn’t have done it without the moral support and advice of my friends. One of my friends told me I should just take a walk, think things over, come to a decision, and not let anyone else convince me otherwise; and that was literally the best advice I received. We need to do that sometimes, sisters- we need to take a break from things to think. That’s the only way we can think clearly. I took her up on that suggestion, and I think it was the only way I got through that day.
But that’s also not the only thing I learned this past week. I also learned it’s best not to judge too quickly. I’m guilty of this often, sisters. Sometimes, upon seeing someone- I haven’t even met them yet!- my mind automatically pegs them as “one of those types.”
People tend to make judgment- especially what the Bible says about it- a controversial subject. No one wants to be judged, and in defense, some will pull out Matthew 7:1, which says “Judge not, that you be not judged.” (ESV) Yes, the Bible says this, but you’ll find that this verse is often pulled out of context. This passage is actually talking about not being hypocritical- taking care of your own sin problems before trying to help out a brother or sister with their issues. In fact, later in that very chapter, Jesus goes on to say “You will recognize them by their fruits” in verse 16. This implies that we actually are supposed to “judge”- and I use this term loosely- people, BUT we are supposed to judge by ACTIONS, not by appearances.
But I’m not talking about judging people for their sin- most of the time, I’m just passing them off as an athletic person, or a prissy girl, or a smart kid, or some stereotype along that line. I’m not condemning the person in any way, or even saying the way they come across is bad, but I am forming an image of them in my mind, and I’ve found that more often than not, I’m wrong about them.
And, actually, this does go back to judging by actions instead of appearances. Appearances are often deceiving- I definitely learned that during camp. People are always deeper than the stereotype they’re placed into, even if they don’t know it themselves. There are those people, even once you get to know them, that actually do seem to fit the stereotype perfectly, but, as the old saying goes, until you’ve “walked a mile in their shoes,” then you really can’t “peg” them as a certain type of person accurately. And trust me- it’s pretty shocking when you realize you’ve been wrong about them all along.
Anyway, during that week, I learned one last vital thing, summed up in five simple words. You can make a difference. Yeah- I know we’ve all heard it before. We’ve all seen it before. If you’ve ever been a part of a huge gathering of Christians in one place… it’s spectacular! In a crowd like that, it’s easy to believe you could just march outside and change the world. If we have unity as children of God, we’re unstoppable! But… that’s not what I’m talking about here.
You can make a difference. Alone. You don’t have to have a huge group, or a following, or a network of people to make a difference. Those things help, sure, but they aren’t necessary. Maybe it’s just me, but sometimes, sisters, I feel lost in the crowd. I’ll admit- most of my friends are Christians. I’m constantly surrounded by strong examples and wonderful people willing to give it all for God- which, don’t get me wrong, is great! But it’s easy to get so overwhelmed and forget that we can make a difference on our own too.
“Making a difference” can be interpreted so many different ways, sisters. Sure, ending world hunger would definitely be making a HUGE difference! But I think we forget sometimes that if we make someone smile or do someone a favor or do anything to show God’s love in someone’s life, we’re making a difference in that person’s life. It’s not a spectacular show or a huge change, but I’m willing to bet that it means as much to that person as ending world hunger would.
I’m not saying that we can’t do anything spectacular or huge by ourselves- hey, the vote of one random guy made Texas a state (I won’t go into it here, but that’s an amazing story if you ever want to look it up- it’s true, too)! But I am saying that the little things definitely count! Sometimes in church, we’ll sing the song “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” That’s doable for anyone, ladies! It’s easy! And it’s making a difference.
I hope you all have a wonderful next week!
Mia
