Stand Out!

Be You!

You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. (Galatians 5:13, NIV 2011 Edition)

I think the "in-crowd" is over rated.

When I think about what those two words mean, it makes me wonder why it would even matter to try so hard to be accepted for something you aren't. It doesn't make sense to me to want to be "crowded in" a group of people all looking for approval of others by conforming to ever-changing standards. What does make sense to me is surrounding yourself around people who appreciate you for consistently being you.

In fact, the Bible teaches us not to be conformed to the ways of the world. We as Christians have been released from the slavery of worldly possessions and desires and called to love others humbly. What does that mean? It means Jesus doesn't need you to change your body, your personality, or whether or not you're a fan of this or that sports team, He just wants your heart. I see the "in-crowd" as this packed box that people try so hard to get selected for but outside is this beautiful scenery and weather. Inside the box it's dark and crowded. Why spend time and agony trying to conform to restriction when God has called you to freedom?

Step outside the box, embrace the "you" that God made, and surround yourself with others who appreciate you being consistently you. The only transformation or conformation that needs to happen is through love.

(Bonus Coverage - Hello Fear by Kirk Franklin)


Hello Fear
Before you sit down there's something I need to explain
Since you're here
I think I should tell you since we last talked things have changed
See I'm tired of being broken-hearted
So I made a list and you're on it
All my hopes and my dreams You took from me
I want those back before you leave

Hello Fear
I knew I would see you, You have a hard time letting go
See these tears,Take a good look cuz, soon they wont fall anymore
God's healing my hurful places
That seat that was yours now is taken
I'm no longer afraid,See I'm better this way
And one more thing before you leave

[Chorus]
Never again will I love you
My heart it refuses to be your home
No longer your prisoner
Today I remember
Apart from you is where I belong

And never again will I trust you
I'm tired of fighting it's been way too long
No longer your prisoner
Today I remember
Who I was and now it's gone
They're gone
Hello Fear
Da da da da da, da da da da da

Farewell Goodbye So long [3X]

Hello Grace
It feels like forever, I thought my chance with you was gone
See your face, it reminds me of mercy
And please let me say I was wrong
Never knew your touch was endless
How you never run dry of forgiveness
Didn't know how bad it was, was afraid just because
Sorry fear, grace took your place

[Chorus]

Farewell Goodbye So long [8X]

Hello Fear
Before you sit down there's something I need to explain