Recently in Leadership we studied a chapter during our book study of “Do Hard Things” by Alex and Brett Harris which dove into the hard but life changing skill of being the better person in a tough situation. Let me ask you: How many times have you caved to peer pressure in a situation you knew didn’t align with your faith? How many times have you been outcast for fighting that peer pressure? Many people will find that they cave more, others stay truer to their beliefs. Either is ok, as long as you stay headstrong in your faith. Here’s what I’m saying: In these moments, confrontations, situations… you felt out of place like a tulip in a massive field of dandelions. You felt singled-out and alone.
God’s plan is for His word to reach everyone, all the dandelions who spread like wildfire, who infest the yard you worked to maintain, a beautiful weed.
If you look at those fields or at a strong, healthy and beautiful flower that breaks through concrete, that flower will stand out. Everyone wants to be that flower. Everyone picks that flower. A vibrant colour compared with a grey background simply stands out. A colour amongst many other colours is still pretty, but not as outstanding.
God’s plan is for us to trudge through the mud, the brown and icky sludge and spread a beautiful glaze of colour over those around us. Matthew 5:13-16 frames what I’ve been saying, perfectly. We are on the earth to be beacons of light to the world, not to judge, not to ignore, but to take on the challenges placed ahead of us with optimism and purpose.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. 14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Join us this Thursday the 21st to dress a little more floral where you are fully free and encouraged to make your hair crazy too. Following that, on Friday all homerooms will be doing some form of garbage/general cleanup of the school property. At this time of the week we will demonstrate an artistry in the world and brush the paint of Christianity around the community. Please don't stop there, do what you can, even when it feels weird, to talk with someone, spread the Word or even just assist in community endeavours from now till forever.
By Caleb Haugen
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