Do you believe?

What started me on this journey of writing over these years was a belief that our real struggle in life is in what we believe.  Not what we intellectually assent to, but what we believe in our core.  I have sought to write about things that challenge the way I feel about the circumstances life throws at me.

I believe that this journey has lead me to a deeper place of faith,  a place where what I believe about my God, what I know about His love for me, is greater than it was three years ago.

So what do I do with that?

How do I act and live and love in return if He loves me so much and believes in me as much as He does?

I have learned to be bolder, to act as though I have power and life to give to my world.  I protect myself less and others more.  I am learning to do ridiculous things, request things pray for things that I have no business doing or asking for.  I find myself leading more and following less.

My knees are still knocking, and my heart still beats to fast.  I still remind myself that I’m too old, too broken, too stupid, too worthless, but I move anyway.  I hear the condemnation from my enemy and the ridicule from those who are broken like me, but I step out.

What’s coming next?  I’m not sure.

But, I believe.

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Singing and Dancing

Singing and dancing have been a part of Christendom, a part of our Judeo-Christian culture since its inception. I don’t mean liturgical singing. I’m talking about loud voices proclaiming the greatness of our King, shouts and hosannas that have a melody but are much more about our passion for Him than the sound of our own voices.

Dancing has been stolen by the enemy, demeaned into something you do to get a girl. Dancing used to be a physical celebration of life and the Giver of life.

Too many voices will start shouting at this point. “We don’t do that in our church. We’re not like crazy charismatics.” Some will even say they can’t dance or that they’re bound by some infirmity.

Change the way you’re thinking!

Our worship is to be more than a mental exercise, more than repetition of what we know. It should engage our hearts, minds, bodies, souls and spirits. You can’t hold on to what’s safe, what’s expected and experience God the way He intended. You cannot be shaken if you will not move.

So sing, with everything inside of you, making yourself hoarse with the effort you put in. Dance, jump, move, swing your arms, tap your toes! For His sake, move your eyes from side to side!

He is worthy!