The theme for ACC06 is Free. The tag line that goes with it was written by an American journalist. "Average people don't want to be free. They just want to be safe." I'm learning a lot about just how average I am. It seems to be the theme I keep coming back to - inaction, resolve to do something but then never really doing it, laziness, excuses. It's quite sad really. When will the day come where dependence on God is really a part of my life and not just something I talk about. So, I have to choose to quit talking and complaining and move - with or without Marty or anyone else. I can't wait any longer for someone to walk beside me although that's what I desperately long for. Do what? I'm not sure. Start a cell group that I'm actually longing to go to instead of one that I just semi-commit to. Perhaps actually meet my neighbors and GET TO KNOW them. I've only lived there for six years - you'd think it was different. As an officer's kid perhaps it wasn't necessary to know my neighbors because I had built in friends at the corps and at school. I'm tired of being friends with just Christians. I'm ready to know non-Christians.
I'm sure that all of you who read my blog are probably tired of reading the same thing over and over again. I'm tired of writing it. I'm incredibly tired of living it. So, here goes. No more. It's time to leave the sub-living behind. I'm ready for full-living, full-trying, full-hoping and full-depending.
Anyway, it's been quite a good conference. I've had to take a mental break today from a few of the sessions. I was just starting to overload. Danielle Strickland, Campbell Roberts, Phil Wall have all been great. Hitting home for me - obviously.
Marty's been leading worship during the day sessions and everyone seems to really enjoy his style of worship. It's nice to see Salvos from another country appreciating what he has to offer.
The other thing I find quite refreshing is the amount of young adults around here who choose to own The Salvation Army as their own. They aren't ashamed of being Salvos. While I know that they must have some complaints or some constructive criticism along the way, it's been nice to be here and not have a diatribe of negative conversations regarding the Army. I'm just enjoying being a part of it this week. The young adults here wear pieces of their uniform with normal clothes. They put their epaluettes on non-uni shirts. I saw a girl last night wearing her uniform shirt with jeans and a cool big black belt and boots. It just looks like it's a part of who they are. I hope that they wear these things to places besides the Army corps. Some girl said to me this morning that I should start the trend in America. I told her that I don't really want to. I'm just not that commited to my uniform. Is that a sad thing? Probably. I'm just not ready to wrestle with that question yet. There are bigger concerns in my Christian walk and my Christian walk as a Salvo that I feel I should actually take apart and examine before the uniform issue. It's just a really cool and refreshing thing to see the uniform become relevant.
So, I'm out of time. Perhaps I'll have more tomorrow or Sunday. We'll see.
It's been worth the 21 hours on a plane and the week's not over.
3 comments:
Thank you (as always) for you honesty and candidness. As I read this post shivers went down my spine. Reading what you said about being average and talking but not walking really hits home for me. So many of my friends are non-believers and I find myself comfortable not talking about my beliefs with them. It's just easier. I tell myself I will, but never do. My intentions for my own Christian walk seem so good and sincere. But, alas, they often lead to a dead end. I long for a 'young' adult group that I can belong too. One that has people who feel comfortable and confident about discussing all subjects. I feel like over the years, for one reason or another, I have become so distant from my roots and my true beliefs. How do I get back to where I once was and then go even further?
I too am tired of the back-stabbing conversations and comments about the Army. I don't understand how anyone can be so negative about such an amazing organization. I sometimes feel that other Countries could really teach us a lesson about how to appreciate - without conditions - the Army. There are people all over the world who risk so much just to attend - and yet we are so unappreciative of the MANY programs and opportunities the Army offers us. Why can't we unite like the rest of the Army world? Why is there so much bitterness and judgement and finger pointing and - lets face it - politics?
As far as the uniform goes - I am so with you on that - it is a minor thing in the scheme of things - there is so much that is more important and that deserves more of our commitment, time and money.
Sorry - didn't mean to go on and on - you just really hit the spot for me... thanks for opening my eyes even more.
Be safe - maybe when you get home we can get together for coffee.
hello there joy~when you get home and things settle down and you have some time to IM....send me one~i'd really love to talk to you and see what's in that head of yours! xoxoxo--me
honestly-we haven't had one of OUR good conversations in a really looooonnnnggggg time....time's up~ email or im or call or write....XOXO
here's to full living which brings a life full of possibilities! go joy go!
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