rebelling against low expectations
Quiet and quick, the hush of expectancy blanketed the dilapidated room with fragile silence. I prayed. Gazing among the faces around me in the remand home or child prison of “M1” in Uganda, I noticed their contagious eagerness–it sparked courage within my heart. Beautiful words of loving care for them tumbled from my lips like they were always meant to be spoken. I knew the Lord...
JOHN WRITES: It’s easy for me to be selfish and self-focused in my relationships with others. I’m friends with people so that I can feel accepted. I’m friends with people who say good things about me, and I don’t really love people. I want them to love me. I know that I should focus on loving people rather than focusing on myself, but it can be hard sometimes. Do you have any advice for me on how...
I’ve had intense headaches and neck tension almost every day for the past two months. Why? Well, people tell me I’m stressed. Why am I stressed? Well, that complicated question would take much too long to answer. I think, though, that this might be symptom of a disease that is unique (but heavily prevalent) among us rebelutionaries. We want to do hard things. We realize our time and lives are...
JAKE WRITES: I have so many great big project ideas, but how do I decide what idea to pursue with all my efforts and what ideas to scrap? How do I remain passionate enough about one project to stick with it even when I have another great idea? I have quite the list of things I want to pursue. Many of these ideas I’ve begun planning or writing, but it’s hard to see them through when...
When I was in elementary school, one of my least favorite subjects was P.E. I remember “running” the mile, which consisted of running when I was within sight of the teacher and walking as soon as she looked away. Needless to say, I was among the group that finished last every time. The Christian life can be compared to a marathon. Though it’s a much longer distance, I know I still run like I did...
OLIVIA WRITES: In the new year, I think it would be cool if I could contribute to some kind of charity. I can knit, sew a little, and do most kinds of crafty stuff. I can also play music, but I’m not sure how that could help anybody. If you have any ideas about organizations that I could help out with, I’d love to know! Share Your Thoughts in the Comment Section! There are currently 7...
I took another spiritual gifts assessment last week. I wasn’t surprised to find that many questions asked about what I am naturally talented at, what I enjoy, or what I am comfortable doing. I think the same way. Writing is my passion, so I assume that God has called me to serve through Him through my writing. My younger sister is a talented musician, so she believes that she is called to...
FAITH WRITES: I’m only 14, and my church isn’t that big, (it’s kind of medium sized), but I really want to have an impact. I’ve tried talking to my Youth Pastor, my Pastor, and various other people who hold leadership positions in my church about outreach ideas and more, but the more I talk to them, the more I realize how complacent they have become. I want God to use me...
(The News Tribune) – When Spencer Broden was a first-grader, he accompanied his parents when they volunteered at the Tacoma Rescue Mission, and he almost always made friends. One of them changed his life. “I became fast friends with another kid, Justice, and one day I went to his house,” Spencer recalled this week. “Like all little kids, the first thing I wanted to do was check out what...
COURTNEY WRITES: My church has been talking a lot about joy lately. All over the Bible we’re told to be happy in God (Matthew 5:12, 2 Corinthians 13:11, Philippians 4:4, Psalms 5, 32, 33, 66, 68, 81, 100, etc.). So here’s the thing – how do you do it? How do you rejoice when you’re suffering, or when you just don’t feel glad? Share Your Thoughts in the Comment...
rebelling against low expectations
