The Journey

Photo by Engin Akyurt Approval is something we all desire and rarely obtain because we look to human beings to provide it. We look to flawed, complex, selfish beings for validation on everything from how we dress, how we talk, what we watch on television, what we eat, how we raise our children, to who we date or even marry. We do this for that temporary moment of satisfaction that comes with an endorsement from someone we look up to or for the popularity we seek--even if it is done under the guise of "ministry." Meanwhile, we are being offensive to our Creator and living a life that is a betrayal and contradictory to the Bible.  Wait. What? I challenge you to seek out scriptures on this topic. Galatians 1:10 made my jaw drop. Paul wrote, "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." When we let others dictate our every move, we are in ...

Photo by Heidi Fin For some time now, I have wanted to share my journey, but I did not have a forum in which to share it. After reading a friend's blog tonight, I became inspired!  The reason I want to tell my story is that I have found myself surrounded by many people, young and old alike, who are making some of the same mistakes I made. I want to scream, "Stop right there! Do not make a move!" I know that seems a bit silly, and well, dramatic. Having spent my entire childhood and early adult years practically living in the church, I know most, if not all, the excuses used to justify bad behavior while praying for mercy and expecting God to clean up the mess. God is merciful; He does often give us multiple opportunities to get it together. However, the U-turns and the long road back can be downright, literal hell. I have heard it said that "when you have walked twelve miles into the woods, even though you have turned around and headed out, you will still have twel...