Day 267 Envelope Addendum

October 1, 2015
Day 267

Katie Schwartz photography

The "Envelope" image that I began to flesh out, on Day 258,  came on a starry night on a blanket with Katie Schwartz in my backyard. We were pondering significance, something that is often not felt within the context of the church. Many times there is a lack of encouragement, a lifting up and affirming of one another's uniqueness. Too often we do not feel like we fit in. We do not feel like our gifts are being used or even wanted.



The lack of encouragement, to one another, stems from a place of insecurity. When I am unable to affirm you it is because I am not feeling confident. This becomes a viscous cycle and it continues with hamster, wheel-like, fluidity. It robs the church of diversity as we slink off
without going into our envelope, as our uniqueness is not requested. As in nature, however, diversity keeps a congregation healthy.

We are unique. Children think about growing up and becoming famous, almost as if it is a guarantee. But they know better to speak of such things, it is the epitome of arrogance. While Katie and I were pondering this, a thought bolted out of heaven and plopped in my heart. THIS IS NOT A MAN MADE THOUGHT, BEING FAMOUS, THIS IS AN GOD-GIVEN, INHERENT THOUGHT STEMMING FROM OUR UNIQUENESS. Huh?

When you think of someone famous, you know it is because they are significant. Something has made them stand out. Therefore we can conclude, a child thinks they will be famous because God created them to be a one of a kind, unique, significant person. I stand out, you stand out. You and I are significant. We are not meant to "fit in." Banish the thought. The enemy, who loves to shame, starts early working this inherent thought into a twisted mess of lies.

Why does the enemy start so early? Because, you plus using your gifts equals change for the positive. And the enemy wants negativity not positivity.

Your creator stands at your envelope waiting. Watch out family, community, world. Do it!