Going against the flow is intimidating for most people. It’s much easier to ride the waves of the norm and “fit in” with what’s expected. But rarely do we grow… or shine… when we’re in that mode. Stretching ourselves is a challenge, yet it can bring great rewards! Not only will we find that doors of opportunity open but we blaze pathways of confidence for our future selves and those who watch our lives.
That’s not to say that there won’t be failures. Sometimes taking risks causes painful results. It’s part of the journey. Speaking up against a bully, literally or figuratively, can result in a sock to the nose! Yet, if we don’t take a stand for what we believe, we risk living a wishy-washy whiny existence that’s wrapped in dissatisfaction.
How can you stretch yourself… just a bit today or this week?
For me, it was 
entering a chili competition. This was out of character for me as I generally avoid anything that smacks of competition (aside from a good game of Dominoes!). Though I enjoy cooking, I don’t consider myself a “foodie.” But since this was a church event and we were raising money for the youth, I threw myself into it.
The result: I won!
I created my own version of chili and called it “Pittsburgh Comfort Chili.” I stretched my creative muscles and came up with a unique black and gold dish that was hearty and satisfying! I have to admit that winning my cute little Chili Cook-off trophy and hearing the compliments was rather exciting! (Side note: Kudos to all the entrants at Freedom International Church as there were many unique yummy ones and the youth definitely benefitted!) This risk paid off!
What about you? How do you see yourself going against the norm for the good? Could it be speaking up when your co-workers are trashing a peer? Maybe it’s speaking out against an intense book that your middle schooler is expected to read. Possibly, your risk might be encouraging someone who is consistently rude to you. How about buying the lunch of someone who is behind you in a line? Today, I watched a 3rd grader share something with another student who had been tormenting him just an hour before. Doing the unexpected or unprecedented is not an easy choice. But it may be one that brings success, confidence, and a deep satisfaction that you stepped out and stepped up your game. It may lead to the extraordinary!
My beliefs about who I am impact how I choose to live. I Corinthians 2:16 reminds me that I have the mind of Christ. Genesis 1:26 declares that I’m made in the likeness of God. I’m wonderfully and uniquely created according to Psalm 139:14. I Peter 2:9 in The Passion Translation says this: “But you are God’s chosen treasure—priests who are kings, a spiritual “nation” set apart as God’s devoted ones. He called you out of darkness to experience His marvelous light, and now He claims you as His very own. He did this so that you would broadcast His glorious wonders throughout the world.”
I’ve been designed to stand up and stand out! Not to attract attention to myself, but to impact the world around me for good! When the air feels heavy with death, I will speak life. When darkness feels pervasive, I will shine light. When best intentions drag from discouragement, I will build confidence. I will go against the status quo to make my world a better place. The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is the extra we put into it! I hope my kids are watching… I want them to be trail blazers too!
Dive Deeper: Psalm 139, Ephesians 2:10
Recipe: Pittsburgh Comfort Chili
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Live Loved,
I’m going to try the recipe. Sounds yummy. Congratulations!! You are a winner in my book even if you might not have placed in the competition. Thanks for putting your thoughts in words. You are a gifted writer and I love you very much.