As far back as I can remember I've been told, "You're different… In a good way." I realize now that growing up I had an unusual ability to be in the world, but not of it. Throughout life I've walked in many different circles, both with believers and non. Peers could never seem to understand why I didn't get on board with the latest gossip, relationship drama, or rebellious behavior. Wearing popular brand names, following trends, and having to own the latest "thing" were not my priorities. Though I didn't fit the typical stereotypes, I was a cheerleader in high school and sorority girl in college. People knew me as the girl who was friends with everyone, didn't drink, and still managed to have a good time.
As an adult, I've struggled with what it looks like to be Christlike in a not so Christ centered world. During Training Camp two weeks ago, one of the squad leaders pulled me aside for a one-on-one session. I opened up to her about my feelings of "differentness." She proceeded to paint a beautiful picture of how God created me to love and serve others. She used an illustration of the room we were sitting in to explain that yes, I do stick out, just like an orange chair in a classroom full of gray ones. The more I live among and love the gray, the more orange they become.
Romans 12:2 says "Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out." The fact is, because Christ lives in me, I AM different…. in a good way. And that's okay with me 🙂
