Earlier this week, I was leading a painting class and the last person to arrive was this kind soul that you could tell was fresh out of college. She had a permanent smile strapped to her face that was undeniable as the joy of the Lord… ‘cause it radiated from her countenance.
We were actually painting in a brewery in my town and when she arrived she didn’t have change and neither did I, so I instructed her to go up to the bar and get change. She quickly declined and said, “no worries…you can keep the extra.” I said, “absolutely not, I will go get you change.” She followed up with, “I just don’t want to go to the bar.” I told her that I completely understood, as I was not a drinker either, but went to the bar to retrieve change and continued about working and talking with the painters.
A little later, I was taking pictures of the painters as they were working on their projects and she pulled me to the side. She said, “I know this is going to sound weird, but could I see the picture you took of me?” I pulled up the photo and showed her, to which she said, “can you delete that and take a picture of everyone else without me in it?” I again agreed and took a separate picture and deleted the ones of her. The reason was because she was standing in front of the huge mural on the wall with the company logo and name. She didn’t want to be associated or connected with it.
The class continued on and it just so happened that we were off to the side away from the rest of the group. She was drying her painting with my little, colorful hairdryer and I was intently adding straight lines with a ruler to resemble notebook paper on several of the projects. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart and told me to not miss the opportunity to encourage her. I said:
“Keep your convictions. I appreciate them. In today’s world, we need more people like you…who are not afraid to stand up for what they believe in…even when it is in the minority. I appreciate it very much.”
Her smile never changed and her words continued to be, “I know it’s weird, but I just wanted to come paint.” I once again reminded her that NO…it’s not weird. It’s admirable. I once again said, “Keep them. Don’t change.”
I can’t be for certain, but I know she felt a certain bit of relief knowing she wasn’t the only one there without a drink in her hand. I may never see this girl again, but I wanted to let her know she isn’t alone and without saying it, “love the Lord even when no one else does.”
She left and the paint class was long over, but this young girls convictions and refusal to be associated with something that God has burdened her heart over stayed in my mind. She didn’t want to her hurt her witness by being seen at that bar. She was okay with not being included in a picture because of where it was. I’m going to interject here and say that if you drink, that is between you and the Lord. I am NOT here to convince you that you shouldn’t. Don’t miss what I am saying…
As time continues to tick away on the clock, Christians that do not look like this world will look weirder and weirder. Ones that choose convictions that do not necessarily line up with society and it’s view of things will be outcasts.
Can you handle that?
In a world where everyone wants to be liked, celebrated and feel included…we must remember that we are to look different, talk different and act different. We sometimes have to choose to not be included to save our testimony and witness for the Lord. Are we okay with that?
Are we okay with being weird?
Lord, set me apart so that you are magnified and glorified. When everyone is swimming to the wide open downstream in crowds, help me to fight the current and swim upstream, even if I am alone.
Help my life to line up with Your Word, even if it looks weird to everyone else.
“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;” 1 Peter 2:9
