It has often been said that you will be the same person in ten years time as you are today, except for the people you meet and the books you read. And while it is a difficult thing to go into new circles and enlarge your acquaintances when your life mainly consists of school, home and Saturdays at the shopping centre, as most teenagers' lives do, it is possible - and a most exciting possibility at that - to change your thinking, learn about new cultures, discover new truths, have adventures, and better understand God's plan for your life through the inexhaustible world of books.
My mum always encouraged in my brother and sister and I an enthusiastic love of the written word; and while my passion for writing and classic literature isn't for everyone, she did instill in us the universal truth that although your school years may be only for a season, if you are willing to keep your mind and a book open, learning in life can be infinite.
I know in today's world of status updates and texting that sitting still and reading anything longer than 140 characters is a bit unusual, but if you wish to be a well informed and contributing person in society it is a necessary habit, even if a bit unpopular in regular adolescent circles. Think about it this way - other than what your friends at school say and your parents at home talk about, what shapes your beliefs and opinions and teaches you how and what to live for? How do you confidently stand up for something when in fact you may only be standing up for what you have been told? Without actively seeking knowledge for ourselves, we will be like a boat without a rudder, not able to steer our own path but being pressed on all sides by the plans of others be tossed where ever the waves determine.
Proverbs 8 tells us that knowledge is more desirable than the choicest gold and wisdom is better than jewels, and we know that we build wisdom into our lives firstly by reading the The Book - the Word of God, as Proverbs also tells us that the fear (i.e. reverence and adoration) of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. All that we read and hear from others must always be measured against the truth of His word before we accept it into our own worldview. But don't let that stop you from exploring the words, thoughts and ideals of those who have gone before us through the vast library of the written word. There are many colourful, courageous, smart and sensitive people who have left parts of themselves to be discovered in their books, whether they be works of fiction, philosophy, poetry, biography or politics, all waiting to be read and mused over by you and I. And even if you don't think of yourself as a bookish-type person (if that's the case, a daily reading of God's Word is a good place to start), there are as many different types of books out there as there are different types of people, so don't give up on your pursuits of finding one that interests you. Because reading is more than a good habit, it's a practice that can literally change your life.
Some of my all-time favs that you might like too are:
The book of Romans (from the Bible)
Velvet Elvis (by Rob Bell)
Wild at Heart and Captivating (by John & Stasi Eldridge)
The Veritas Conflict (by Shaunti Feldhahn)
The Robe (by Lloyd C Douglas)
I Kissed Dating Goodbye (by Josh Harris)
Battlefield of the Mind (by Joyce Meyer)
Love Brooke
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
A Reputation of Opposites
I was sitting with a group of girls the other day talking about going against the grain, acting in the opposite spirit. To most of them, it was a totally foreign concept. To hear that they had another option other than exploding when someone verbally attacked them was a brand new thought for the majority.
The sad reality of the world we live in is that this group are the norm, not the exception.
Which makes me wonder - even when we are part of the small group of people who are aware of this option, how often do we actually stop and think, evaluate our situation, before we respond to a negative comment or conversation? I mean, it's one thing to say that yes, it's a wise and mature thing to think-before-we-speak, but it's totally another thing to put it into action in our everyday lives. But then, it's not uncommon to say one thing yet believe another...
For example, I firmly believe that a healthy body image starts with being secure in the truth that I am God's masterpiece, a work of beauty created in love by the King, and that truth cannot be altered by any pimple or extra kilo. But yet, I still desire to hide my face from the world whenever I get a breakout, and feel guilty each time I eat a block of chocolate in a day and don't work out for a week. When I allow my doubts and insecurities about my weight, appearance and image to dictate my self-worth, rather than God's Word, I am really saying that I don't in fact believe what I say I do. Because I show my beliefs by my actions, not by my words. So while a cheat day of chocolate eating should encourage me back to my exercise regime, it should not waver my belief in my own true value as a beautiful woman of God, if I have cemented it as a deep-seated truth in my heart.
There are many examples in the world of when it is a destructive habit to act in the opposite spirit, not the least is the above story of holding an honourable principle as a personal belief when in fact it is only a lofty ideal to be boasted in at youth group. But there are also occurences, although not so commonly displayed (unfortunately), of when it is not only beneficial to ourselves but also inspiring to those around us to act contrary to the low standards of the world's expectations.
I remember reading about a high school senior in America who had become the most popular and respected person in her school, not because she wore the most fashionable outfits or dated the cutest boy in the football team, but because she became known as someone who was a friend to everyone, regardless of their clique, group or social standing. And not just a hi-in-the-hallway kind of friend, but a help-you-study, lend-you-a-top, shout-you-for-the-movies kind of friend. With such a positive example to her peers of the power of acting in the opposite spirit, I'm sure that she encouraged others around her to change their mindset of "normal" friendships. Possibly for the first time ever, the students in that school were shown an alternative to their regular I'm-not-talking-to-you-this-week, you're-either-friends-with-me-or-her, did-you-hear-what-he-said-about-you way of relating to each other. She wasn't just another high talking but low acting teenager; rather, she built a reputation for herself of a different opposite - the opposite of deciding not to act the same as everyone else, and lifting her own personal standards above the expectations of the acceptable.
We can stand up in this - dare I say it - revolutionary way, by taking stock of our own lives and choosing our beliefs on purpose, not just accepting convictions by default because it's what everyone else says they believe. When we take the time to look inwardly and recognise what we hold as valuable and important to us as individuals, we can then start to choose to act as we see fit, as we believe young, strong, independent, godly people should act.
While it may be the common practice of the day to believe in something yet act out of an opposing belief, let's not lower ourselves to the popular standard by following the same. Let's choose the positive opposite - of actually acting in a way that aligns with our beliefs; of standing up for righteousness, even when it isn't easy or comfortable; of being known as young men and women who do what they say; of choosing to respond rather than react when provoked to anger; of going against the grain when necessary and acting in the opposite spirit.
Because when all is said and done, I want my repuatation to be one of wisdom, truth and integrity, even if that is opposed to the popular view of the day - how about you?
Love Brooke
The sad reality of the world we live in is that this group are the norm, not the exception.
Which makes me wonder - even when we are part of the small group of people who are aware of this option, how often do we actually stop and think, evaluate our situation, before we respond to a negative comment or conversation? I mean, it's one thing to say that yes, it's a wise and mature thing to think-before-we-speak, but it's totally another thing to put it into action in our everyday lives. But then, it's not uncommon to say one thing yet believe another...
For example, I firmly believe that a healthy body image starts with being secure in the truth that I am God's masterpiece, a work of beauty created in love by the King, and that truth cannot be altered by any pimple or extra kilo. But yet, I still desire to hide my face from the world whenever I get a breakout, and feel guilty each time I eat a block of chocolate in a day and don't work out for a week. When I allow my doubts and insecurities about my weight, appearance and image to dictate my self-worth, rather than God's Word, I am really saying that I don't in fact believe what I say I do. Because I show my beliefs by my actions, not by my words. So while a cheat day of chocolate eating should encourage me back to my exercise regime, it should not waver my belief in my own true value as a beautiful woman of God, if I have cemented it as a deep-seated truth in my heart.
There are many examples in the world of when it is a destructive habit to act in the opposite spirit, not the least is the above story of holding an honourable principle as a personal belief when in fact it is only a lofty ideal to be boasted in at youth group. But there are also occurences, although not so commonly displayed (unfortunately), of when it is not only beneficial to ourselves but also inspiring to those around us to act contrary to the low standards of the world's expectations.
I remember reading about a high school senior in America who had become the most popular and respected person in her school, not because she wore the most fashionable outfits or dated the cutest boy in the football team, but because she became known as someone who was a friend to everyone, regardless of their clique, group or social standing. And not just a hi-in-the-hallway kind of friend, but a help-you-study, lend-you-a-top, shout-you-for-the-movies kind of friend. With such a positive example to her peers of the power of acting in the opposite spirit, I'm sure that she encouraged others around her to change their mindset of "normal" friendships. Possibly for the first time ever, the students in that school were shown an alternative to their regular I'm-not-talking-to-you-this-week, you're-either-friends-with-me-or-her, did-you-hear-what-he-said-about-you way of relating to each other. She wasn't just another high talking but low acting teenager; rather, she built a reputation for herself of a different opposite - the opposite of deciding not to act the same as everyone else, and lifting her own personal standards above the expectations of the acceptable.
We can stand up in this - dare I say it - revolutionary way, by taking stock of our own lives and choosing our beliefs on purpose, not just accepting convictions by default because it's what everyone else says they believe. When we take the time to look inwardly and recognise what we hold as valuable and important to us as individuals, we can then start to choose to act as we see fit, as we believe young, strong, independent, godly people should act.
While it may be the common practice of the day to believe in something yet act out of an opposing belief, let's not lower ourselves to the popular standard by following the same. Let's choose the positive opposite - of actually acting in a way that aligns with our beliefs; of standing up for righteousness, even when it isn't easy or comfortable; of being known as young men and women who do what they say; of choosing to respond rather than react when provoked to anger; of going against the grain when necessary and acting in the opposite spirit.
Because when all is said and done, I want my repuatation to be one of wisdom, truth and integrity, even if that is opposed to the popular view of the day - how about you?
Love Brooke
Monday, August 8, 2011
Never too old (or too young)
Lately, I've been feeling fearful of growing old.
Now, when I say old, I mean 30!! How cliche is that - a woman hyperventilating about reaching the big 3-0 - a bit sad actually. For crying out loud, I'm only 26, not exactly over the hill...
But it's made me to stop and think about where this fear is coming from, because we know that fear isn't from God (2 Tim 1:7) and isn't what He wants for any of His children.
I'm sure some of it is rooted in the stupid expectation of our society that we are supposed to have our life 'plan' in motion by that age, an unwritten warning that if you don't have it all figured out by then, you'd better hurry up and get a wiggle on. That kind of unrealistic pressure is enough to send any normally-level-headed-and-logical-person into a tailspin.
But as I was reading today from one of the books in my never-ending 'Must Read ASAP' pile, I felt the Lord gently revealing to me my secret (but ultimately untrue) beliefs that were causing the fear and heartache...
The book I was reading was "Do Hard Things" by Alex & Brett Harris (add it to your 'Must Read ASAP' list as well), and through its pages I had the revelation that I was feeling in a flutter about reaching 30 because I felt like I had wasted my youth - 'cos 30 is the end of youthfulness, don't you know!!
I know it sounds crazy, but somewhere deep down, I had bought into the lie that says you can no longer have adventures, change the world or die your hair after a certain age. The giant egg timer of change was almost done and there was so much that I had planned to do by now and not. Don't get me wrong, I have done some things worth mentioning - became a qualified dance teacher, got married, learnt to cook, organised youth camps, started my own business, pastored a youth group, bought our first house, supported charities, read many books, traveled to a few places... But it's just that I know I am capable of so much more, could have achieved so much more. And not just for achievement's sake. I have such a desire to make a change in the world, contribute something of significance, and because I feel I haven't done that yet, I have been getting down on myself and fueling the fear of 'it's too late'.
When people quote the Christian young person's mantra, saying "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (I Tim 4:12), don't hear what Paul isn't saying. When he talks about young people, he isn't talking about teenagers or 20-something's - the idea of teenagers didn't even exist in biblical times. He's talking about people who are in the figuring-out stages of their lives, those who don't always act in maturity and always seem to have excess levels of energy and goofyness. And isn't that most of us?!
Here's what Paul is saying: It doesn't matter what your biological age is or what other people expect of you, it's your responsibility to get off your backside and show the world what someone with the power and love of the Holy Spirit inside of them can accomplish. Don't let a number, or an excuse, stop you from exceeding all previous records for awesomeness - you were made for BIG stuff! (Well, I'm paraphrasing here)
As long as when we get up each morning we stop and ask God "how can I give You glory today Lord?", and then try to follow His instructions to the best of our abilities, no day can ever really be counted as a waste. But He does call us all to excellence, so no matter if you feel like I did that some of the days behind you have been squandered, God is always going to be holding out a big, fat adventure to you, saying "don't look back, start today". So I am salvaging my dreams of publishing a book, going to England, being a size 10 again, speaking at youth conferences around the world, having children, being in a band and seeing my grandmother come to Christ - this year I've started a new blog, started saving money, started preaching training, started painting the nursery, started learning the drums, started fasting for my grandmother's salvation, started excercising each day.. well, maybe every second day!
It's never too late, or too early, to become the person you've been hearing God whisper that you can be. When you are in Christ, hope is more than a good idea, it's a guaranteed promise. Forget the past - what crazy story of love, freedom and purpose are you going to start today?
Love Brooke
Now, when I say old, I mean 30!! How cliche is that - a woman hyperventilating about reaching the big 3-0 - a bit sad actually. For crying out loud, I'm only 26, not exactly over the hill...
But it's made me to stop and think about where this fear is coming from, because we know that fear isn't from God (2 Tim 1:7) and isn't what He wants for any of His children.
I'm sure some of it is rooted in the stupid expectation of our society that we are supposed to have our life 'plan' in motion by that age, an unwritten warning that if you don't have it all figured out by then, you'd better hurry up and get a wiggle on. That kind of unrealistic pressure is enough to send any normally-level-headed-and-logical-person into a tailspin.
But as I was reading today from one of the books in my never-ending 'Must Read ASAP' pile, I felt the Lord gently revealing to me my secret (but ultimately untrue) beliefs that were causing the fear and heartache...
The book I was reading was "Do Hard Things" by Alex & Brett Harris (add it to your 'Must Read ASAP' list as well), and through its pages I had the revelation that I was feeling in a flutter about reaching 30 because I felt like I had wasted my youth - 'cos 30 is the end of youthfulness, don't you know!!
I know it sounds crazy, but somewhere deep down, I had bought into the lie that says you can no longer have adventures, change the world or die your hair after a certain age. The giant egg timer of change was almost done and there was so much that I had planned to do by now and not. Don't get me wrong, I have done some things worth mentioning - became a qualified dance teacher, got married, learnt to cook, organised youth camps, started my own business, pastored a youth group, bought our first house, supported charities, read many books, traveled to a few places... But it's just that I know I am capable of so much more, could have achieved so much more. And not just for achievement's sake. I have such a desire to make a change in the world, contribute something of significance, and because I feel I haven't done that yet, I have been getting down on myself and fueling the fear of 'it's too late'.
When people quote the Christian young person's mantra, saying "Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe" (I Tim 4:12), don't hear what Paul isn't saying. When he talks about young people, he isn't talking about teenagers or 20-something's - the idea of teenagers didn't even exist in biblical times. He's talking about people who are in the figuring-out stages of their lives, those who don't always act in maturity and always seem to have excess levels of energy and goofyness. And isn't that most of us?!
Here's what Paul is saying: It doesn't matter what your biological age is or what other people expect of you, it's your responsibility to get off your backside and show the world what someone with the power and love of the Holy Spirit inside of them can accomplish. Don't let a number, or an excuse, stop you from exceeding all previous records for awesomeness - you were made for BIG stuff! (Well, I'm paraphrasing here)
As long as when we get up each morning we stop and ask God "how can I give You glory today Lord?", and then try to follow His instructions to the best of our abilities, no day can ever really be counted as a waste. But He does call us all to excellence, so no matter if you feel like I did that some of the days behind you have been squandered, God is always going to be holding out a big, fat adventure to you, saying "don't look back, start today". So I am salvaging my dreams of publishing a book, going to England, being a size 10 again, speaking at youth conferences around the world, having children, being in a band and seeing my grandmother come to Christ - this year I've started a new blog, started saving money, started preaching training, started painting the nursery, started learning the drums, started fasting for my grandmother's salvation, started excercising each day.. well, maybe every second day!
It's never too late, or too early, to become the person you've been hearing God whisper that you can be. When you are in Christ, hope is more than a good idea, it's a guaranteed promise. Forget the past - what crazy story of love, freedom and purpose are you going to start today?
Love Brooke
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