Loyalties.

Sometimes inconveniences turn out to be the greatest "happies" in life. Last week I was informed that our house would be shown at 9:30 on Wednesday morning. I became slightly annoyed simply because that is right in the middle of when I'd be getting up and ready for work. That meant I'd have to get up an hour and a half earlier and out of the house by 9 when I didn't have to be at work until 11. Yes, It is safe to say that I was less than thrilled with the bad timing.

None the less, I woke up, got ready and headed out the door early with a commentary on the book of Romans by NT Wright and my Bible in hand and head to Panera for some coffee.

I walked in, ordered an iced mocha and found a table in the corner. Now, you see, I'm a people watcher. I kept trying to focus on my book but there were so many other conversations going on around me, it just wasn't working. So I listened. I heard conversations about work and business trips, Ben Stein and intelligent design, kids and a brand new school year. Everyone has so much to talk about.

Finally, I decided I needed to focus. I opened my Bible to Lamentations because a verse at Kairos had caught my eye the night before.

You, O LORD, reign forever; your throne endures from generation to generation.
-Lamentations 5:19

It's a simple verse really. But it's just one of those verses that popped out. A good reminder of who is truly in control.

Long story short, It got me thinking about exactly who I follow....about whose name I am loyal to. It's so easy, especially in America today, to become wrapped up in politics and religion. To be completely honest, I'm tired of religion and politics. I'm tired of what America defines as "Christianity". Christians weren't meant to be Goody two shoes who act as if they live perfect lives and separate themselves from the world. I don't believe that's the life Christ called us to.

I believe we are called to a life of servanthood. A life of standing up for those whose voices can't be heard otherwise. A life of loving those the world has deemed unlovable. A life of feeding the hungry. A life of breaking down the barriers of racism and hate. A life that reflects the love of Christ to a world that is literally dieing to feel it.

I'm convinced God made me a people watcher for a reason. My prayer is that over the next few months I become more aware of the needs of people around me. That I not only hear their converstaions outwardly but also hear the words that aren't spoken. That my heart becomes more burdened for others rather than myself.

I pray that I am not loyal to a country or religion or political party first. But that I am first and foremost loyal to Christ. and that through my loyalty to Him, all other loyalties fall into place.

Love. Love. Love.
Katie