Uncomfortable

I learned something new about being radical. Well, more of a realization of how they fit together. First off, this is not always glamorous. Making a true difference and choosing to live a life of significance does not consistently come with recognition, approval, or even happiness. Joy, maybe, not happiness.

The first thing that comes to mind in this scenario are those saints that work in missions overseas in terrible conditions and often dangerous environments. They are literally sacrificing their lives to improve the state of the world and live radically for Him. But we may not all get to that point.

For those of us who live in a first world country, maybe sponsor a child across the globe, volunteer in our local church, and bring baked goods to our neighbors, the reality of packing up and living in Zimbabwe for ten years may not exist. We have all been called to different places, and for some people, it's right where they are now. So how do we still sacrifice and make change in our comfortable and familiar spaces?

What I have been figuring out, is that sometimes all it is, is a conversation.

Have you ever been around someone who was socially awkward? Yes, yes you have. Someone who you would not choose to be BFFs with or invite to a party. Not necessarily someone that everyone makes fun of, but someone who is just on the outskirts of a social circle. I bet you could name at least three of those kinds of people who you have an acquaintance with. I will be the first to admit, that this is not one of my strong points. One of my giftings is to love very deeply and form intimate relationships with people. But those are usually people I get along with in the first place. Reaching out and including new people who the old people may not love, is not something I'm very talented at.

My friend, Helen Taylor, is probably the most beautiful examples of someone who lives this out every day of her life. She can spot a new person in a crowd like spotlight on center stage. Her heart is full of love for people that others may glance over and she forms actual friendships with them. It astounds me, and I am always striving to be more like her in this way. One huge benefit of this gift in her, is that she is able to lead so many more people to Christ while doing everyday things. By the time her hair cut is finished, she'll have the hairdresser pouring her heart out and they'll pray together. Just beautiful.

But it starts somewhere. For me, it was a conversation with someone who is not one of my 20 best friends, or even my 200. But we made a connection, we shared some stories, and they felt welcome and appreciated. It was not glamorous, there was no one who noticed, and it didn't even make me very happy, or at least not comfortable. But it brought the One who created this person joy, which therefore led me to a great deal of joy. Knowing I stepped out and did something radical for my little world, and made a difference.