Okay, so if you know me, you probably already know that James and I are big fans of Toby Mac. Thus - our three kids have a choice - tune us out like when we ask you to pick up your toys - or become big fans of the music we listen to. So far, they enthusiastically jam with us. (I know - that will be short-lived, right?) But for now, they are on board.
So one day, Jimmy enthusiastically announced, "I'm a Jesus Freak!" after listening to the live version of the crazy song. My heart swelled with joy at his sincere (if dramatic) declaration...but I have to admit, there are moments when I am saddened by what my kids will encounter as they walk the narrow path laid out. Not only do I know they will stumble, and maybe at some point even try out a new path, I know how lonely the narrow path can be.
They will encounter deceit, lies, half-truths. I hope they take a stand - even if it means they are standing alone.
They will be hurt - sometimes over and over. I hope they choose forgiveness.
They will see injustice. I pray they will still be just.
They will have disappointments - and at some point, they will face a disappointment that may shake the very foundation of their beliefs. I hope they will choose to hope.
They will be asked to compromise their values. I hope they stand strong.
They will be asked to conform to the world's standards. I hope they live in the world but are only molded by God's standards and Jesus's example.
They will not have an easy path. They will face criticism, ridicule, disdain. They will hurt when people do not understand their foundation of faith and desire to follow the Spirit. And they may face those who are hurt because they answer only to God - and what He's laid out in His Word, not to what makes sense from our limited, human view point.
I know they will face this because in my walk I face criticism, ridicule, disdain. I am hurt as people don't understand my foundation of faith and the leading of the Spirit. And I face those who feel hurt by me because I answer only to God and what He's laid out in His Word instead of what makes sense from our limited, human view point.
And I fall. I am impulsive, immature, needy, a people pleaser. I stumble on the path and have to back up and try it again. I ignore the Spirit and move ahead in my own power, with my own voice, thoughts and solutions again and again.
But despite this, I have hope and this is the hope I pass to my kids. There may be trials on this earth. Sometimes the right stand, the right choice will mean a lonely walk. But God authored the end of this story. When we stay true to Him - we win. Every trial, every rough spot, will be rewarded.
So Jimmy (Gracie and Mollie), please rock out and be Jesus Freaks. There will be no greater reward. But learn early on to hang onto Him when this world just doesn't make sense. And the great thing about this walk? Just around the corner, there might just be another Jesus Freak ready to encourage and walk alongside you on your walk. Those friends - who pray you through the tough times and praise with you on the mountaintops - are just a glimpse of the fellowship God intended for us to have.
Hands up, hearts open - ready to serve and praise God...
That's where my freaks are at. :)
We saw Toby Mac and Diverse City at Shine Fest here in KC back in May. It was an awe-inspiring event. They rocked the place, and I discovered that I could stand seeing him live every day for the rest of my life.
ReplyDeleteIn the middle of his show, he asked if there were any Jesus Freaks in the house. There was a ton of youth there...and he asked the kids if any of them had Jesus Freak parents. My thirteen year old daughter was screaming, hands raised the whole time. And with that last question, she turned to me, smiled, and started pointing at me. She then said, "Yes, my mom is a Jesus Freak."
Such a simple statement, but such profound results. She told me later she was glad I was a Jesus Freak, because I set an example for her. It made me cry. It's my job as a parent to lead my children to the Lord. 'Train a child up...' It was nice to hear the gratitude coming from someone, when I am only doing what is my job and I know to be right.
I sincerely hope that our children, yours and mine, as well as all believing youth, hold onto the values and thoughts you have laid out here. It is going to be a narrow, winding road for them that is not an easy one at all. But I pray that our examples will serve as a light for their path.
That is awesome, Sheri! 13 is a HARD age, and for someone in that stage to be able to recognize and verbalize your impact as a mother following Christ, well, that is just amazing. :) Thanks for encouraging me in my walk!!
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