Flair for the Dramatic…

I have always had a flair for the dramatic. In fact, growing up my mom often referred to me as Sarah Bernhardt.

The first time I got sick after my man and I were married, I asked him to set me up on the couch. I needed lots of pillows, blankets and and of course my TV tray close by with kleenex, my drink, saltine crackers, remote control and anything I might possible need within easy reach. He thought that I was all set and was about to leave the room when I asked him where my bell was. You see, my mom would put a bell close by for me to ring if I needed something when I was sick. True story. I’ll just say it for you, SPOILED. The look on my man’s face was priceless.

My best friend came to class today at the gym after being out for a couple of weeks. She passed kidney stones last week and has been in a lot of pain. I told the class that if I passed kidney stones last week that I would probably take maternity leave for my recovery. Yes, I have a natural flair for the dramatic.

I’ve been thinking a lot about how much those early Christians suffered and were persecuted for following Jesus. “For to me, living means living for Christ, and dying is even better.”
(Phillipines 1:21 NLT). This profound revelation from God could only come from deep relationship with our Savior. Jesus was the example of courage that those early Christians relied on to do His work against unbelievable odds. They relied on the power of the Holy Spirit to do miraculous things, stand up against enormous fear and continue to cling to the message of hope and love in the midst of horrific persecution.

Think about how differently and more boldly we would live for Christ if we fathomed that His very Spirit fills us, moves us and gives us all the fruit we need to proclaim Jesus in this broken world. The very “I Am” fills us with His power. He sets us apart to do mighty work for Him and He gives us the tools we need to accomplish the task. I am because of the great I AM.

Am I willing to live every day so boldly that I might venture out of my comfort zone? Am I willing to go where God leads me even if that road is unfamiliar? Am I willing to serve in ways that are uncomfortable and out of my normal ministry areas?

I think it is time for me to put my flair for the dramatic to good use for Christ. Go big or go home folks.

Be joyful!

For I fully expect and hope that I will never be ashamed, but that I will continue to be bold for Christ, as I have been in the past. And I trust that my life will bring honor to Christ, whether I live or die. But if I live, I can do more fruitful work for Christ. So I really don’t know which is better. I’m torn between two desires: I long to go and be with Christ, which would be far better for me. But for your sakes, it is better that I continue to live. Philippians 1:20‭, ‬22‭-‬24 NLT