LOVE.

September 10th was World Suicide Prevention Day. As I skimmed the Facebook update on the topic, I was drawn in to the message as I have been many times before. A message that calls anyone and everyone to provide hope to the hopeless, and to perform small acts of kindness that can change, and even save a person's life. This is more true than anything I have ever heard, and it is such a simple concept. Why do we struggle with the simple things? I've heard time and time again that simple isn't always easy, but why not? Falling into the traps of this world have made the simple things in life so difficult, forgotten and looked down upon because everyone has this goal of making themselves number one. Those people are the biggest source of the problems in our world today. Our world, full of self-loving and self-loathing people, has corrupted everyone in its wake. Think about how hard it is not to judge someone at first sight. A judgemental mindset has become the norm and I'm NOT ok with it. As Paul writes in his letter to the Philippians, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility value others above yourselves. Not looking to your own interests, but to the interests of others." If even a small group of people in our city changed their selfish thoughts to selfless acts the whole world could begin to change. It really is THAT simple.

I think a radical love is what our world needs and I'm so glad to be a part of a group of people trying to change the world. Slowly but surely I truely believe it can happen. Our corrupt world needs to be renewed and refreshed by an uncontainable sense of hope and love. Not only is my church, Southland, on this mission, but so is the organization, To Write Love On Her Arms.

As said in Francis Chan's recent book, Crazy Love, "I believe He wants us to love others so much that we go to extremes to help them, I believe he wants us to be known for giving - of our time, our money, and our abilities - and to start a movement of "giving" churches. In so doing, we can alleviate the suffering in the world and change the reputation of His bride in America. Some people, even some at my church, have told me flat-out. 'You're crazy.' But I can't imagine devoting my life to a greater vision."
This is exactly how I feel. Not only do I want to help change the image of the church in America, but also love others so much that I'll go to extremes to help them. To love others in such a huge way that they can't help but ask questions and begin to love themselves and others in return. This is what Christ and a few bold people did for me and that is ALL I want to do with my life.

This vision doesn't even have to be felt by people who call themselves Christians.. people feel this tug on their hearts everyday. There are people all around the world, people who have given up on the church and people of other religions that feel called to love in extreme ways and give their lives and everything in them for the sake of others. I undoubtably know there is a God who is calling my heart to love people in any circumstances of life. But why do these radical lovers hate the church? We need to change their image and show them the raw, absurd love of God and His son. Their eternal love so surpasses our understanding and ability that there is no way that with their help the whole world can't be changed.

I feel like its so easy for beleivers and non-believers alike to question God in really unappreciative ways, like God was created for us. NO. "All things were created by him and for him." The Bible clearly states that many times. So why when we are unhappy with our circumstances or the conditions of the world do we question God as to why they're like that? Why did WE ever let it get like that? We, the world, sinful people, have destroyed God's beautiful, flawless creation. We fail over and over and if we just stopped to praise Him constantly and love and give in His name, all the bad would fall away. I believe that with everything I have. You're thinking .. yeah, it could happen, but not in this generation. NO. If we all would just stop, praise Him constantly, love a little more and give daily in His name, our generation can change the world.
This thought started with suicide prevention. Suicide started from self-pity and self-pity started when someone felt unloved. WHY IS THERE ANYONE IN THIS WORLD THAT FEELS UNLOVED.

I'm going to change the world in the name if Jesus and His unfailing love.