Stand Up Straight

Growing up, I can remember my mom reminding me to constantly "stand up straight". I am sure she was worried about my posture more than anything. But I think there was (and is) more to it than that. As a child, my parents also encouraged me to be proud of who I was. Not in a conceited way, but more so to never hang my head or be ashamed of my last name and whose I was.

And just like someone with bad posture, the weight of the world can often times feel like we are buckling under it. In fact, this excess weight can impact us physically, mentally and spiritually. Most times, it is a gradual gain that we fail to notice until it gets to a certain point when there is a difference in the quality of our life. The writer of Hebrews (12:1-2) talks about running the race (of life) and throwing off those things that hinder us. The trials and tribulations of life will weigh you down, if you let them. And that is the key. Stress, anxiety and challenges are a part of life; they are inevitable. It is how we respond to these aspects of our race that refine and strengthen us.

Each of us has a race to run. It is specific and unique. All of the hills, turns and straight-a-ways make up the journey God has mapped out just for you. And as you run your individual race and encounter times of fear, anxiety and worldly distractions your shoulders will start to drop and you will feel like you are about to fold under the pressure. It is during these difficult times that we need to maintain (or regain) our focus by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Are you feeling the weight of the world right now? Are your shoulders begin to slump? If so, I encourage you to take a deep breath, put your shoulders back and cast your eyes upward. But most importantly, never be ashamed of whose you are...

Pastor Aaron