Inspired by . . . remember who you are

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, Who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. (2Ti 4:1-4)

I just finished Andrew Peterson's trilogy, The Wingfeather Saga. I have to be honest, I almost didn't order book two and three. Don't get me wrong, it was an excellent story and I enjoyed it immensely. But reading uses something that is precious to all of us: time. 

After finishing book one I wondered if perhaps my time was better spent reading non-fiction or, better yet, my Bible, rather than a fantasy adventure written primarily for young adults. 

All this Texas Spiny Lizard is missing is his wings.

But God uses many people and many ways to communicate His truths. Now that I've finished the saga, I'm glad I spent my time reading this delightful story. Not only was it a measure of self-care, time spent simply doing something I enjoy, but I was reminded of a few faith-building lessons along the way.

"Remember who you are." Thus says Nia Wingfeather to her three children every day when she drops them off at school. You see the Wingfeather children are not just ordinary children. They are The Jewels of Anniera; sons, and daughter of the High King.

But the Wingfeather's world isn't any more perfect than ours. When people come against them with lies and half-truths, anger and violence, they will need to remember who they are. And so their mother reminds them, every day.

They are sons and daughters of the King.

So are we.

And just like for the Wingfeathers that means we respond differently when people come against us, our families and our beliefs.

Sometimes it means not saying what we want to say, and doing what we want to do. It means responding {or not} according to the ways of the Kingdom rather than the ways of the world. It means being prepared "in season and out of season" to tell others about our King and His glorious Kingdom. To extend the invitation of inheritance to all.

The Wingfeather children face some dark days. The middle child, Tink, struggles with his identity and purpose. To help him, his brother, Janner, makes him repeat aloud his name and who he is. Doing so keeps Tink focused on the truth and on his purpose.

Perhaps your current circumstances or the tragic and disheartening things happening in our world have left you feeling confused, and fearful. Maybe even hopeless.

Remember who you are. Remember Who you belong to. Remember Who you represent.

Repeat it to yourself.

My name is _________________. I am a son/daughter of the King.

Maybe you even need to say it out loud.

Blessings,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Let Us Walk Worthy,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends

Inspired by . . . warm, frothy milk

I've always preferred my milk cold. Even growing up on a farm where we had fresh milk twice a day, I drank the cold milk out of the refrigerator. But reading about warm, frothy milk paired with freshly baked bread, spread with freshly churned butter, topped with jam makes me wonder what I've been missing.

Maggot Meatloaf, on the other hand, is far less appetizing.

As you might have guessed, I've been indulging in some fantasy lately. When you're hurting and grieving it's a healthy way to escape for an hour or two.

The worlds of The Little White Horse and The Wingfeather Saga couldn't be any further apart if they tried. Fearsome Toothy Cows and lions that protect frolicking lambs simply do not coexist.

But as different as these stories are, certain elements remain the same. Evil and trials challenge the pure-hearted and courageous heroes who long for peace and acceptance. Yes, there is a happy ending in each of these stories. But not for all the characters. Even the good ones. There is pain, disappointment, and suffering.

Perhaps these fantasy worlds are not as far removed from our own as we first thought. While we don't live in fear of the Fangs of Dang or the Men from the Dark Woods we face personal trials and corporate evils that, in some ways, seem to be increasing every day.

It's tempting to respond like Sir Benjamin or the Hollowsfolk by simply ignoring the Dark Woods, or building walls to keep out the Fangs. But we all know that neither of those responses is the answer. We all live in this world together and what happens affects us all. 

There has always been evil in this world, and there have always been those who have stood against it. We all have a choice to make. We can be part of the problem or part of the solution. Our action or inaction falls on one side or the other.

There are many ways to stand against evil. You don't have to join the military or march in a protest. You can speak love to your neighbor and have compassion on your fellow man.

God has given all of us unique gifts and a specific place of service. Stand against the evil of this world with your actions and with your words.

Do what the Lord requires of you. It's really that simple.

Act justly. Love mercy. 

Walk humbly before God.

We may not all be Moon Princesses, but we are sons and daughters of the King.

Shalom,

Sharing inspiration here:
Small Wonders, Testimony Tuesday, #TellHisStory,
Thought Provoking Thursday, Grace & Truth, Let Us Walk Worthy,
Inspire Me Monday, RaRa Link Up, Intentional Tuesday,
#WordswithWinter, Titus 2 Tuesday, Thoughtful Thursdays,
Encourage Me Monday, Wholehearted Wednesday,
Women with Intention Wednesdays, Word Filled Wednesday,
#GiveMeGrace, Sitting Among Friends