Inspired to Imitate

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

And yes, I did do my hair and makeup for this picture just to make as similar a copy of 1989 as I could. But it is obviously not the same.

Entire industries are built off this principle of copying. It is the foundation celebrities stand on. People long to be trendsetters, and establish their careers and following this way.

We all see the famous in the news. They influence our clothing, style, pictures, and activities. Then, their influence becomes so ingrained, we think their ideas are our original thoughts.

Growing up, I hated when someone would copy me. When someone dressed like I did, talked like I did, or followed me around, it would drive me insane. I didn't understand why people acted this way, and I wanted to be original. Yet at the same time, I found myself wishing I was like other people around me.

We all imitate each other, yet we desire to be unique. This tension follows us wherever we go; a balancing act between being ourselves, yet fitting in. Just like this picture, we strive to look like one another, and at the same time try to put our own twist on it. Then, we call it "original".

There was only one special, original, unique person to have walked this earth, and is supposed to be our inspiration for imitation. Jesus Christ imitated God fully, yet was the incarnation of the Almighty. He was both, and exemplified it perfectly.

That is why we strive to be original, but also imitate at the same time. It is at the core of our nature to not understand the dichotomy between the two.

"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." (Ephesians 5:1).

In the same way we imitate our parents due to their great influence throughout our years, God should be at the top of that influence and our role model each and every second of our lives. He should be so ingrained in our hearts and minds, striving to be more like him would be second nature.

But, imitation is not the original and it falls short every single time. As much as we try to look and dress like our role models and celebrities, play like our professional athletes, sing and perform like artists and actors, we aren't them.

In the same way, we are created in God's image, but we are no where near where he is and never will be.

"Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face." (1 Corinthians 13:12)

The whole point of our existence is to imitate God and someday be reconciled with him, the author and perfecter of our faith.

So what does this look like? Jesus told us himself that we must keep the commandments, love one another, above all love God, and give all we have to those who lack (Matthew 19). The gospels are a great place to start, because Jesus lived out the perfection of God and laid out the perfect example of how we as followers of God are to impact the world.

Although it is not clear to us now, someday it will be. In the meantime, we can do our best to imitate the great I Am, knowing we will come short every time, but also knowing his grace will meet us right where we are.

DTI

Words: Can We Afford Them?

I've been thinking about words lately. Words are a powerful tool, with the capacity to build up or tear down. From a young age my parents have taught me, "if you have nothing nice to say, don't say it at all."

Well, I believe that is lost on my generation. We thrive off tearing each other down, believing it will somehow build ourselves up. We hide behind emails, texts, comments, and posts all online, removing the intimacy of the words so we avoid the guilt. Anything can be said through a screen, with a lot less repercussions.

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me."

This makes me laugh every single time. In my life, I've found words have hurt more than any physical attack I have ever experienced. To say this phrase and truly mean it is to have the toughest skin of anyone I know, and probably in this entire world. Words will always affect us to our core.

So how do we deal with them when someone we know, especially one we care about, says something hurtful?

The scariest thing about hurtful words is that once they're out there, they can't be taken back.

I had lunch with Bob Goff (author of Love Does) recently. Amongst all the amazing words of wisdom he expressed, he said one thing that will always stick with me: "I don't use negative words, or words of correction. I can't afford it."

I thought he meant figuratively, but turns out he meant literally. For every negative word, he gives away $500. So, he chooses his words wisely.

At first, I thought to myself, "Wow, I would never say words of destruction if I had to pay every time!"

But the sad truth is, we do pay every time. We lose friendships, relationships, connections, and a piece of ourselves whenever we tear someone else down. This world of gossip and rumors has taught us that words don't mean anything, but lately I've seen them ruin relationships not only personally, but for other people in my life as well.

And how sad is it that we would stop saying hurtful words if the repercussions were financial, yet we aren't concerned with the effect they have on relationships and other people?

Proverbs 18:21 says that "death and life are in the power of the tongue". We have the power to choose daily whether to spread death, or encourage life.

With the Word of His mouth, God spoke this world into existence. And, in Revelation, it is revealed that with the Word, God will usher in the new heavens and new earth. It is incredible that God uses not brute force, but the power of speech to accomplish His will.

The power of words that we have here on earth is only a glimpse and reflection of the power of God's Word. It is a sharp, double-edged sword with the authority to speak life or destroy.

I know it is easy to get sucked into gossip and slander. I am not perfect. I've found myself joining in at times. But, my perspective has changed these last couple months and I want to stop.

So how do we speak life, and cease to tear each other down? I pray that every time I am about to say something destructive, or am involved in a negative conversation, that God convicts me right then and there and helps me swallow my pride. I pray that I have the strength to not say such words, stop saying them in the moment, and apologize to the ones I've slandered.

We are sisters and brothers in Christ, and there is no need to tear someone else down. Let's start speaking life, and building one another up. Let's start filling the void, not making it bigger. Let's start living a rich and full life, beginning with our words.

I will do my best to speak positive words from now on, and watch what I say. I will avoid words of negativity.

I can't afford it.

DTI

Perfection: What is it Anyway?

"Have you wandered from the gospel in your own thinking and believe that you're useless for God's kingdom because you're not perfect?" -Joel Engle

I was listening to my home church's online message a few days ago when Pastor Joel said this quote. Out of the whole message, this struck me the most because it hit home.

I am a Type A perfectionist. Being in college, I notice most people are. At times this is extremely beneficial, but it can also cripple and paralyze us. Personally, I fear imperfection so much that I am scared to even try time and time again. Striving for perfection does have its benefits, but Satan can also use it to knock you on the ground.

After that quote, I thought to myself...what does the Bible say about perfection, beyond just what I've heard from Sunday school?

Paul talks about perfection in Philippians: "Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me." Philippians 3:12

This verse is freeing. It speaks to the fact that life is imperfection in and of itself; we will never obtain flawlessness. Daily, we are faced with falling short. Grades, relationships, money, time...there's never enough of anything. We deal with the idea of infinity: reaching, but never quite making it.

So we'll never "make it". How do we deal with it then?

Just like the verse says, we press toward Jesus. Christ wants us, in all our imperfections and false senses of fulfillment. He wants my struggle, my shortcomings, and my failure. He took hold of every part of us, and solely asks that we do the same.

My perfectionism makes my relationship with Jesus harder. It makes college more difficult, and my goals scare me. But, God made me this way for a reason. And, every time I fall short He uses it to teach me how to fully rely on Him.

If you don't feel good enough for God, I'm here to tell you we aren't. We are imperfect, sinners, and not worthy of His love. That's what makes His grace amazing; He wants it all. He's passionate for your weakness, and loves every single broken piece. I know it's not easy, but He wants us to turn to Him in the times we are lost, frustrated, and torn by our shortcomings.

We are beyond blessed to serve a God "who makes everything holy and whole" (1 Thessalonians 5:23) and will do so if we let Him. Granted we will never be perfect until we are actually with Him, but letting God be the power in our weakness is the closest picture to perfection we can obtain.

You are not useless to His kingdom. Far from it. How can we, in our human minds, ever fully understand the idea of perfection or judge ourselves as imperfect? Who are we to say God can't use us? We are the works of God, and He created us just as we are. In His eyes, we are perfect. He can use anyone, and loves us all. Don't be afraid of failing in furthering His kingdom. God has every day of your life written and ordained, before any have come to be (Psalm 139:16).

Something interesting I found when searching "perfection" in the Thesaurus is that it is synonymous with "improvement". Even Webster knows perfection is unattainable! All God asks us is that we work to better ourselves, striving to follow Him. We truly are precious in His sight, and that is liberating.

We are imperfect people serving a perfect God.

DTI

To Regret, or Not to Regret

We seem to always measure life as black or white. We fail, or we succeed. We love, or we hate. We regret, or make the most of something.

Something I've struggled with lately is regretting some moments in the past.

Normally, you would hear that and think the worst. But, I mean "little" things. Like saying goodbye, not trying a new food, not calling a friend when you felt he would need it most, or today, for example, when term GPA's came out.

For each of us, this looks different. But mainly, I've noticed we regret not fighting to save something special; that meant the world to us.

The question I've asked myself lately is how do I find peace amidst it all? Because at the end of the day, I have an amazing life. I'm so beyond blessed, and thankful to God for each day here on earth. I have amazing friends, family, and opportunities. I almost feel bad for regretting.

But, if I'm not careful, the past will creep up on me. The mistakes can still swallow me whole in my weakest moments.

"...But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead." (Philippians 3:13)

I want to believe God orchestrated each and every mistake and shortcoming to lead me on this path I already walk. Life is too short for "what ifs" and "maybes". It's too short for regrets and losing sanity.

That doesn't mean I don't miss those I said goodbye to.

And that doesn't mean I don't think about the past. I just pray daily that God helps me when I do. I don't know what that looks like, but he knows what I need more than I do and long before I realize how to ask for it.

God does not call us to live in fear of our next regret. He desires for us a vivacious life, full of love and hope and meaning. This purposeful life is one I need God to redirect my mind toward.

And when he meets me there, I find my peace.

"Forget the former things; do not dwell in the past. See! I am doing a new thing" (Isaiah 43:18)

And God always will, because he works things out "for the good of those who love him". Remember that.

Here's the thing: It's impossible to live without regrets. We want to believe we can. We make motivational posters, write song lyrics, and have motivational speakers about it. But, this just proves that it's an unavoidable problem, since everyone deals with it.

Only one person lived without regrets: Jesus.

That's what makes Christmas time so special. We remember when Jesus gave up everything and came down to this earth to die for you and me. He became sin, who knew no sin. He became human, from divine. He demonstrated an ultimate love...

...and never regretted a single moment of it.

God, I pray that you always reminisce with me, and guide my future. With you, I know I won't falter. Thank you for your perfect gift, and for knowing exactly what you're doing, with no regrets. That you don't regret a single thing and would do it again in a heartbeat is an immeasurable love.

This Christmas, remember that during this season of looking back.

And don't forget to always look to what's ahead.

Merry Christmas :)

DTI

Identity and the Self

"No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:37-39

This verse has meant many things to me over the years. I have used it in so many instances: in sports, in school, in life, etc.

But, it has taken on a whole new meaning for me this year. This verse is our identity; it is the core of who we are. Because who God is to us defines us.

(Side note: I encourage you to read the whole passage "More than Conquerors" (vs. 31-39). It is one of the most passionate passages I have found in the entire Bible.)

Ok so I have two statements to make from this. One, we are God's children and nothing can take that away. Two, because we are His, nothing else matters. What people think, what we look like, what we think of ourselves, it is all irrelevant because we are sons and daughters of the King.

"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." Psalm 139:14

These two verses together paint an incredible picture of who we are to God. I don't know about you, but I want to see myself as God sees me, not as the world sees me. "The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7.

What if we all looked at each other as those verses define us? Not only would the world be vastly different, but I know I would be changed completely. Not only in how I see myself, but the way I see others would be transformed.

And this is what God means by love one another; that we would see each other for what God has made us, not what the world has depicted us. By loving one another, we respect God's masterpiece and the ultimate and intelligent design He destined for this world.

By learning to love one another and seeing each other in this light, I know we would learn how to love ourselves.

I've never had many close girl friends. Growing up with a brother, I've always connected better with guys. But coming here to Whitworth and living in a dorm full of girls, I see how we act, toward ourselves and each other. Girls will tear themselves and others down for approval and in search for compliments. I'm not saying this of all girls here or in general, but I know from high school and college that the majority of women in this world do not see themselves in the light God has shone for us.

I see girls seeking each other's approval, and doing everything to get it. I see girls telling each other one thing, and another behind their backs. I see girls not loving themselves, and doing everything to feel accepted, as if this false form of love can fill them. And, it breaks my heart.

I'm not saying I'm immune. Quite the opposite; I catch myself thinking of these things and at times falling for the lies the world tells us. The world is out to get the self-image of women, and strip her of her identity. It's a brutal battle, one that I have had to fight often.

But here's the thing: I don't fight alone. My Father is right here, reminding me of my worth every time I forget it. I pray that you let Him come close and remind you of your identity as well.

Because "we are God's handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works..." Ephesians 2:10.

And we can't further His kingdom or do His work if we cannot remember that we are created with a purpose, beautifully, and masterfully. We are God's children, and we shortchange the Lord of all creation if we think any less than that.

If you struggle with how you see yourself, try this: pick some verses (like I did in this post) and next time you look in the mirror, and every time if it helps, speak those words of life and watch yourself declare them.

I pray that you begin to see yourself as God sees you, and that we all can do the same with each other.



DTI

Death and Life

This entry was written by my beloved brother. I am so proud and blessed to walk through life with him. He asked me to post this testimony, written in his words. So here they are...5 years to the day of the origin of this story; this pivotal time.

Philippians 1:21-“…to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

In life, there is only one certainty.

We don’t know if we will be rich or poor. We are indecisive about where to live. We have no idea what tomorrow holds, let alone the next moment. There are so many uncertainties in life; it would take pages to write each one of them.

But there is one certainty: death.

At some point, each of us will embrace this death. We will be buried underground and, depending on what you believe in, will be in heaven or elsewhere.

Unfortunately, death hits us all in various personal ways. We lose a family member, or a friend, and our entire demeanor is altered by the event. We remember them in all we do, doing things to expand their legacy. Some people do not know death while others are all too familiar with it.

Unfortunately, I lost a best friend due to a car crash.

It rocked my whole world. I went into depression, contemplated suicide, and felt as if there was nothing to live for. I lost someone I truly cared for and who had shared life with me.

What was I to do?

Then, something happened that changed my life.

I talked with my family about it. I went to a Lecrae concert. Suddenly, through these two actions, the comfort of God swept over my life. I felt…different. Life did not seem so sad. I decided to not kill myself (after a long time debating whether to or not). I thought to myself, “You know what, God? I thought I believed in you my whole life, but I have not. I want a do-over; start from the beginning. I believe in your grace, your goodness, and I need that.”

God is great about re-do’s.

I called mulligan. I wanted another shot. I decided, due to the death of my friend, I would live for something more under the Creator of the Universe. I would do His will, attempting to live for Him and what He stood for.

It was the best decision I ever made. I am doing the will of God via law school, and I finally feel complete. I really miss my friend, but I know he is in Heaven watching over me. He would have told me to live life to the fullest, and I am trying my best to do so.

To anyone who has experienced death-you are not alone. Talk to family, attend counseling (that helped me immensely), allow others to see your pain, and pray.

Side note: Counseling is a sign of strength, not weakness. It shows you are willing to confront issues head on and deal with them accordingly.

There are so many options in how to deal with death, and I found many. By far, finding Jesus was the best. He came to me in my weakness and said, “Let me take over. I got this.”

As I accepted Jesus into my heart, head to the ground crying, I found peace for the first time in a long time. I found someone who came to me in my weakness, provided help, and an answer I was long in seeking. Death changed me. But, I did not let death create more death. Like a phoenix from the ashes of my old life, I have found a new one in Jesus. And I know that is what Tyler would have wanted.

Psalm 37:4-“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

Dan Olsen

DTI

Breath of Life: A Testimony

We all have a testimony. Some of us have multiple ones. As we get older, new experiences create new stories, leading to new testimonies.

Today, I want to publicly share one of mine.

This testimony is not one of conversion, or a huge religious 180 degree spin from a life of hardship. But it is where God found me, and continues to every day.

Although it seems so long ago now, there was a time where my health consumed my thoughts. My sophomore year of high school, I began to have problems. I was diagnosed with asthma and many allergies, and given medications and inhalers to fix the problem.

Time went on, and the medications didn't help. The doses were increased, different types of inhalers were introduced, and my junior year became a year of dependency on 10 pills and 3 inhalers daily, one of which was an addictive steroid. If I didn't take my medicine, I would go through withdrawals and couldn't function. On top of all this, I found out much later that during everything I had chronic mononucleosis as well. (This is different than the "kissing disease". This one can last up to a year, and debilitates your body, making you weak and unable to function. Physical activity and living a normal life can actually damage the liver during this sickness.)

In spite of everything, I kept going. I took AP/IB classes, did XC Running and Skiing, Flag Football and Softball, and continued all my activities out of school as well. Every day, my strength waned more and more, and it was harder by the day to catch enough air to successfully breathe. Every moment hurt.

At this point, I had dreams to play softball in college. I had goals to successfully complete undergrad, and go to medical school. My new dreams, however, became ones in which I could walk up stairs without losing my breath, stop gaining weight from all my medications, and wake up each morning without the struggle of breathing. We knew it was time to do something.

My senior year was full of struggle, and doctor appointments. My family was worried, I was worried, and we prayed constantly. But I didn't tell most people how bad it really was.

Another year and dozens of doctor appointments later, God answered our prayers. I had surgery to remove my adenoids and was diagnosed with Vocal Chord Dysfunction. For the next 6 months, however, I struggled to wean off of my medicines. Getting away from my dependency on the inhalers and pills took time, tears, and solely the strength of God.

Today, I can wake up and breathe. I thank God every day for how far he brought me. Now, I have only 2 pills, and they are both over-the-counter for allergies. I no longer use an inhaler. This doesn't mean there aren't times of struggle though. Last winter, I had to use an emergency inhaler once. Exercise and cold still grab at my throat and threaten to take my breath away.

But, something's different. I'm no longer afraid. There are so many Bible verses about worry and anxiety, but one sticks out to me as I look back at the past 3 years: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27.

The God of the universe knows what He's doing. He gives us the breath of life, and I have never been more thankful for that. He gave it to me, and He can take it away. But, these past 3 years made me learn that His timing is above all, and He knows the plans He has for me; greater than any I can think for myself. And I have found freedom in that.

So to conclude my testimony, I can stand here and say that God is good. He never left, and never will. Not only did He walk every step of the way with me, He blessed me beyond anything I ever imagined. All the dreams and goals I gave up, He reinstated. I am now playing college ball, in undergrad studying chemistry, and set on a track to go to medical school. Every day, the amount of blessings God reveals blows my mind.

I can now make it through softball practice with my breath still in tact. I even was able to run a total of 150 miles this summer. I can focus on my school work because I am no longer going through medication withdrawals. I discovered an amazing group of support and love from my family and close friends. And I drew closer to God than I have ever been in my life.

So I write this to glorify God. I would not be where I am without Him.

Just like He was there for me, even the moments during those 3 years when it didn't feel like it, he is there for you too. And never leaves.

And for that, I am eternally grateful.

"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives
me life." Job 33:4

DTI