Underdogs

Many of us feel our heart strings tugged a little bit when we hear the story of an "underdog".  There is just something hopeful and encouraging to hear that against many odds someone can come out on top.

Well, like many American's today, I was watching the SuperBowl this evening with friends and I was cheering for the New Orleans Saints.  Honestly... because I thought that the Colts have been to plenty of SuperBowls lately and have won some - it's somebody elses turn.  And needless to say I felt good when the Saints won!

Granted that opinion has nothing really to do with who plays the best, practiced the hardest, or at all really deserves it.  But many times and places in life, skill isn't everything.  There is a piece of us, of our humanity, that knows heart is important.  We don't like to see a movie if the hero dies in the middle or if the girl doesn't end up with the "good" guy.  Look at Adam Sandler's "The Water Boy", or "Forest Gump", or a classic - "Cinderella" would that story be known for over a hundred years if she didn't rise above all odds and end up with the prince?

Christians in the early church were underdogs and the church never grew as fast as when she was under persecution.  The heart of an underdog grabs our attention and makes us interested to hear the story.  Why would a person give up their life for their religion?  Who was this Jesus?  How does this community of fishermen, tax collectors, prostitutes, foreigners, widows, and clergy live together in love? Despite the threat of death, what gives these "Christians" the strength (or stupidity from others perspective) to hold on to their faith?

People are attracted by honorable people fighting for what's right because it is good.  They want to be a part of that.  As Christians we are a light and we must shine that light bright out into the darkness.  Not being afraid to really live our faith in every aspect of our lives.  To continually seek out what it means to be a disciple and what God has called us to do with our lives.

Live in the world, my brothers and sisters, cheer for your favorite football team for whatever reason, but do not live of the world.  Remember your calling as a child of God and give God praise and thanks for all the Lord has blessed you with.

In peace with love,
your sister in Christ~Erin