“Life is frittered away with detail” is one of Emerson’s quotes that I identify with very well.  This quote suggests that we, the modern society, spend too much time satisfying the needs of others, while ignoring our own desires.  This mindset, which we have so hastily acquired, is one of ignorance and optimism. The mindset is ignorant because we actually believe that trying to meet the expectations of others will bring us self-gratification.  The mindset is optimistic simply because we are only fooling ourselves.  We know that others’ expectations are not the most important thing in this life.  Yet, we attempt to outsmart ourselves into thinking that the only way to be accepted is to be the same as everyone around us.  This message that we unconsciously send ourselves is extremely dangerous.  It can not only destroy us from the inside out, but it can also destroy the loved ones around us. Taking this mindset is also a very selfish thing to do.  By idolizing the needs of others, we push the needs of The Creator down the list.  We are essentially saying, “God I know you created me and all, and I know YOU THINK you know what’s best for me, but I am going to believe what the world is telling me on this one.”  To which God replies, “I will be right here waiting for you with open arms”.  God KNOWS!  Regardless of how hardheaded and stubborn we can be, He is still omniscient.  I propose a new mindset.  This mindset consists of God being the one and only thing on our list.  Our thoughts are His thoughts and our cares are His cares.  Something tells me that if we were to live our lives in this way, we would not even care about being accepted by our world.  We would have a firm hold on the fact, that the One who created the world holds us in the highest esteem.  That fact is all we will ever need.  We just haven’t realized it yet.

Got a quick thought for ya here. Why are we so concerned with offending others? Is it because we are scared of hurting their self-esteem? Or is it just an excuse we use to pass up a divine oppertunity to do the right thing? Whatever your circumstance, being offensive in NOT ALWAYS A BAD THING. Think about this for a second. If you are scared to share the Gospel with someone because you might offend them, guess who that offends? GOD!!!! He has put that person in your path for a reason. Whose feelings are more important, a sinner that desperately needs grace, or the one who created that sinner and is completely willing to give that grace? I recently missed this oppertunity to share the most profound news in the world with someone for fear of offending them. This is just my thought process preceding my mistake. Enjoy :)

America, make your true self known.

Sit upon your deserving throne.

The world is searching for a light,

To look to in this darkest night.

The fathers whose names we all adore,

Are all lying, crumpled on the floor.

Their examples given for us to follow,

Are no longer full, but rather hollow.

America, you no longer honor your father’s wishes.

You see them as no more than dirty dishes.

Looking for a place to be thrown out,

But God can never be drowned out.

God will make sure that He is heard.

Whether through action, or through word,

He can never be ignored.

No matter how much selfishness you hoard.

I fear for you, O great America.

When God puts a stop to this hysteria,

Make known it will be abrupt.

Because, America, you’re so corrupt,

You feel you cannot recover from your mistakes.

When God gave his son to sooth your aches.

All you need America, is to run to Him.

He will take you back without a whim.

Just change your heart and humble yourself.

Then your troubles will crumble like a warming ice shelf.

Take heed America and do not despair!

Hope is not lost, it is near in the air.

Do not be taken aback,

By the speech of the world.

I have faith great America,

That your past will be hurled.

Far away from you, to never be found again,

Dropped to the bottom of the sea, like a ball and chain.

You will be seen as glorious once more,

When just across the distant shore,

You look and see a man in white.

And give Him everything for His delight.

He will take you back yet once more,

And finally throw away your internal war.