I Was Bold

Recently I had the honor to speak to our young adult women at our church, their ages ranging from 18 to 28(ish).   I was given an hour to share my heart, a blueprint on practical ways of being a Godly gal in this generation. As I looked into the eyes of each young woman, I truly knew the privilege and opportunity before me. I was honest.  I was real.  I was bold.  I shared from God’s word and my personal experiences. 

(In short) First, “Have a pre-determined answer.”  How often do circumstances arise and demand a response from us and we tend to flounder – grasping for the right answer, the right behavioral response.  When we do, we usually grab the closest and easiest and often comes in the form of compromise.  We looked at Genesis 14, where Abram stood before the King of Sodom, refusing his offer of the spoils of war, “I have raised my hand to the LORD, God Most High, and have taken an oath that I will accept nothing from you. So that you can say “I” made Abram rich” (vv22-23).   Immediately after this, God comes and tells Abe “I am your shield, your very great reward” (15:1).  Abram had a pre-determined oath.  He had his God answer.  We too need to be prepared.  Now is the time for preparation – don’t wait until you’re in the midst of the stuff.

Second, “Don’t get distracted.”  Solomon, the wise guy wrote: “Look straight ahead and fix your eyes on what lies before you. Mark out a straight path for your feet; stay on the safe path” (Proverbs 4:25-26, NLT). We discussed “what is it that distracts you most – the quickest?”  Be aware of this and apply the first element – have a pre-determined answer for your distraction.  Stay the course. Follow Jesus. NEVER waiver.

This flowed right into the third element: “Position Yourself.”   King David wrote: “I have set the LORD always before me, because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken” (Psalm 16:8). You desire good God stuff? What – who have you set before you?  Be intentional about placement.  Where are you and what are you thinking and doing?   Are you in church?  Your friends, have you chosen wisely?  Do you have some folks that will lovingly address your stuff?  Are you reading God’s instruction manual?  Also, has God told you something specific? What are you doing about it?  Intentional positioning.

With the fourth point, we camped out there most of our time together.  We discussed what it is to “Be a good family member.”  When I was growing up, my dad was a businessman.  He owned two grocery stores, one convenience store and two restaurants. We (myself and the sibs) heard dad often say. “Remember you’re a DeBus.” Meaning, we were expected to speak and behave in a manner that represented the family well.  So it is with our God family.  Not only be a good witness to Jesus’ name, but a good member to each other. Kind and forgiving.

Jesus said we are to love God with our all and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). Paul too wrote: “Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves” (Romans 12:10). Loving our neighbor, our brother (in particular) means we help protect them.  We talked about our personal expression, about – modesty (in detail, I don’t think we forgot a thing). Our brothers have a responsibility for their own eyes, their own heart, their own disciplines and decisions – but why not help them out!

We closed the evening (being a good family member) with brainstorming how they (the younger folks) can connect with the older folks. There is a boatload of wisdom wrapped up in our older saints.  Prior to this evening, I polled six women, (ranging in age from 30’s to 70’s).  I asked them to please tell me, if they could reach back and speak to their younger (20 something) self – what advice would they offer.  I read the list to the gals. It was impacting.

A great reminder for us all (myself included).  Practical ways for good God stuff in this generation: Have a pre-determined answer.  Don’t get distracted. Position Yourself.  Be a good family member.

All for His glory. (In Jesus name).

In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love & good deeds” – Hebrews 10:24).