a story for Sunday

'A story for Sunday' was born out of this small idea that our stories can be used to challenge each other in our differences, to encourage understanding and acceptance of those things that make us unique.

Maybe you're divorced or maybe you're homeless. Maybe your brother or your sister is at war. Maybe you feel misunderstood. Maybe you struggle with addiction or depression or pride. Maybe your political beliefs or religious beliefs don't fit in with anyone around you. Maybe you just want to stand on your soapbox and yell all the things that no one else will say.

Or Maybe you are in a season of joy and want to share your celebration.

That's what Sundays are for.

Sundays are for storytelling

From Haley:

Lately I feel as if I am constantly consumed and overwhelmed with cultural and worldly pressures and expectations--- Influences that I find myself battling every day.

In the south, there’s this little belief that if don’t have a college degree, have a wonderful career, and are not married by 22 then “bless her heart”. Even more pressure comes when you tell someone you aren’t actually interested in any of those things. Now don’t get me wrong, I absolutely desire to get married and have a great job one day--  but why do I get ugly looks and pity stares when I tell people that I’m just taking some time to figure it all out?

I’m twenty-four years old with a bachelor’s in Sociology. Right out of school I worked at Americorp with a local non-profit living on a poverty wage. Now? I work two part time jobs, traveling any opportunity I get. This doesn’t exactly fit the expectation that most people have for me.

Some days I wake up and I’m completely content where the Lord has me. Other days I cry and spend hours searching the internet for full time positions and worrying about how I will pay my bills. Not to mention, when I hear that another friend is engaged I politely smile and say congrats but the aching in my heart grows a little deeper. It’s a constant battle- one that I’ve grown quite weary of over these past few years.

And while it’s easy for me to pretend on the outside that I have it all together and that I’m content and happy all the time, I am in constant turmoil in my heart. Always pushing and pulling what the World tells me I should be doing and the path the Lord has set before me. I don’t desire a “typical lifestyle” but I would be lying if I didn’t admit it does seem rather enticing and easier at times.

This little revelation of “easy” really got me thinking and examining my heart. As Americans, we are taught to desire comfort, the easy road, functionality and accessibility. This way will supposedly lead to true and lasting happiness. But as a believer in Christ, I’ve been finding more and more answers in the Word that contradict this very notion. Scripture says to rejoice in your suffering (Romans) and to not count it strange when you face suffering (1 Peter). Last time I checked, we live in a culture that tells us to get "bigger and better".  Better jobs, bigger houses, bigger and better lives in order to be comfortable and content.  There is obviously a huge disconnect between what culture dictates and what the Lord desires.

As the world is continuously bombarding my life with messages that persuade me to “have it all”, I find the still, small voice inside of me saying, “relinquish.” This is my daily struggle. This is my lifelong battle. To be in the World, not of it. To listen to my Father rather than give into the easy comforts of this temporary home.

I wish I could give you some great piece of advice that would help you figure out some of the same issues you might be facing.  The only thing I currently understand on the topic is that little by little my faith continues to grow through the struggle. Every day that I wake up I must make a conscious effort to fight the urge to feel sorry for myself or give into the pressures around me and allow the Lord’s strength to carry me though the day. I know there is a greater plan and while I can’t see the whole picture, I am simple called to take each moment at a time.

Oh how Haley's story resonates with me. A constant battle between heart and head and world and Word. Isn't it such a blessing to know that you aren't the only one dealing with this junk?