“Be the change you want to see in the world.”
We’ve all heard that quote a million times, right? I must admit that it falls under my cliche-quotes-that-I-sort-of-can’t-stand category, but it’s also one that holds an important truth. In fact, those words are actually incredibly…convicting to me.
I’ll be the first to admit that in New York, it’s easy to get sucked into the desire to “fit in” and impress others. Whether it’s what you wear or who you know, replacing the fear of God with the fear of man can become the norm. It is the norm.
I have a million and one thoughts on this and more of what I’ve learned from being in New York so far (so don’t take your reading pants off just yet). But, one thing I know for sure is that being in the midst of this culture has made me have less of a desire to “fit in” and more of a desire to stand out for Christ. That right there is one of the reasons I know that God has planted me here for a purpose because frankly, it goes against every natural human tendency within me.
I don’t really know where I’m going with this post. Call it a journal entry, if you will…? I can’t even say I have a particular lesson or words of encouragement because I’m still an immense work in progress. I will say, though, that the biggest step for me has been surrounding myself with community - a community of like-minded people who love me but also challenge me. Other than my close family, I’ve never had much of a “we’re in it together” unity with others like I do right now, and I’m finding that that is priceless. It’s a necessity.
…so, those are some thoughts for you on this dreary Saturday night. More to come.
xoxo G
I get it and I LOVE this!! BE it girl. So glad you’ve found an amazing community and please e-mail me anytime, I’d love to chat more about this and hear how it’s going.
This is BEAUTIFUL and so are you and you are doing what God has planted you here both in NY and on the internet I remind you!!!
I also love this post! When I was interning at a fashion magazine in NYC, I focused so much on trying to look the part and fitting in that I really lost track of God and pleasing him above all things of this world. I love your epiphany and hope to have the same attitude when I go back to the big bad city after graduation.
You do hear the quote a lot, so it’s easy to dismiss as a cliche…but the words are incredibly true. Keep challenging yourself in this area…it’s something I think we can always be challenged by!
So refreshing to hear that you are not getting pulled into the hustle and bustle that can really change a person - no matter where they live. You have strong values.. and you are sticking to them.. Honestly, I think it is very rare to find people who display that strength!
Love this and you. Can’t wait to chat tonight
Great post. I also recognize God working in me when it goes against almost every human tendency inside me. And what an amazing and humbling feeling that is…
I pray that God uses you to the fullest for His glory where He’s planted you.
Thanks for sharing,
Dana.
Love this! Its always so nice to see when people don’t get caught up in the hussle of the city and still go their own path. Can’t wait to hear more about it!
I am so glad that I read this post. I recently moved to Phoenix, AZ by myself, and since I don’t know anyone here, I’ve been desperately trying to fit in to make friends. However, I’ve been really unhappy; this post made me realize it’s because I’m not being true to myself and who I really am.
Thank you for the reminder that it is OK to stand up for Christ & what you believe in instead of conforming to social norms (:
Thank you for this thoughtful comment, Kalyn
I feel like you wrote this for me. Okay, I KNOW you wrote this for me, and lots of others - I’m sure. I’ve been living back in London since August - I grew up in Orlando - and just quit my awesome job because I feel something is missing in my life. At least… that’s why I think I did it? I’m still trying to figure it all out now. One thing I know for sure, I was completely caught up in myself, fitting in, and finding “success” in London to the point that I don’t even feel like I LIVE here, I just EXSIST here. Step one for me is going to be building a community [thank you for the inspiration!] And also… a job.
Please write more.
At this point my community is blogs and I need you girls!! x Oh, and come visit me in London.
Rosie, I’m SO happy that you were able to relate to this post. Just stay strong, work towards finding a community, and take one day at a time!! *sending hugs your way*
Dana says
I love this <3
I love this quote- it was my uncle’s favorite and he definitely lived his life by it.