Four Boys Sitting Against a Wall

These last few months I have found myself thinking about Sarai – specifically the story in Genesis 16. Some months ago, a friend mentioned this story and made the comment that Sarai’s actions were culturally acceptable at the time. I have heard this before, but for some reason that concept cemented itself as a query in my mind and has not quickly left.

In what ways do I choose the culturally acceptable thing (I am including the Christian culture here, too) over really waiting and listening to what God is asking me to do? How does my American culture affect how my faith is lived out? In what ways am I syncretistic?

It is easy for me to act on impatience…to try to make something happen in my timeline. It is especially easy when I can justify my actions because they are culturally appropriate. But I want to have courage to be patient. I want to have courage to live God’s love and peace in a world that tells me it is okay to do otherwise. I am thankful that the Lord is my Shepherd even though I don’t get things right much of the time.

A couple of songs have been playing on the radio that have caused me to pause, listen and reflect on how much I am in need of the One, True Living God. I know I put a lot of songs on this blog, but I love love love music. It puts to words what I often am not able to. I thought it really funny when I looked up the groups behind these songs. Both album covers have four boys sitting against a wall. It made me smile and want to sit against the wall with them.

So as I wonder and wrestle, I invite you to join me. And I invite you to sit back, listen to these songs and remember that it is our Father who holds our hearts in the midst of questions and unknowns.