I was a high school Sophomore. Sixteen years old and trying to figure it all out. I knew God existed. I knew He was for me and never against me. I knew well enough to know that He would remind me constantly of who He saw me to be.
Yet, there I was amidst the hustle and bustle of all things high school. Trying to figure out who I was on my own. Relying far too much on what others thought of me to define me. Relying far too much on the ‘in-crowd’ to affirm who I was. Was I wearing the right shoes? Were my braces too much? Was I ‘in’ enough with the ‘in-crowd’?
Deep within my heart, I knew that only He could truly teach me, lead me, stretch me, grow me into the person He created me to be. That sweet sixteen year old constantly sought answers from the world surrounding her and she was slowly being torn to pieces.
“O Lord, my God, in you I take refuge; save me from all my pursuers and rescue me, lest I become like the lion’s prey, to be torn to pieces” (Psalm 7:2-3).
Those years of high school are now thirteen years past. And still the world continues to pursue me. As a twenty-nine-year-old woman, the ‘in-crowd’ looks more like a brag-worthy paycheck, a few professional letters behind my name, all the while striving to be the perfect mother and wife. The ‘in-crowd’ still knocks on the door of my heart, and I think it always will.
But firmness of faith allows me to truly rid myself of the lie that this world or any title it could give will satisfy.
“A shield before me is God” (Psalm 7:11). We are beloved daughters of God. Our Father loves us deeply and without reserve. He constantly pursues us. He will not let us be torn to pieces. He will rescue us. And all we must do, sister, is recall who He says we are. We are not of this world.
This Saint is a doctor of the Church and never afraid to be against the "in-crowd" as evidenced by her calling even the Pope to task. Learn more about her here.
Shalini Blubaugh is a Minnesota transplant living in Denver, Colorado with her sweet husband, Matt, their brand new gal pal, Callan, and quite large GSD pup, Sully. She is a health coach and loves pizza, because #balance. Shalini graduated from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, served with NET Ministries, and went on to attend Law School. She graduated with her J.D. and happily leaves all things Law behind! Some of her favorites include travel, re-connecting with old friends and making new ones, the ways in which God so beautifully brings all things full circle in His time, and a good, loud thunderstorm. Find out more about her here.
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