Do You Fit In?

I remember my first “sleep-over.” Elizabeth’s family had just moved to our small town and seemed worldly having lived elsewhere. We snuggled in sleeping bags on her front porch and she pointed out stars and constellations in the clear dark sky. Soon she guided my innocent eyes, “Look at that bright one straight above us.”

I strained to pick out the one she was talking about.

“See it?”

There were so many and I really wanted Elizabeth to be my friend so I said, “Yes.”

“Watch it close ‘cause it’s moving. It’s a UFO. Look. It’s coming right at us.”

The star I chose seemed to be moving toward me and I thought my heart would stop.

When I remember the foolishness and gullibility of my childhood, I consider my ongoing desire to fit in. Not just as that little girl but as a young adult in the Navy where my lifestyle fit in with seasoned sailors. And even later as a young mother.

When I accepted Christ as my savior, I continued to fear “not fitting in.” “What if they knew of my past, would they accept me anyway?” I wondered. I kept my secrets for several years until I learned that I only had to fit in to Jesus Christ. The peoples judgement, Christians included, didn’t matter anymore as I began to tell my story of what God had done for me.

I almost fit in to several small groups, but to tell of God’s grace and forgiveness in my life I had to tell of my sin. A word or two of truth dissolved many relationships.

I continued to testify to everyone God placed on my heart and in my path. I witnessed in my home and while waiting at appointments. In department stores and bookstores. In restaurants and grocery stores. In churches, at retreats, and in Christian bookstores, too.

Do I fit in? Sometimes with people. Always with God

Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord will be kept safe (Proverbs 29:25 NIV).

In Christ Alone,
Berta