I keep thinking about the phrase "In the world, but not of it".
Of course, I've always known what this meant in regards to Christian living. It isn't that complicated. We live here, but we are not to behave ourselves in the same way as the rest of the world. Simple. It basically means stay a virgin and don't get drunk in college, right? And don't watch Family Guy. That's what everyone seemed to mean when they quoted it at me.
Here in South Africa, I stand out. Just the other day at the mall, a lady walked up to me and said "Are you with the group from America?" I looked at her like she was crazy, because I hadn't even SPOKEN, but apparently my north face jacket = American. It was impressive.
Around other white people, my accent quickly gives me away. People know that I am a foreigner. But in the townships, I feel it the most strongly. You rarely see white people in Gugulethu, but even if you did, they are likely not American. People stare at you and shout "mlungu!" or "abalungu!" (white person/people) and they wonder what you are doing there, or what you can do for them.
I feel a level of pride over the fact that I am American. I am happy to stand out, happy to explain the way we do things differently, quick to answer their questions and make my country sound great.
For the first time, I realize what it is to be in a world, but not of it. I am of America, and I am living in Cape Town and working in townships. I see their lives there, note their hardships, even help where I can, but I will never, EVER, be of it. I am putting myself in it the best I can, because that is the only way to help them.
THAT is what God wants - He wants me to be of His heavenly kingdom, no matter what world I find myself in. How should I be living my life such that a lady in the mall would walk up and ask me if I was a child of God? If the people in the townships noticed first that I was a follower of Jesus, not a white American. It should be seen.
I am trying to think of how that plays out, but I just thought I'd share the thoughts I was having this past week.
Random thoughts: I HAVE INTERNET NOW!!!! Until I use 120 GB. Might not take too terribly long....I'm an American after all.
They have Cinnabon here. You can't escape it...
There is no South African replacement for 8 lb weights. You can have 3 kg, or 4 kg. And since sometimes I feel like I am going to die after about 15 reps of lifting my arms to a T with 8 lb weights, I decided to demote myself to 6.6 lbs instead of move up to 8.8. I may regret this decision.
I never want to be a hockey goalie.
Annnnnnd I just want to throw this out there - if you are my friend, look out. Because I am praying spouses and babies onto everyone I know except Katie Thacker. She is being spared. :) Love you all!!
Amy
Of course, I've always known what this meant in regards to Christian living. It isn't that complicated. We live here, but we are not to behave ourselves in the same way as the rest of the world. Simple. It basically means stay a virgin and don't get drunk in college, right? And don't watch Family Guy. That's what everyone seemed to mean when they quoted it at me.
Here in South Africa, I stand out. Just the other day at the mall, a lady walked up to me and said "Are you with the group from America?" I looked at her like she was crazy, because I hadn't even SPOKEN, but apparently my north face jacket = American. It was impressive.
Around other white people, my accent quickly gives me away. People know that I am a foreigner. But in the townships, I feel it the most strongly. You rarely see white people in Gugulethu, but even if you did, they are likely not American. People stare at you and shout "mlungu!" or "abalungu!" (white person/people) and they wonder what you are doing there, or what you can do for them.
I feel a level of pride over the fact that I am American. I am happy to stand out, happy to explain the way we do things differently, quick to answer their questions and make my country sound great.
For the first time, I realize what it is to be in a world, but not of it. I am of America, and I am living in Cape Town and working in townships. I see their lives there, note their hardships, even help where I can, but I will never, EVER, be of it. I am putting myself in it the best I can, because that is the only way to help them.
THAT is what God wants - He wants me to be of His heavenly kingdom, no matter what world I find myself in. How should I be living my life such that a lady in the mall would walk up and ask me if I was a child of God? If the people in the townships noticed first that I was a follower of Jesus, not a white American. It should be seen.
I am trying to think of how that plays out, but I just thought I'd share the thoughts I was having this past week.
Random thoughts: I HAVE INTERNET NOW!!!! Until I use 120 GB. Might not take too terribly long....I'm an American after all.
They have Cinnabon here. You can't escape it...
There is no South African replacement for 8 lb weights. You can have 3 kg, or 4 kg. And since sometimes I feel like I am going to die after about 15 reps of lifting my arms to a T with 8 lb weights, I decided to demote myself to 6.6 lbs instead of move up to 8.8. I may regret this decision.
I never want to be a hockey goalie.
Annnnnnd I just want to throw this out there - if you are my friend, look out. Because I am praying spouses and babies onto everyone I know except Katie Thacker. She is being spared. :) Love you all!!
Amy