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When we moved to Little Rock two years ago, I knew it would be easy to slip into the Bible Belt bubble. My husband’s job is with a Christian organization (FamilyLife), so surrounding ourselves with like-minded friends would be easy. Big, beautiful churches are within a few miles of our home, and I knew we could make great friends at church, too.
But is that all life is about—to be surrounding with fellow Christians and enjoy life? Deep inside I felt it wasn’t. How could I raise my child to believe the concept of “giving to the least of these” when I wasn’t making the effort to cross town and reach out?
Bubble-Breaking Neighborhood
We were renting a house, and we knew our lease would be up soon. So we started checking out houses closer to the area we served. I could tell a teen mom, “I live right down the street, five minutes away,” instead of, “I live on the west [nice] side of town.” This is our community.
When my daughter entered public school, after going to a private Christian school, I was nervous. And I was in shock at some of the things she heard, but like your daughter, she’s been a beacon of light in a dark place and she constantly amazes me.
This is a wonderful post, Tricia. It reaffirms I made the right choice.
Tricia, this is such an affirming post. Our kids were grown when we became Christians so we never faced the decisions of whether or not to stay within a Christian bubble.
Bless you and your family, and the wonderful work you do to help lift others up!
Kim, I truly believe that God will make His WILL clear for each of us. I’m so glad He’s using your daughter to be light. I believe He’ll call each one of us to break out of the bubble in different ways, but the purpose is to be light to a dark world.
Thanks for your comment!
Kim, thank you for your note. It sounds like you have an amazing story of God’s transformation in your life! He’s so amazing!
Thank you for sharing this! We love serving as a family, and are lonely at times because we don’t fit in the bubble. Your note encouraged me to embrace the calling, being the hands and feet of Jesus. Thank you!
Come hand out with us, drivesideways, you won’t be lonely!
Actually, a better solution is to PRAY for God to bring like-minded friends. He can do it!
It’s a hard road to walk – do we absorb ourselves in culture to place ourselves around non-Christians, or do we stick with the safety of our Christian bubble?
Obviously it’s something that we all must consider with prayer and wisdom.
Points well made. Thanks for the challenge!
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Awesome and true account!!! Very inspiring!!! Thank you very much!!!
Great post, Tricia. It’s not about us, it’s about serving/loving others.
Thanks for your encouragement. I’d love to get my kids involved with helping somewhere. Xx