Do not conform to the pattern of this world. , but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is-his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2
Photo Credit-Gospel Herald
I've never watched a season of Dancing With The Stars before now. For one thing, we're really too busy for TV. Even if we weren't seriously busy, sitting for two hours is a long time when there's no plot. I have a hard enough time with riveting two-hour films. I check Facebook. I fall asleep. I go wipe down the kitchen cabinet....
But this season I decided to watch DWTS (Dancing with the Stars) when I found out who they'd casted for the show. I was plum giddy when I learned that Alfonso Ribiero, Carlton from Fresh Prince of Bel-Air would be a contestant. Carlton (the cardigan-wearing prep)didn't cut it on Fresh Prince as far as the cool factor, but I tell you….the man can cut a rug. I, like the hoards, have waited for him to perform his trademark "Carlton Dance". This past Monday night he did it, and the world cheered.
It might have been that I would have watched DWTS this season for Carlton alone, but then there's Sadie Robertson.
You know Duck Dynasty's sweetheart?
-The daughter of Duck Commander CEO.
-The seventeen year old bright-eyed, dimple-faced brunette with a million dollar smile.
You probably know those things. But did you know that she has a youtube channel called TheNewDifferent? She and a friend give pep talks referencing scripture to encourage young girls to be "in this world and not of it". Maybe you heard that she partnered up with dress designer Sherri Hill to create a line of modest prom dresses. The line is called the Sadie Robertson Live Original.
Photo Credit-Sherri Hill
She's lit.er.ally wearing her faith. She's the main reason I decided to be a devoted fan for this season's DWTS.
And I'm not going to lie. I knew I was going to vote for her before I saw a single step, ball change.
..........And then I prayed she could dance.
That almost seems wrong. DWTS is a dance contest after all.
But I love what she stands for. I love what her family stands for. I love that they stand.
Period……
Because so very many of us don't these days in the name of political correctness; in fear that voicing our convictions will prove us hypocritical or downright hateful .
The Robertsons were given a show by A&E based on their seemingly backwards way of living despite being quite wealthy (Those beards!). In a society where dinner is seldom served around a table much less prayed over, the Robertsons scooch up together and pray over Miss Kay's "Boiled Squirrel and Dumplings". They're the real deal. The Robertson brothers who work together spend more time arguing and loitering than they do working. In several episodes it's pointed out by the patriarch, Phil Robertson, that the grandkids spend too much time on their technology. They're a family I can relate to when there are few families on television at all. They mess up and they make up. But despite, or maybe because of their fallible human nature, they always turn to prayer.
But for the grace of God, played out on my TV screen
In all honesty, I don't watch Duck Dynasty because I find myself sitting on the edge of my seat in suspense… "Will Jase EVER get those Christmas lights up?!". I don't watch it because it makes me bust a gut from laughter, though I do find it funny. I watch Duck Dynasty because I find it refreshing. I watch it because my family can watch it without fear of profanity or uncomfortable sexual situations. I watch it because it's one of the last evidences of televised faith (besides the "700 Club"). The fact that it's entertaining is a grand bonus.
Sadie's dance numbers on DWTS have proved to be tasteful as have her costumes. The camera captured Sadie praying with her parents before she went on to dance during the first episode. This past Monday on tribute night, she gave wonderful testimony about her family and faith. That makes me happy.
AND......THE GIRL CAN DANCE
with all of her clothes on and without being a sexual object which apparently seems to be hard to do.
I tried to make a family event out of the show. Rylie watched a few of the dances through a crack in her hands which otherwise covered her eyes. She told me after the second episode that she "needed therapy after seeing that".
Sitting in front of our television or in traffic, we're in the world. It's unavoidable no doubt. And so much about that is frustrating and quite disappointing.
Thank goodness there are still Sadies who are filled with the Spirit. That Spirit bubbles over.
Even on the dance floor.
#teamsadie
7-13 So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it! Jesus, staying true to God’s purposes, reached out in a special way to the Jewish insiders so that the old ancestral promises would come true for them. As a result, the non-Jewish outsiders have been able to experience mercy and to show appreciation to God. Just think of all the Scriptures that will come true in what we do! For instance:
Then I’ll join outsiders in a hymn-sing;
I’ll sing to your name!
And this one:
Outsiders and insiders, rejoice together!
...........
Oh! May the God of green hope fill you up with joy, fill you up with peace, so that your believing lives, filled with the life-giving energy of the Holy Spirit, will brim over with hope! Romans 15:7-13 (The Message)
It seems lately that letters have become a popular way to express our feelings about public figures. In the past few weeks I've seen letters addressed to Miley Cyrus and her dance partner Robin Thicke which aired grievance toward their lewd public display at the VMA's. I don't keep up with football, but apparently Johhny ("Football") Manziel has committed what ESPN has referred to as "inexcusable antics" and has become the subject of a few "what not to be like" posts. These public letters are addressed to pop icons who will never read the words so carefully typed out. They will be read by those of us who watch from the sidelines, those of us with impressionable children and grandchildren.
Me and my girls
These letters use people in the public eye (who we can hardly ignore) to remind us how depraved we are without God as our guide, which is great. But it kind of stinks that it's the undesirable behavior that's getting so much attention. That's why I wanted to write a letter to you.
Dear Sadie,
I'm a huge fan of Duck Dynasty. Living next door to Louisiana, and having been raised in a small-town, I rather feel like you're my neighbor- or someone I'd want to be my neighbor. I love the idea of simple life that focuses on faith and family. I'm thrilled that your family's show has been such a big hit. I've been asked a dozen times which character on the show is my favorite. And I must say that I have a hard time saying because you all play such a special part. God is the coolest when it comes to our design. He purposes each person to bring something special to the "table" of life.
You though Sadie have caught my attention.
I've seen the video of you and your friend Kolby advertising your Monday segment "I am Different". Here's the link for anybody who hasn't:
I love it that you're sharing that it's ok to follow God's view of living versus the world's view; the one we find on most reality shows and in everywhere else in the media.
I'm giddy that you're using God's word as one of authority instead of pointing girls to "what guys think or want" or even basing your words on your own opinion (you are famous after all).
I also noticed that you're coming out with your own collection of prom dresses. I love that you're not shying away from purity; you're rather bold with it.
This is SUCH a big deal.
I so admire you sitting on the porch swing (in the video) putting your faith out there, all the while being nervous knowing full well that it may draw criticism from those who think differently than you or simply from those who make a habit of bringing others down.
This is an altogether different thing than standing behind your parent's faith in hopes that the living out of their faith pretty much covers you too.
You're owning your faith. I like that.
There may be young girls out there that think this endeavor, and that your life in general, is easy. Afterall, you have money, fame and good looks to boot. But I know better. Life isn't easy. Life as a believer isn't always easy either, but life as a believer is one filled with hope and promise..
I just want to say that "this thing that you're doing" is worth it. I wish I had lived out my faith more boldly.
So to you and to every other girl out there:
I think I speak for all moms of faith when I say-
I can guarantee you'll not regret teenage years well-lived and God-centered. You will however, regret times when you base your decisions on fickle feelings instead of what you know is right. You will do some of both.
Know that I and thousands of moms are behind you. We're a part of "that cloud of witnesses" and we're on the sidelines cheering you on. We're over the moon excited to hear you talk about your relationship with Christ and of purity instead of things that won't matter next month when the calendar page is flipped.
We're praying for you; praying that God will guide you in your willingness to be a light. We're praying that your desire for Him will continue to grow.
We won't expect you to be perfect. We pray that you'll experience His endless, matchless grace when you do get out of step. We pray that the knowledge of that grace will help you get back into step without your wallowing in guilt or shame.
We pray..
-that on days when you feel ordinary, God would remind you that he has created you wonderfully with unique purpose
and on days when you feel extraordinary and maybe even a little self-absorbed (like we all do) that God would humble and overwhelm you by His greatness.
You have our prayer that in the busyness of life-when you're trying to do everything right- but you just feel tired, that you will remember to "Just be still and know that He is God"
He is God on bad hair days
And He's God on the days when it seems like the whole world is crashing down around you.
We pray that you will be surrounded by Godly influence and that even in your youth, that you'll be one too.
Our prayer is that you will be thankful for a family who has made God their first love. A depth of that knowledge will help you to trust them in tough times when you have disagreements.
Be confident when your plans don't pan out, that the plans God has for you are better than the ones you dreamed for yourself. I personally hope your Monday video views skyrocket.
God tells us in Hebrews 10:24
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works......encouraging one another
There's a lot being "stirred up" these days. I just want to say thank you for what you're stirring up.
