Gentle Giants

Last night at Fusion, we discussed the spiritual fruit gentleness. The phrase "power under restraint" really struck a cord in me because looking at our generation and culture, we know no restraints. People are rash, loud and don't want anyone telling them to hold back. The most outrageous are the ones that stay in the popular eye, and it's a shame.

The entire night, Fezzik the giant (from Princess Bride) kept popping into my head. He was menacingly massive and could pack a punch that'd knock a man out cold. But when I think about his character I don't associate him with violence, but his gentleness.

Yes, he did use his physical against others but his attitude was not haughty or prideful.

As we consider who we want to become, our display of meekness versus aggressiveness needs to be considered.

Remember, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves" (phil 2:3).

We can still be known as strong and powerful individuals without bringing others down.

Encouragement

It's that time of year again. As college students (or those who work with us), we're fully aware of the looming aspect of finals right around the corner. Even if we don't want to it's becoming easy to let assignments and due dates slip by in favor of doing things we're actually interested in. We look at our calendars every day, becoming increasingly frustrated when the deadline for our paper or exam does not seem to creep any closer. Sleep becomes a foreign concept to some and chances are that if you drink it, coffee is quickly becoming your new best friend.

Am I starting to sound familiar? Maybe it's just me, but either way it's important to find those quiet little moments and seek God first. Trust that He will meet us right where we are at. Even if we've begun to walk around like metaphorical "zombies" praying that just for once we can catch a break, it's also important to remember that God isn't going to give us anything we can't handle...despite the fact it may or may not always feel that way.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you; not as the world gives, I give unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27)

"Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer & thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God...And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts & minds through Christ Jesus." (Phillipians 4:6-7)

- Tiffany