I'm obsessed with water lilies. I'm fascinated by the fact that they are so beautiful but thrive in the muck. I see that in myself- rising above much adversity and yet still the clean, beautiful, and inspiring. I see them as the physical manifestation of living IN the world, but not being OF the world.

Even though you may be embedded in the mud of this world, stuck in a place that is dark, without hope of prospect, and surrounded by all sorts of undesirables- you can rise above. You can always rise beautiful, clean, new. As in baptism, rise up in the newness of a life in Christ- a new creature.  Someone reading this is making your way in the dark world, troubled by the notion of living a holy life while interacting with those around you. You want to be relatable to those in the world: be approachable and still live a righteous life. The water lily, the lotus, is proof that you can be surrounded by the mire and still rise unsullied.

You can love your friends with all their different lifestyles, beliefs, and worldviews- and still keep your integrity as a child of God, a follower of the Most High. You are human, therefore allowed to have a different opinion. Even though its almost a hate crime to say you're a Christian these days, know that it's okay to be you. Its okay for everyone else to be themselves too (by the way). You do not need to compromise, or check in with others' opinions of you in order to thrive as a Christian. If someone's bottom line/foundation isn't "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," then that person is NOT subject to the law of God and you are wasting your time (and theirs) trying to argue, compromise, or holding them to God's standards. One who is seeking truth and knowledge is recognized by their questioning. One who seeks to mock and defame can also be known by their questions. 

Simply put, you are allowed to be you. I am allowed to be a Haitian-American who studied Chinese Medicine, a Christian who is usually surrounded by people who don't like religion. I can be an acupuncturist, author, singer/songwriter, and natural hair guru- and more! I am allowed to be as eclectic (read- weird) as I wish, because I can. I can do my best to ignore the pressure to conform, to blend in, to sit in one neat little box- because I know I was created to be different. And, of course- no one can box you in either. You have already risen above. So live above the mire. 

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God." - Romans 12:2 KJV

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;" - 1 Peter 2:9 KJV