Still Surviving

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqXKXxUUszA

Fourteen years ago, I was eleven years old and living in rural West Monroe, LA.  My family and I were also very involved in our church, Cedar Crest Baptist. At the time, our church was very vibrant and full of strong relationships and community. There was a children’s choir, a youth choir, and a large youth group.  I was in the fifth grade and in the children’s choir at the time, and that May, I had a part as a senator in the annual children’s musical.A big TV show at the time, much more than it is today, was the show Survivor. Our children’s choir musical, to stay relevant but not in the process change its message, was also “Survivor” related by taking place on a deserted island.

There were many moments during those early years before middle school when I had delusions about myself and others, that I believed, that made sense to me. It was this one delusion with the musical, however, that almost cost me a lot, and did in turn disappoint a lot of people. I thought, since the musical was “Survivor” themed, that it would be good, during a certain point in the musical, if I just busted out and sang the chorus of the Destiny’s Child song “Survivor.” “For, come on,” I thought, “It fits.”

And that was not the only thing I thought was fine. I thought if I ad- libbed, commandeered the stage, made up my own lines, that ultimately the “show would go on.” Yet, that was not the case. The focus on the message of the musical became muddied and in turn, I disrespected the other kids around me and their families by not sticking to the script.
While they just passed it off as “laughable,” I almost got kicked off the stage the night. My parents were embarrassed, as were many others. And, while I didn’t get the significance of what I had done until later, it did not change the fact that it was a poor decision. All of this leads me to say one thing. How many times have we have acted in a way, done something we believed to be right, when it was actually wrong and hurt someone else? Crazy or not, learning how to move beyond false beliefs is a goal we can reach, and a lesson we can all learn from.
In spite of that moment all those years ago, I still made it out and I’m still “a survivor.” If there is anything I can leave with you today, if you’re stuck pondering over any mistake you’ve made, know this. You can be “a survivor” too.
Until Next Time,
Jacobo
Jacob McGowen's avatar

By Jacob McGowen

I am 34 years old, and I live in beautiful Fort Collins, CO! I love the three places I have ever called home, Louisiana, Colorado, and of course UGANDA! This blog will continue to chronicle, as it has for almost eight years now, my journey of discovering who Jesus is and learning to follow Him daily. I invite you to join me in my journey and hang on for the ride! Sincerely, Jacob McGowen February 2022 Fort Collins, CO USA

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