Gotta Be

One of my favorite all-time songs is the one by Des'ree called "Gotta Be." It is sort of my pep song, a rallying cry in times of self-pity, for a number of years.

I'm thinking of it now in relation to my last post, in which I was sort of feeling sorry for myself and also being a bit thin-skinned about what others may think about the recent trip to Africa and the vision for being involved with that ministry.

I think about these words, singing them in my head and heart:

"You gotta be
You gotta be bad,
you gotta be bold
You gotta be wiser,
you gotta be hard
You gotta be tough,
you gotta be stronger

You gotta be cool,
you gotta be calm
You gotta stay together
All I know, all I know,
love will save the day

Herald what your mother said
Read the books your father read
Try to solve the puzzles in your own sweet time
Some may have more cash than you
Others take a different view
my oh my hey, hey (chorus)"

Some people have commented to me about my last blog, mostly in the vein of "hold on to your dreams," and "develop a little mental toughness about what others say about your vision." Someone else said, "You may not win a popularity contest, but hold on anyway." I really appreciate those words of encouragement; I wish that I were strong enough on my own to withstand pressures like this, but I really do sometimes need the encouragement of my community.

One big encouragement came this morning in Pastor Pete's sermon on "Plan B." He told about when he was 21 and God was calling him to start a new church. When he told others in the church where he was about it, he initially got some support, but he heard people talking about him behind his back and how they said he was doomed to fail. He got really upset about hearing this and went out to his car and cried. Then he seemed to sense God saying to him, "I'm just asking you to be available . . ." He knew that he could do at least that much, even if there were naysayers.

I think that is what I'm called to do also, in relation to the South Africa initiative--be available and not put so much stock in whether other people approve or like it. That's not even necessary.

It's not really about me. It's about love.

And . . . Love WILL save the day . . .