Suburbia

Soon enough I will be moving to a city that I would label as "suburbia". My future residence reminds me of a rich annex of my current urban surrounding. As we have shared news of our move with acquaintances and friends, we have heard phrases like "nice little Christian community" or "town with lots of money" to describe our future destination. And everyone seems to agree it is a great place to raise a family.

Lord, why here?

Don't get me wrong. I am excited! Considering the other places we could have ended up, I am ecstatic and VERY grateful. While I was raised in a small town, the idea of living in one has terrified me as of late. But the "big city" has lost its appeal as well. Thus, our move is ideal: a small city with a town-like atmosphere and big city amenities.

At the same time, I am curious. I am curious as to why the Lord has opened THIS door. Why does He need us THERE? Especially since the city seems to be infiltrated by a whole wack load of Christians.

Or so we are told.

All of this reminds me of a song by Green Day entitled "Jesus of Suburbia". Okay, before you google the lyrics, a BIG warning and disclaimer. I am not a Green Day fan per se. But I do find the album "American Idiot" thought provoking. AND I do not condone Green Day's over use of expletives! I detest their choice of words at times. That being said, the band does shed light on the perspectives of non-believers. Specifically, why should someone believe in what the church has to say when the lives of Christians are so full of hypocrisies?

My husband has been reading a fascinating book by George Barna entitled "The Second Coming of the Church". Barna is disturbed by the church's lack of potency in society. Specifically, he is bothered by the striking similarities between Christians and non-Christians. According to statistical surveys, there doesn't seem to be much difference between us. We worry about the same things. We invest in the same things. We have the same behavioural patterns. And we have the same level of purpose.

Where am I going with this? I'm not sure. All I know is that I want to be different than the status quo Evangelical described by Green Day and Barna. I desire to be in the world, but not part of it. And I hope and pray that I will make a difference for Christ in my little corner of suburbia.

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