Included

By Jenny Harrison

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household
Ephesians 2:19 (NIV)

Students were gathered around the posted “list” with anticipation. Choir was a huge deal in my elementary school, and the 5th and 6th grade try-out results were finally in. I loved music, but was not blessed with the most angelic voice, however, I was hoping against all odds that I might have squeaked by and made the cut. (No pun intended!)

As I approached the list, I contemplated two possible scenarios. Would I experience the pride and elation of making the esteemed organization or the crushing disappointment of rejection? Minutes felt like hours, but I was finally within view of the results. I reviewed the names intensely. Checking it once, twice, and three times to no avail. I was NOT chosen!

From the time we are young, we have a need for inclusion and acceptance—to be cherished and chosen. None of us want to be the last player picked for the team or the one not invited to the event of the century. As humans, we have a desire to find our place in the world.

20130717_01aFor me, I was fortunate to find an avenue to pursue music by joining the band in 7th grade. My issues with pitch were eliminated as I learned to eloquently glide through each octave on my clarinet. In band, I thrived musically and socially. I belonged to a special  group. We wore uniforms with bling, strange hats, and shiny white shoes. Because of our bond, we hurt when a fellow student suffered. We understood and laughed at inside jokes. At times, we fought like true siblings.

Each member of the band family had unique skills and talents, yet individually we were not as effective as when we pulled together. We complemented each other.

This would also be the year I entered another significant relationship. It was the year I chose to accept Christ as my Lord and Savior. I instantly belonged to a new family and my wardrobe expanded. My choice to follow Jesus came with a belt of truth, helmet of salvation, the sword of the spirit, a shield of faith—the full body armor of Christ. (Ephesians 6:14) Once again my family increased. During each season of life, key Christian brothers and sisters were placed in my path. Within the body of Christ there are various roles and purposes, however, not one more important than the other.

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function.
Romans 12:4 (NIV)

But the best part is that I am royalty! I am the chosen daughter of a king. My Father is The King of Kings!

But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

It is the best rags to riches story ever written, and I am a part of each magnificent chapter. Adored. Loved. Cherished. Included. Forever.

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Copyright © 2013, Jenny Harrison, all rights reserved, Breath of Life Women’s Ministries.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide. Used by permission.

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