Stand

This year, both of our recitals will have the same theme, “STAND.” I wanted to explain where the theme comes from as it has a very personal meaning for me. STAND has three meanings.

  Sometimes, life can knock us down. Strained relationships, crushed dreams, loss of a loved one, health concerns…each can take the wind out of our sails. John 6:33 tells us, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” We are going to face stuff! We are also told that our battle is not here: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”

  So, how do we overcome all of this “stuff?” Ephesians Chapter 6 goes on to list the parts of the armor of God. It includes truth, righteousness, gospel of peace, faith, salvation, and the Holy Spirit. Did you notice that not one piece of that is things we can do on our own? Each part is only what God can do, but it’s up to us to put it on!

  My mom started having signs of memory loss about five years ago. Doctors kept saying it was related to other health issues and would get better. Our family could tell it was only declining. To attempt to manage her condition, in the last year, we have had home health aides, assisted living care, multiple hospital stays, memory care units, and now she is headed toward nursing home care. The whole situation has been more than I can bare more than once. It’s a situation out of my control and I lose her more each day. Yet, God’s Word tells me to STAND! So with this theme, I encourage each of you to STAND even in the midst of your circumstances. To let God guide each of us through unknown territory and to let His peace that passes all understanding carry us through!

  STAND has another meaning. Our education system has taken God and often the arts out of school. One of Soar’s missions is to put both of these back in our families’ lives. Instead of just going along with the flow, there are times we need to STAND for what we believe. This includes bringing up our children to know the truth and also living it out in our own lives. I pray we are a people that will STAND for what is right!

  Lastly, STAND is about unity. We as a people are much stronger when we STAND together. The world wants to tell us what divides us, yet God is telling us what unites us – We are each His children. I hope our performances reflect these meanings and it is good food for your soul!

                                                                                                                             Wishing you many blessings,

 

                                                                                                                                                     Ashley McGlothren