Today’s Reading:
Matthew 16:24-25 (New Revised Standard Version)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake will find it.”
 
Today we are letting go of focusing our on ourselves.  Turns out, this is easier said than done!  Why? Because I am I and you are you.   You inhabit your body 24/7.  When I was a teen and whining about something, my dad reminded me of an Ally McBeal episode where someone ask’s Ally, “Why do you think that your problems are always bigger than everyone else’s?” To which she replied, “Because they are mine!”  And I find that to be pretty true.  
 
There are rare moments in our own spheres that we reach out to another, serve on another, participate in a world event or even something local and although it’s you doing these things…for just one glimpse we are part of something else and not of ourselves.  I think this is what Jesus is talking about….take up your cross.  Take up something you fear, something that is worse than death, something you carry and follow.
 
Basically, get over it and join me in the living thing he says.  What gives you life?  Where can you get your fears out of your way and do something that adds to God’s world? What gives you great joy and passion?  Where can you live out who you fully are?  We are not asking necessarily for you to blend in but to take a little focus off and move it to the community.  Bring yourself fully to the arena.
 
This morning in worship I will be showing a video…if you want to wait until then, then this devotional stops here for you. Peace! Enjoy your day!
 
If you don’t have the privilege of hangin at the CoOp today (so much fun!) then I am putting the link here.  What happens when a number of individuals add their gift and passion to create a virtual community in song?  What happens when people pick up their fear and join in to create beauty and follow?  Well, check it out…