You.
There is a deep craving of all people that can be summed up into the following: Everyone wants to be wanted. There is nothing more tragic than to see a child who sits alone, isolated, and rejected by their parents, their friends, or their peers. Even more concerning is to come into the company of a man who lives behind a veneer of “everything is ok” but goes to sleep each night melting inside.
Naturally, like many guys, I don’t want anyone to know that I don’t have it all figured out. It is my nature to protect my ego and build a fortress around the depth of my soul. Admitting to others that I don’t have the answer is like admitting defeat – and I don’t like to lose. When I allowed God into the center of my life… everything changed. I realized that through Him… I win.
My family doesn’t define me. My friends do not define me. My career doesn’t define me. My hobbies do not define me. God defines me. In this single change, I have found absolute contentment and know that the creator of the universe not only knows me… but knew me before the beginning of time. How can I be empty when I have that kind of power and presence in my life?
Don’t get me wrong… I still have fears and I still have doubts. But in the end, I sleep at night not concerned with the matters of men… but comforted in the abosulte grasp of God Almighty. That same peace is available, and you have to know… that God wants you to turn to him. He doesn’t need you… He wants you.
You cannot deny this: you want to be wanted. The good news is that you are wanted and accepted for who you are where you are. The rest comes in time. You are created uniquely for one purpose… to live in rhythm with your creator. There is nothing you can do to fill that hole and there is not enough money in the world to buy that peace.
That longing deep inside of your soul to connect and feel wanted can only be quenched by the discovery of faith. As men of faith, our top pursuit is to provide and protect. Rarely do you get a question from a friend who sincerely asks… “how are you?” and mean it. We have been jaded by the pursuit of happiness only to find that there is no end to that pursuit if something bigger than you isn’t involved.
If you find yourself spinning out of control, majoring in the minutia of life, chasing the prize of career, accomplishment, and conquest – I can assure you that you lie in bed many nights with your mind racing… and queitly wondering when someone will accept you for who you are.
Have you ever wondered… when will this stop? When will I find peace? If I could only do “this” then…
There are too many scars to overcome that are dealt by our families, friends, parents, siblings, communities, and others through our life… and those wounds can be very deep. Faith is about letting God reach in and fill your soul from the inside out.
God is asking you, “how are you?”
This kind of life takes fortitude, tenacity, perserverance, and guts. You have to be stronger than doubt. You have to be bigger than worry. You have to survive the crushing blows dealt by Godless men and be brave enough reach out to your attacker and pull them out of despair.
I believe in you. I am convinced that you are made of that substance, grit, and determination to stand up. I need you to stand tall so I am emboldened to stand tall with you.
Peace,
Greg Arnold
Welcome, and thanks for dragging yourself over to Live|Bold! My name is Greg Arnold and I am pumped to see you here. This interactive online community is here to point every man toward the cross. Whether you have been a follower of Christ for ages, or you are just stumbling into this strange new world of faith, we have something of value to offer you. This online e-zine is a cross between a blog, a social network, a resource center, and a pulpit. My hope is to inspire you to live your faith on the outside and be a real man for God. We need you in the fight. 
Comments
Rock solid. Great message as we approach father’s day. Back when I taught school, I spoke to a few groups. Most of those kids have lived through more tragedy and trauma than I’ll ever know. Many of them never knew any father, but I had them imagine the perfect father. One that was firm but loving, who only wanted the best for them, who was proud of them and forgiving of all their shortcomings. Imagine a dad who never leaves, who is interested in you, who always wants to be there to love you. Now stop imagining because that Guy is real. Stop running and turn around. Wherever you are, He’s waiting with open arms.
This came along at just the right minute for me. Thanks.
Great addition Will.
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