Take a Stand

After college I traveled for a year with Up with People. During that amazing time we did a significant amount of work in schools - across 6 different countries.

One of the activities that we did was called "Take a Stand". Everyone began by lining up down the center of the room and we'd start of by saying "Do you prefer Coke or Pepsi?" Each preference would then step off the line and to their respective "side". Individuals where then given the opportunity to share why they took the stand they did. From the "Coke or Pepsi" question, depending on where we were and what topics were appropriate, the discussions went much deeper.

As a part of the "rules", there was no negative talk of "the other side", only a sharing, starting with "I like" or "I believe", of their position. The purpose was to 1) help reinforce that sometimes in life you can't live in the middle, and must take a stand for what you believe; 2) there is a right and wrong way to communicate your position; 3) in life there will always be people who believe differently from you, but it is possible, when all involved share the commitment, to build a relationship and communicate with each other; and, 4) you must be willing to "own" and provide a reason for why you believe what you do.

As we start a new year, I've been doing a lot of watching of the world around me, wondering why there are so many people who simply refuse to show respect for others (I'm kind of thinking that we need to do one big round of "Take a Stand"), and reflecting on what I believe.  During this season of new goals and resolutions, I encourage you to take the time to reflect and remind yourself what you believe, know why you believe it, and be willing to "Take a Stand" - the right way. 

"...always being prepared to make a defense to any who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect." - 1 Peter 3:15b