What Makes a Christian Any Different From Anybody Else?

What makes a Christian Any Different From Anybody Else?

I love the joy nature brings to me. I love the way the breeze sweeps the hair off my shoulders as I meditate on the flowers as they dance with the tall blades of grass. At that moment and time, I am not a part of this mortal world. Instead, I am a friend to the tulips and daisies as we lay imbedded in a soft, green field of comfort. There are no interruptions or disasters to be bothered with. There is no time to rush me as quick as yesterday and tomorrow come to an end. I can feel the presence of the subtle wind as it draws near my face in love and kindness. I can breath. I am finally free of worries. I begin to think of the flowers. Their confidence inspires me to be a better person. Someone that is strong for each day. I wish I were like them. They are lovely and beautiful. They have been created with perfection and detail. They are a masterpiece created by an adored artist. Is it possible that God, Himself, has created these flowers to resemble his very creation of His children? To present themselves with simplicity and grace. Though they are rooted in the dirt, they must trust in God to give them the proper nutrients for their kind so that they are able to grow a strong stem to confide from. Their trust reminds me of the Faith that we, too, must have as Christians. God expects us to believe in His Word. Have faith in His love for us. Without the faith and trust of the guidance of God, our petals will turn brown. We will begin to die as quick as death comes knocking at our door. To be a Christian requires us to live as Jesus did. We must live in acceptance of harsh times. We must learn to grow from our struggles. We must have patience like the wind and be humble like the flowers. I am not better than any one. But, I am one with God. I pray that the only difference seen in me from someone else‘s eyes, who has yet to grab hold of God’s hand, is the light of His presence inside me. That is my only claim of difference. And I, for one, am going to let Him shine as bright as day in hope that someone may turn to Him for guidance and support.
-Crissie Ponder

*I wrote this for an online article contest for a scholarship application back in 2007.  I re-read it today and thought I would share it with you.  :)