Stand Up for Change

How long did you spend picking your outfit this morning?

How much time did you spend doing your hair, your make-up?

How often do you do something just to fit in?

How often do you not do something because you are afraid of what others might think?

How often do we hide who we really are…because we feel that we have to fit in?

Many times I feel that we focus too much of our lives on doing what we think is right, or cool, or what we think others want us to do…but we spend very little time doing things that are really good for ourselves.

Why are we like this?

Why do we try so hard for something that sounds so easy…

Why is it so difficult to just fit in?

Simply and honestly, I don’t know.  In this case I will go ahead and premise this reflection calling myself out as a hypocrite. 

When we read a magazine, or watch a movie or anything on TV for that matter…we are constantly shown these images of what beauty looks like.  In my opinion, the standards set of what the ideal image is not what you see on television. 

I think this holds true for both men and women. 

There has been a movement building for sometime that is trying to counter this growing problem.

One that I have come across is called The Representation Project.  I encourage you to look them up and watch some of their stuff.

The Representation Project is a movement that uses film and media content to expose injustices created by gender stereotypes and to shift people’s consciousness towards change.

I will also say that there is some language that may not be suitable for younger children, so please use your discretion if you are to watch these trailors.

This issue is something that has reached a wide audience, mostly for the injustices when it comes to women.

This group just released a trailer for their new video entitled “The Mask You Live In”.  This video is geared towards guys and this screwed perspective of what it means to be a “man”.

They also have one for woman entitled “Miss Representation”.

It is your choice if you want to check either of these videos out but here is my thought.

A few years back, the WWJD fad was huge and everyone had to have the coolest bracelet.  While these may not have been the best theology because your parents may not appreciate if you walked into a mall and started flipping tables and yelling at everyone for trying to make money.

But one thing that is true is that Jesus did not always do what was seen as socially acceptable.

He spent his time with the lepers and the sick and the unclean…the ones that you were not suppose to even talk to!

Then comes along this guy who said, nope, I am going to change everything.

Why do we need Jesus to come back to create a change in our society.  Why can’t we be Jesus to our neighbors and work together to make a change for the better.

During Lent we all give up things to remind us of the time that Jesus spent fasting in the desert. 

Well my Lenten challenge for you today is this…

Stop accepting what you see on the television as the way things should be.

Give that up.

Instead take on change.

Stand up for change and be Christ to others by opening your mind to this problem and let’s all work together to make a difference.