Stop Pushing Your Christian Agenda

Disclaimer: Let me start out this post by clarifying that I pretty much never post anything political online. As far as people can tell from my Facebook, Twitter and other social media, I don't have a single political opinion. I don't know who I'm going to vote for and when I do, I probably won't be telling anyone. I can't stand pointless Facebook arguments. So the fact that I'm even making this post says a lot. 

Let me also clarify that this article is written to and for my Christian brothers and sisters in all love and sincerity. It is written so that we can better fulfill our ultimate purpose in life: to love God and love people. Please read with patience and understanding as I am not a scholar or a politician. I'm just a little girl who loves Jesus a whole freaking lot but not nearly enough. If you're here to get in a fight, consider me sitting in a corner wrapped in a snuggie with some tea, holding a puppy: I'm in no position to fight. You win. This article will undoubtably offend some people, but I'm not here to start another pointless argument on the internet. I'm writing this so that less fights will happen. But I'm getting ahead of myself. 

On with the actual article. 




Abortion, gay marriage, healthcare, public school curriculum, presidential elections, wars, immigration. There, I said it. Anybody offended yet? The list goes on and on and I haven't even scratched the surface of things going on in the world that people have very strong opinions about. Just by mentioning some of these things, I'll bet that there are people whose feathers are all ruffled and ready to fight me on whatever their stance is.

You see, my well-meaning-Christian friend, I know where you're coming from. Being a Christian is all about standing up for what you believe in and honoring God in every possible way. That's awesome, it really is. But what I'm trying to get at with this article is this: when we say we're standing up for what we believe in, what are we actually standing up for? 

The 21st-century American church is notorious for standing against things; abortion, gay marriage, the 10 commandments being taken out of schools, and (although I don't think this was actually a thing) red Starbucks cups. We are told to boycott a huge list of businesses and only eat at Chic-fil-a. This article isn't about any one of those things; it's about our heart behind them. (if you would like to know my opinion on any of these things, I'll happily discuss them with you face-to-face and not over the internet. I'll take you out to Starbucks or if that offends you, we can go to Chic-fil-a.)

What concerns me isn't necessarily any one person's opinion on these controversial things. What concerns me is how the church is showing (or not showing) Jesus to the world. 

Let's just pretend for a moment that the conservative agenda wins. Abortion is illegal, gay marriage isn't a thing anymore. Starbucks has to print nativity scenes and bible verses on their cups. Some perfect Christian white dude is made president and "God bless America" is printed everywhere. What are we actually accomplishing? If people still don't know the wonderful savior who beckons them with love, all is for nothing. 

Forcing people to act like Christians is a great way to make nobody want to actually be a Christian. 

We need to get to the heart of the issue and realize that we're not called to change the outward behavior of people so that everyone acts like a good Christian. We are to live in a way that makes people want to fall in love with Jesus. This is such a risky thing because the results suddenly aren't up to us; they're up to God. We're a bunch of little control freaks (myself included) who want everyone to act and think just like we do. God's grace? Something out of our control? That sounds scandalous.

It's much easier to post a snarky quote on Facebook or wear a cheesy t-shirt than it is to actually get to know someone. It's much easier to sign a petition than it is to look into the eyes of a frightened pregnant teenage girl. It's so much easier to stop shopping at certain stores because they support "the gays" or "those muslims" than it is to actually, like, befriend someone who lives differently than you.

Guilty as charged. I'm writing this article to myself. 

Maybe if we actually got outside of our Christian bubble, we'd realize something: there is no such thing as "those" people. We all are just people. Broken, hurting, human people. There's no "us" versus "them."  

In case you weren't aware, the socio-political situation in Jesus' time sucked. Jesus could have easily rallied people around him to stand against all the things the Roman government was doing. In fact, most people expected Jesus to do that. But Jesus did something revolutionary instead. He simply loved people. He really, really loved. people.

Jesus didn't tell people to clean themselves up before coming to him; he touched lepers. 

Jesus didn't ask what people's political views were before befriending them; he chose tax collectors.

Jesus didn't judge by people's social standings or race; he spoke with a socially-shamed samaritan woman. 

Jesus didn't chose people based on their backgrounds; he used former prostitutes to establish the plans of God. 

Jesus' grace is altogether out of our control and that's what frightens us. We'd much rather stay behind our white picket fences and rant about what's wrong with the world and how we need to vote to stop those people on the other side. Jesus actually went to the other side. He died for "those" people. 

I'm not saying that you shouldn't have an opinion on abortion or gay marriage or immigration laws. I'm saying that first things need to come first. 

Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” - Matthew 22:37-40

Jesus never commanded us to change other people's outward behavior. He never once said that we need to make sure that everybody acts like Christians do. He told us to love people. When you really, truly love someone, you can't leave them the way you found them. You are patient and kind, loving them right were they are; no matter where that is. Their behavior may eventually change, but your top priority is the person, not just their actions. When you don't like someone, you force them to change before you will befriend them. There is a huge difference. 

As the church, the body of Christ, we should be known for loving people. We should be known for what we stand for (loving God and loving people) rather than just what we stand against. 

So by all means, shop where you want and get a good chicken sandwich. Vote for what you believe is right. But please realize that the second our political views get in the way of us loving people, we are the ones who are sinning. When our goal is anything other than loving the people that Jesus sacrificed himself for, we are pushing the wrong agenda. 

Have political opinions, sure. But always let love be our top priority and only goal.

"By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." - John 13:35

2 Things To Know When Life Gets Hard

I've been there, my friend. I've had weeks where life felt like it was falling apart at the seams. People who you thought would be there forever suddenly aren't. You get in a car wreck. Your bank account information gets stolen. The list goes on and on. The exactness of the situation doesn't matter; life is just really, really hard right now. Here are 2 things you should know:


1. Your Feelings Matter
Forget what everyone else says. Forget what you're telling yourself about your feelings. They matter. Even if what you're upset about seems silly to others. If it's a big deal to you, it's a big deal. Period. Stop comparing your pain to others. Just because someone else broke both of their legs doesn't mean that my broken arm doesn't hurt. Your feelings are valid and important; even the feelings that you wish you didn't have. 

There is no feeling that you can have that God can't handle. So many times in Christian culture, we are taught to be "joyful always." This is a biblical concept, but God doesn't command us to fake our emotions or hide our pain. He wants the exact opposite from us. When Jesus was in the garden of gethsemane on the night before he was crucified, he didn't pray to the Father saying, "Well, that's how it goes! God, you're good and everything's gonna be fine so yaaayyy let's do this! :) :) :)." Jesus cried. He wept so deeply that he started sweating blood. Or read the Psalms for an example. David was a crybaby and oh, how God loved him for that. What God wants from you the most in your times of weakness and pain is your vulnerable authenticity. You only share your deepest feelings with someone that you trust sincerely. When you try to hide your feelings from God and attempt to perform as being happy when you're not, you're telling God that you don't trust Him enough to let him see your true brokenness. More than anything, God wants to be with you in these times. Alongside you in the dirty, scary, crappy times as well as the good ones. 

It's okay to be upset. It's okay to be angry. It's okay to ask "why" a thousand times a day (I certainly do). It's even okay to be angry with God. You can be angry at someone while still totally being in love with them. An authentic relationship with God is going to be messy because people are messy and you are a person. You're not going to understand. I still don't understand. And in moments of authenticity, I cry out with you, "God, I don't understand you. I hate this. I really, really hate. this. This makes no sense. I don't understand why you would let me be hurt like this. But I trust you. I don't understand you, but I love you. I'm really mad at you right now, but you are the love of my life. Help. Me."

2. God is the Same
Something that my Dad has told me over and over and over again when life throws a curveball at me is this: When you can't understand God's hand, trust His heart. God is love. He cannot stop loving you. Just because the circumstances of your life don't seem to be showing it right now doesn't mean that God has changed. He cannot change. He has promised to never leave you or forsake you. He never breaks His word. I know how it is to feel like He has. Oh, how I know it. I know what it is to lie in bed for days, doing nothing but crying and asking why. I still have more questions than answers. But, oh, I know this: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8). 

Cling to what He has done for you in the past. Know that He's not finished with you yet. Your future is beautiful. He absolutely refuses to give up on you, no matter how much it feels like He already has. He hasn't. I can't tell you why you're going through this. There are things I went through years ago that I still don't have answers for. I wish with all of my heart that I could heal your pain and explain exactly why everything happened the way it did. I can't. But I can promise you this: in Christ, you have a safe place to be who you are and feel what you feel. He is with you and He will never change. You don't have to pretend to be something that you're not. I can't answer the "whys" but I can tell you this: He is with you.

Your also broken sister, 

Suzanna.

10 Disney World Date Ideas That Don't Cost Any Extra Money

I'm as single as a pringle, but I'm a hopeless romantic. My friends have told me that I'd make an excellent boyfriend. I work at Disney World and I couldn't help but thinking of a bunch of cute, no-extra-cost date ideas. So here they are for all you cute couples out there. 

1. Have a picnic

Not only does this idea not cost you anything; it actually saves you money. You're welcome. Contrary to popular belief, you actually are allowed to bring food into the parks. So, do something special! Here are a few of my favorite places for picnics:

Tom Sawyer Island (Magic Kingdom)
If anyone ever asks me, my favorite place in all of the Disney parks is Tom Sawyer Island. In all the rushing around of tourists trying to cram as much as possible into their vacations, this hideaway is often forgotten. I certainly never took the time to visit it until I had unlimited access to the parks. The island has cute little picnic tables in the shade and a "back porch" kind of place with lots of tables and rocking chairs that are under an awning. I go there all the time to journal, read books, work on projects or edit my YouTube videos. It's romantic and freaking adorable and somebody needs to go on a date there. 

The Hub (Magic Kingdom)
AKA "in front of the castle." The hub was recently reimagined and features two main grassy areas that are usually pretty empty. These areas are used for fastpass+ viewing of the fireworks at night, but are open to all during the day. Very few people stop to go to these areas and since they're fenced, you won't have to worry about random people walking through your picnic. You also will have a beautiful view of the castle! The only downside to this is that there is no shade and no actual chairs. You'll have to bring a blanket or something (or not. The grass is Disney-perfect.)

United Kingdom (Epcot)
There are two nice picnic places located in the United Kingdom pavilion in Epcot:

1. Pretend you're going to meet Winnie the Pooh. Or, better yet, actually go meet him and Tigger because they are wonderful. On your way to "Christopher Robin's Room" there are some nice quiet benches out of the way where you can chill. 

2. For a less secluded but more scenic setting, go toward the Rose and Crown pub. Right outside, there are shaded tables with a great view of the World Showcase Lagoon.

Flame Tree Barbecue (Animal Kingdom)
You don't have to buy food there to be able to use the nice little tables they've got outside. Not necessarily the most romantic, but it will suffice if for some reason you can only picnic at Animal Kingdom.

Echo Lake (Hollywood Studios)
Look for a big dinosaur in the water or look for the entrance to the Indiana Jones stunt show and you'll be nearby. There are lots of little tables around the area by Echo Lake.

2. Become Wilderness Explorers!

You don't really know someone until you've earned Wilderness Explorer patches with them. This is a great way to have some extra fun at Animal Kingdom and make some unique, silly memories. When you enter the park and you're looking at the big tree, after you've first crossed the big bridge, there will be a Wilderness Explorer headquarter location on your right. Pick up a free activity book and start collecting badges! Once you've collected a bunch, go join Russel and Dug from Up to celebrate! You can find them at Discovery Island next to It's Tough to be a Bug.

My brother, Jonathan and his girlfriend at the time (now his wife!), Samantha are proud Wilderness Explorers.

3. Hunt for Pirate Treasure

I freaking love pirates. Go have a piratey adventure of yer own in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom! To get the adventure started, stop by the Pirates Adventure kiosk located right outside of the Pirates of the Caribbean gift shop. If you're entering Adventureland from Fronteirland, it'll be the first thing you see on your right. If you're entering Adventureland from Main Street, you'll have to walk through pretty much all of adventure land to get to it. You'll be given instructions and everything you need to get started on your quest!

4. Disneybound
By far, one of the best things you can do as a couple at Disney World is to Disneybound together. In case you're unfamiliar with this term, it's basically this: vaguely dress like disney characters without wearing costumes. It doesn't have to be anything super fancy; just intentional. Think of what colors certain characters wear, and wear outfits inspired by those characters. If you can, try to meet the characters that you're dressed as. They'll love it!

My beautiful friend Jillian and her prince, Jacob
Disneybound as Jasmine and Aladdin for Dapper Day

Tigger and Pooh meet Jillian and Jacob in their
adorable hundred-acre wood disneybound! 

5. Come up with cute poses on rides
You're riding rides together anyway, might as well do a cute pose! Maybe make a heart with your hands or make silly faces. You can easily google and find out where the cameras are on different rides so that you know when to pose for the pictures. Even if you don't have Memory Maker or you don't want to purchase the photos, you can still have fun coming up with unique things to do!

6. Travel the World (Showcase) Together
Many couples want to travel together. Who wouldn't want to go to Tokyo or Paris with their loved one? Well, at Epcot you can go to 11 countries all in one day! Take selfies at all of the landmarks (in front of the Eiffel tower, etc.) and see all the sights! For added fun, try doing the Agent P. World Showcase challenge (get info at the booth on the bridge from Future World to the World Showcase) or doing Kid-cot with your own personalized Duffy that you get to color and collect stamps from each country!

7. Get Buttons
Disney gives out celebration buttons for all sorts of things; be it your birthday, a family reunion, anniversary, engagement, etc. They also have generic buttons that say "happily ever after" or "I'm celebrating!" come up with some reason to celebrate and ask any cast member where you can get a button. They're free!

8. Go to a Dance Party

Later in the afternoon/evening, you'll find dance party events happening around the parks.  At these dance parties, special characters come out to bust a move with you and a great live DJ. The current one that happens the most reguarly is the Incredibles Dance Party in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom featuring Mr. and Mrs. Incredible and Frozone. Get down with your bad selves and a bunch of children and cartoon characters for a night you won't forget.

9. Slow Down
It can be tempting to want to try to get as much done as you possibly can while you're at Walt Disney World; after all, it cost a lot to be here and you only have so much time. There are so many things to do! As someone who has been going to the parks pretty much every day for months, let me give you some advice: you will literally never be able to do it all. While it's good to have a game plan and try to get things done, don't let yourself be in such a rush that you forget to enjoy where you are. Take a slow walk holding hands down Main Street, USA and smell the vanilla-scented air. Stop and watch a small child run into the fluffy arms of a character. Look at the person you're there with and enjoy just being with them. Don't let your time here just be a checklist of rides to ride and things to see. Enjoy moments and cherrish the small things. Make memories that last. 

10. Ask a Cast Member
While I hope that these tips have been helpful, I'm just one cast member (and a baby one at that. I've only worked here for like 3 months). There are so many amazing people who work at Disney World that have much better advice than I do. Take the time to stop and talk to some cast members. Custodial cast members are some of the coolest people ever and will know lots of tips such as the best places to view the fireworks, and shows. They also carry around free stickers in their pockets. If you simply take the time to talk to some cast members, you'll be amazed at what magic we can work for you. 

Lots of love, 

Suzanna

Guarding Your Heart

Hi, my name is Suz and I have trust issues.

When I was 13, I remember crying to my mom after my first heartbreak (I think I had a crush on someone and they didn't text me back right away? I don't even remember. Being 13 is hard, man). I remember melodramatically exclaiming, "People hurt too much! I wish we didn't need them."

Not much has changed since then.

My over-emotional, 13-year-old self was on to something. People hurt.
So what's the natural thing to do? Self-defense. People can't hurt you if you don't let them in.  And after all, the Bible says I should "guard my heart" right?

I personally have had the idea of "guard your heart" used against me. I got up the nerve to finally trust some people (which for me is kind of a big deal. Trust issues, remember?) and when they inevitably hurt me and I confronted them on it, their reply was "you should have guarded your heart more." So their hurting me became my fault for trusting them in the first place. Awesome.

Needless to say, I have a bone to pick with this idea.

In case you're not familiar with Christian subculture, let me give you a quick overlook on this popular cliche. The phrase "guard your heart" has been used in sermons on dating, books on relationships, given in well-meaning advice and told to hormonal teenagers for ages. Basically the gist of it as I've understood it is, "Don't be dependent on another person. Don't give all of your emotions to another person to control. Don't be in an unhealthy, reliant relationship."

Okay, I totally get that.

When it comes to relationships, there definitely should be boundaries. If your entire wellbeing is wrapped up in another person, you're in trouble. A human being cannot possibly ever satisfy every desire that you have. That's God's job. Also, if someone has repetitively hurt you in the past, it might not be wise to put all of your emotional energy into that unstable friendship or relationship. I get where this cliche is coming from, I really do. I'm all about healthy relationships and not finding your identity in another person.

My problem is that lots of times, the way that we actually apply this is more like, "Be self-dependent. Just you and God. You don't need anybody else. Guard your heart so that people can't hurt you." As Christians, we often use the idea of "guarding our hearts" as an excuse to not trust. The best part? We can justify what we're doing because we have a bible verse to back it up! It's right here, folks:

"Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life."

 - Proverbs 4:23

Boom. Infallible truth from the mouth of God that I can use to block people out of my life. Bam! Just me and Jesus, baby. No need to let people get close to me and hurt me again. I'm guarding my heart like a boss.

Okay. Hold up.

Let's do something crazy. Let's actually look at the context of this verse and what it's saying instead of just throwing it around like confetti and using it to prove our own points. Let's look at the full passage.

My child, pay attention to what I say.
    Listen carefully to my words.

Don’t lose sight of them.
    Let them penetrate deep into your heart,

for they bring life to those who find them,
    and healing to their whole body.

Guard your heart above all else,
    for it determines the course of your life.

Avoid all perverse talk;
    stay away from corrupt speech.

Look straight ahead,
    and fix your eyes on what lies before you.

Mark out a straight path for your feet;
    stay on the safe path.

Don’t get sidetracked;
    keep your feet from following evil.

 - Proverbs 4:20-27

All presuppositions aside, what is this passage actually telling us to guard our hearts from? It's natural for us in our states of self-preservation to want to guard our hearts from letting people in. Letting people in sometimes really really sucks. Because honestly, as people, we all kind of suck. We all will inevitably hurt one another.

Here's the crazy thing though: this verse that we use out of context to justify our distrust of people isn't even talking about relationships. It's talking about staying away from evil.

I think the greatest tragedy of the out-of-context view of "guard your heart" is that we use it as an excuse to love less; something that the Bible literally never tells us to do. God never says, "okay, yeah you should love, but make sure that you're not loving too much because you need to be safe. Love one another, but make sure that you can't get hurt in the process."

Love is the only thing that ever hurt God. God himself chose a gruesome, bloody death for it. Where in the world do we get the idea that love is safe?

If you chose to love, you will get hurt. I absolutely guarantee it.

I think that C.S. Lewis described this best:


"To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything and your heart will be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact you must give it to no one, not even an animal. Wrap it carefully round with hobbies and little luxuries; avoid all entanglements. Lock it up safe in the casket or coffin of your selfishness. But in that casket, safe, dark, motionless, airless, it will change. It will not be broken; it will become unbreakable, impenetrable, irredeemable. To love is to be vulnerable."

Sincerely, the biggest hypocrite of all who sucks at trusting people & doesn't love nearly enough, 

Suzanna Melton.