To my three kids,
APPLAUSE.
Be so very careful about the applause you seek after. Applause can be extremely dangerous.
This is what happened to Lauren Daigle.
Lauren was asked in telephone interview what she believed about homosexuality.
“You know what, I can’t honestly answer on that…in the sense of, I have too many people that I love that they are homosexual, um, I don’t know. I actually had a conversation with someone last night about it. I was like, ‘I can’t say one way or the other.’ I’m not God. So when people ask questions like that, that’s what my go to is. Like, I just say, ‘Read the Bible and find out for yourself’ and when you find out let me know because I’m learning too.”
The Lord has clearly written His will on the ideas of homosexuality. It is wrong. There is no gray area. Lauren claims to know the Lord…Does she really not know His word? Or is she more worried about losing the applause from the world she has recently received?
Think about it like this. Do you all like it when I applaud you at your baseball game and as you drum and when you come in with a beautiful craft you made? Of course you do!
We all love to be applauded.
Here is the point though guys. My applause is nice, but it isn’t the MOST important. Your dad’s applause is great, but his isn’t the one you need to seek after.
The ONLY applause that should run your decisions is the applause of your Creator. He is the audience of ONE. He is the only audience that matters.
Lauren Daigle has forgotten that.
For her, at some point, the applause from the Christian world began to dim and the secular world began calling with even louder applause. She took the step into that world…which kids, could have been a wonderful and incredible place for her to share the gospel! … But…in fear of losing those applause, she decided not to stand on the Word any longer.
The applause of the crowd became more important than the One in the audience for whom she is singing, the very One who gave her that beautiful voice.
STAND.
Lauren has forgotten to stand. You three must learn to STAND. Never ever fail to stand on the Rock. Once you hit sand, it will be very, very hard to get up again. Stay on the Rock. It is the only place of level ground, for it is righteous and holy. It will not fail you.
You might wonder why this stand is so important….How you stand in this life is the only thing that truly matters. Who you stand with and for is the most important piece of life. It is the legacy you leave. It is the influence you pass on. It is the gift you give to the world.
Remember this my three precious kids…
The Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-20)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
SPEAK
While you stand, I beg of you to also speak. Do not stay silent. The world needs the three of you to be ambassadors of our King. Ethan, Wesley and Layla, after you learn to stand, declare it boldly, as you ought to speak. Do not keep quiet. Do not let fear of the world hush you, as it has Lauren Daigle. Be kind, but in your kindness courageously proclaim the Truth of the Jesus.
When you are asked anything about God’s word…Speak His truth. Every. Single. Time. Do not miss an opportunity to share His goodness and His holiness with the world. Lauren had the opportunity to speak up but at the risk her career…She chose her career over her God. Now think of Esther. She didn’t have a career to risk, but instead she had to risk her life to obey the voice of her God. She obeyed as she spoke boldly about her Lord and God saved her people through her obedience. Lauren Daigle missed a valuable moment. Don’t miss yours. You may never have to risk your life or your career, but there will be moments God asks you to speak up. Watch for them. Speak fearlessly.
I love the three of you so very much. I want God’s best and His glory in your lives. Learn from this. Chase after the applause of Jesus. Stand firm in His truth. Bravely speak his message to all of those around you.
With all my heart,
Your mom
