#overthehype

(if you don't feel like sifting through what I'm over, feel free to scroll to the bottom and what I'm going to do "From now on")

I’m over recommendations.  There are too many to count.  i’m over social networking and everyone advertising the latest thing this minute.  There’s always more to read, more to care about, more someone wants me to love.  I don’t have the time in the day to check every band I’m told to.  What does it tell you when it’s not even worth downloading the free music anymore? 

I’m over putting in my two cents.  Every tweet I could chime in on.  Every blog that I could reply to in order to show my support or toss my name in the hat with someone or something that might be going somewhere.  Of needing to advertise myself to the world.  Of putting so much into my exterior that I don’t know my interior anymore.  Feeling the pressure to be known and seen and have something worthwhile to give to those around me. 

I’m over the next big thing.  I can’t keep up with styles and trends.  There’s too many coming from too many parts of the world.  So many voices telling you what you thought yesterday was actually completely wrong and they know the answer. 

  I’m over upgrading.  I want something that lasts.  When I can buy something that will be obsolete in a year.  When something I get today is worth less than what I bought it for simply because it was in my hands.  Where flaws are ignored for the sake of getting a product out to people.  When companies have to decide between a competitive price and a quality product, fair wages, and morals.  

  I’m over everything being flashy and edgy.  I’m not sold out to the idea that church needs to have all the stuff the world offers.  When did it become a competition to provide entertainment for an hour segment?  An early morning variety hour with guest speakers and a house band?  With videos that touch the heart and soul.  Sometimes I wonder if it takes more time when it could be put towards things closer to the Spirit and the heart of God.  

  From now on, I’m going to walk to my own tune.  The one that’s been rattling in my head, but that others convinced me was silly.  I’m going to find the things that inspire me that are right in front of me.  I’m not going to chase after the things others say are a must have.  I won’t feel pressured to join the conversation or rub shoulders.  I won’t let the current structure dictate what makes a church good.  

 I'm going to search my own path.  No longer envy the ones God has laid out for others. I'm going to create out of a need to create, not a need to be seen or accepted.  I'm going to write, sing, play, maybe even dance -- whatever it takes.