Stand Out!

It's Red Ribbon Week here in our small-town Texas schools. Actually, it is a week that all schools across our nation pay special attention to, by wearing silly socks or dressing up as a superhero, but it is anything but silly. If you don't know what Red Ribbon Week is, it's a campaign that spreads awareness about the dangers of harmful drug use.

Unfortunately, recreational drug use is on the rise among young teens in America, and currently, studies have shown that young ladies are getting hit by this the hardest. A wide range of disorders stems from the use of alcohol, opioids, and nicotine, among many other substances. These drugs cause a downward spiral to one's overall health and can lead to such things as depression and even self-harm. To make matters worse, many of these drugs are being laced with an even more harmful and powerful synthetic opioid, called fentanyl, which is found to be 50-100 times more potent. According to the SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), this drug is taking teens' lives and leading to physical damage as well as mental and emotional issues, causing detrimental effects.

We all know that the last 18 months haven't been easy. The results are that as a society, we've gotten good at hiding. Isolating. Believing the lies that nobody cares or will notice if we don't show up. The truth is, this pandemic has been confusing. It's led many to feel helpless and lost, turning to something to escape. Something to help check out and not feel the emotional or mental pain that all of this has caused.

Many of us have become numb.

But, that's not what we are called to be. We are called to live. Live for a purpose, even in these strange times. We are called to stand up when others may be standing down. We are called to stand out when others may be trying to blend in.

This morning as I drove Audrey to school in her silly socks, she noticed she was the "only one" wearing them. She shyly began covering them up with her jeans, when just a mere hour ago she was triumphantly displaying them in the kitchen, ready to stomp into school.

So, my question to you is this..."Are you stepping up to stand out?"

If you remember who you are and Who you belong to, the answer to that is easy. We aren't called to sway to the patterns of this world. We are called to stand out!

Take a moment to read the verses below:

Proverbs 1:15 ... do not walk in the way with them; hold back your foot from their paths

Deuteronomy 31:6 Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

These Bible verses remind us to seek God, walk in His ways, and be strong and courageous. Basically to "stand up" for what is honorable and right, just and good. As faithful daughters, we are called to stand out - to stand apart!

So, be bold, show up and...Wear the silly socks!

If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out and get support. Talk to a trusted adult or call a support line to get the information and help you need. You are bought with a prize and are worth more than you know.

Safe helpline 888-379-6507