in the middle of darkness

It's no secret that I struggle with the environment in which I work.  It's a dark place full of hatred, lies, constant profanity, ungodly chatter... {you get the picture} I often feel like the black sheep here, however I am so grateful for that, as I do not want to fall into the ways of the wicked.

Until now, I have chosen to surround myself with a great christian community. I have chosen to shade my eyes and ears from the type of lifestyle and behavior that my co-workers display. Regretfully, I have even chosen to look down on those who partake in such behavior. However, I am called to reach out to those who do not know Christ. I am called to be the light in the dark place. And through this, I am called to deepen my relationship with Christ in order to show his love and mercy to others. So you see, I had the complete wrong way of thinking all these years.

I didn't understand this concept until the Lord placed me in such an environment as this. I felt like a fish out of water when I started here, not knowing what to say, feeling judged, and struggling to find the encouragement I needed to get through 5 days a week, every week.  Day after day, my {rockstar husband} would remind me to be the light, that I'm storing up treasure in heaven and to keep doing what I'm doing. Without his push to keep a WORDLY perspective and not a WORLDLY view, I'm pretty sure I would have become callused and bitter about my situation. Now, that's not to say that I don't have days of just utter frustration and discouragement... because I do. But during those times, I am able to turn to the Lord and praise him for being a constant encourager and for knowing all our days although we have no understanding of the future.

Everyday, I stare at a verse that is posted right above my computer screen to get a little extra push to keep showing the light of Christ even during times I feel defeated.  Matthew 5:16 is my power verse!