The Call for Christmas

It’s Christmas; the most wonderful time of the year and the season for miracles. There is not a season that brings me more joy and peace than this. Year after year, I am in awe of our family’s tree; colorful, flickering lights intertwined in the branches of our artificial tree and handmade ornaments from the ghost of Christmas past bring happiness to my heart. Our tree seems to lose its height when surrounded by mountains of perfectly wrapped gifts. Garland, stockings, and Nativities cover every surface of our home. The smell of cookies and our log burning fireplace constantly fill the air. Every single night, my mom asks my dad what movie is on Hallmark. His reply never fails, “They canceled that channel and I am so sad. I tried to talk them out of it, but they didn’t listen to me,”; or something along those lines. Everyone seems to be happier, even if it’s just for a few days.

This past semester at the University of Alabama has been academically, emotionally and spiritually challenging. It’s been my toughest semester so far. Being home, being calm, has given me time to ponder freely for the first time since the heat of the summer. Between the holiday season and having time to think, I’ve realized something that shocked even me.

I really don’t like the phrase “keep the Christ in Christmas”. I suppose it’s not the phrase itself, but the ones who use the phrase. Stick with me, give me a chance to explain.

I am from central Alabama, the deep south, the heart of the Bible Belt. I could not be more thankful for the life and location I have been blessed with. But, blessings come with irritating truths as well. I have mentioned this in almost all previous blogs; being from this area means widespread knowledge of basic biblical principles, events, and stories. We have created calloused hearts to the raw truths of the gospel, raw truths that change those who hear forever. Unfortunately, for the majority of our area, the Word of God no longer yields a new creation or divides the soul and spirit. Has the Creator of the Universe, the God of our ancestors, the Savior of the world forsaken us? Has He transformed with the advancing of age or switched course like the ever-changing winds? No, absolutely not.
The problem is with the people.

As we all probable know, Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus. Hundreds and hundreds of years before his birth, he was prophesied. God himself, the creator of Heaven and Earth, was to send his son to be the Savior of all humanity. Immanuel, God with us, came to Earth through a virgin proving Christ to be 100% God and 100% man. Joseph, the man who raised Jesus, was a man of great character and honestly, many of us hold a greater social standing than he. The Messiah was thought to come as a great king or conqueror, but God came as a lowly babe and was raised as a carpenter’s son. Christ came forth the linage of David, just as the prophesy foretold, but he came humbly. He came with no name to boast of, no heritage to brag on, and no riches to display. Most importantly, Jesus came to bring us life and purpose. He lived the life we were meant to and died the death we deserved. Thank you God that the story doesn’t end there. He rose from the tomb three days after his death, the grave could not hold the King! Jesus is the only reason anybody on this planet even has the opportunity to spend eternity in Heaven with God the Father. If the reality of the Savior, Immanuel, Messiah, Prince of Peace, King of kings and Lord of lords coming from nothing doesn’t touch your heart, I pray it will.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! -2 Corinthians 9:15

It is so blatantly obvious that Christ deserves Christmas as a celebration of God’s gift to the world, but that’s not what the day has become. (Btw, this is not a blog bashing Christmas as a holiday glorifying American consumerism. I’m not intelligent enough to write an entire piece on that.) Anyways, earlier I stated the problem isn’t with God, it’s with the people. (Now, I’m getting into why I don’t appreciate the way that phrase is used) I’ve observed a problem in people, starting with myself. The very ones who repeat “keep Christ in Christmas” in conversation and social media are, for the most part, the ones to blame for Christmas losing its spiritual origin. Here’s the point, Christ will not remain in Christmas if the 359 days before this one day are spent apart from Him. The Word of God says “Remain in me, as I also remain in you”1 and “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me”2. These are promises made to those who follow Jesus and they do not just apply one day a year. Scripture commands us to remain in Jesus and he will remain in those who believe; remain means to “continue to exist”. This may come as a surprise to some, but visiting church on Christmas/Easter does not constitute as continuing to exist with Jesus. If we were to keep Christ in our Saturday nights and Monday mornings. in the forefront of our hearts and minds, and in our everyday lives- “keep Christ in Christmas” would not have to be said, it would be known.

The Bible is full of call after call for people to follow and do life with Jesus. Peter, a fisherman, was called to follow Jesus while at sea. Paul, an executor of Christians, was called to follow Jesus while he was traveling. Levi, a tax collector, was called to follow Jesus as he was working in the market. Mary Magdalene, a demon-possessed woman, was called to follow Jesus after he exorcised her. Lydia, a business woman, was called to follow Jesus while listening to the teachings of Paul. Rahab, a prostitute, was called to follow Jesus while protecting servants of the Lord. All of these examples have one thing in common; when called, they devoted their entire beings to the work of the Lord. These people were called while they were in different stages of life and seasons of year, just like modern day followers of Christ are called. But, they sacrificed their whole lives, every day of every year to glorify and spread the beautiful message of salvation that only comes through the gift of Jesus. If Christmas was an established, celebrated holiday in the time that biblical events took place, I imagine there to be no exchanging of gifts or catch phrase to remind them of the reason for the season of celebration. Everyday of their lives were lived worshiping the greatest gift of all time, everyday was spent abiding in the Lord, everyday was Christmas. Oh, what joy our generation would gain if boxes and bows would not have replaced the love of God shown through the gift of his son, Jesus!

Unfortunately, this complete abandoning of self and abiding in Christ is considered radical Christianity in our modern, comfortable world. Our generation accepts little of what God has to offer and gives of themselves even less. We are looking to sacrifice just enough to erase our guilt, but not enough to interfere with our lives. We are looking to collect maximum benefits of following Christ, without actually following all of what we claim to believe. What a shame it is that we knowingly choose to disregard the riches and satisfaction found in Christ alone in the name of another god that sits on the throne of our hearts, the god of self. The god of self tells us it’s okay to not surrender all we are to the one, true God. The god of self deceives us to believing we can be our own source of salvation. The god of self says good deeds and being a good person is enough to gain entrance into Heaven. The god of self establishes our comfort zone. The god of self says ourselves alone are enough. The god of self says we don’t have to sacrifice. The god of self encourages us to be one with the world. The god of self says the Sundays are for us. The god of self says church is not vital to our faith. Let me tell you this, the god of self is a liar.

Jesus Christ, the reason we celebrate Christmas, was given as a gift to mankind and he was given to be the head of the Church. Jesus was sent to Earth to reign, not as a successor king to an undeniable dynasty, but to reign as king of our lives. If we truly accept Jesus for all he is, he lives in us. Despite popular belief, the Church is not made to benefit those who already follow Christ, but for those who do not know him. The church equips and empowers the body of Christ to act as Jesus did in a lost and dying world. Jesus came to heal the physically and spiritually sick, just as the Church created for this purpose. The Church is not built of wood and brick, but it is built of people who chose to follow Jesus. A church building is a place of fellowship, rest, encouragement, prayer, discipleship, and learning for the Church; it is vital to the health and maturation of a Christian. I have no words to stress the importance of being an active member of the Church, a church, and understanding the difference between the two. It is not a secret that the American church is weakening, it’s evident in the direction of our nation. I believe the weakening church is attributed to the idea that church holds little to no importance. Fewer and fewer families are becoming actively involved in a local church, resulting in less involvement in local ministries, yielding less involvement in the Great Commission which is to go and make disciples of all nations. All nations begins right here, right where you are. Many people no longer see the relevance of attending church services. Maybe the churches you have visited have fallen into these categories: “they don’t have what we’re looking for”, “they don’t host many events”, “I don’t like the preaching”, “it’s too long”, “it’s too early”, “it’s boring”, or “I don’t like the music”. You know what I would say to that? The church is not for you. The church is not meant to cater individual needs; rather, individuals of a church are meant to serve the needs of the community-- that’s being the body of Christ, that’s being the Church. It’s terrifying to think the American church is diminishing because of the lack of entertainment for its people. Parents who are now choosing not to raise their children in church and choosing not to teach them the responsibilities of the Church are only becoming part of the problem. It is estimated, 80% of children after age 18 never or seldom return to church. I fear that number is on the rise because of parents, who were probably raised in church and raised to know the importance of Christ, do not want to be inconvenienced with weekly services that do not satisfy their wants. I am afraid that a generation is rising that do not know Christ and his gift of salvation. I am terrified that my generation is going to be content to settle for the American dream rather than live the life we were called to live by God. I am fearful that my generation will mistake following the rules for following Christ. I am burdened by the truth that my generation needs a reminder of why we celebrate the holy occasion of Jesus’ birth.

I am just a girl who is tired of hearing “keep Christ in Christmas” from those who refuse to keep Christ in their lives.

1. John 15:4
2. Galatians 2:20

“My biggest fear, even now, is that I will hear Jesus’ words and walk away, content to settle for less than radical obedience to Him.” -David Platt, Radical

I would love to hear from some of ya’ll!
@hollifieldkelly
hollifield.m.kelly@gmail.com

Summer Storms Bring Life Lessons

“Jesus has defined the relationship he wants with you. He is not interested in enthusiastic admirers who practice everything in moderation and don’t get carried away. He wants completely committed followers.” -Kyle Idleman; Not a Fan

Several times throughout my walk with Christ, I find myself referring to this book. Not a Fan is one of the most prevalent resources I have ever read; it has taught me the difference between fan and follower of  Jesus time and time again. This summer has been different than all the summers before, both good and bad.

First of all, if you didn’t already know, I just finished my freshman year at the University of Alabama. And what a marvelous ride it was! I have never experienced friendship in that way and I may never experience it again outside of those at the Capstone. I miss my family from Riverside and the BCM dearly and cannot wait to see you all again. I am very proud of the members of our faith family who are traveling the globe to spread the gospel this summer.

I have spent my summer being slightly less adventurous. My best friend and big sister married the love of her life in mid-June. I have a brother and my own bathroom for the first time in my life. Of course, a ring and a new last name won’t shake our relationship. I wouldn’t trade being a part of the Williams Wedding for anything in the entire world. And I managed not to cry on her big day. That’s a pretty big deal. I went to Panama City Beach with my mom and dad, worked at the Student Rec Center, and watching every episode of NCIS ever filmed (starting with its originate in JAG). I am thankful for this time of rest from the busyness that is college. Just like every other season, God is teaching. This lesson was a particularly hard lesson to learn.

My heart is people, it always has been and always will be. This summer, I had a lot of time to myself which led to some particularly disappointing self discoveries. I am keeping up with my friends on social media, mainly Instagram. My brothers and sisters in Christ are serving in Rio, Georgia, North Carolina, Gulf Shores, Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Texas and even right here in Tuscaloosa. I am so blessed to call theses missionaries friends. Watching and reading their stories from the field made me even more anxious to get involved and more eager to have the children of Oracabessa in my arms again. July could not come fast enough. A few weeks into the summer, my gut started telling me the trip was no longer going to happen. I received conformation of this at the beginning of June.* My heart was broken. I have not felt an emptiness like that in years. I spent a year fundraising and preparing my heart for another opportunity to serve at Spicy Grove. Several weeks after hearing the new, I found myself slipping into spiritual frustration. My frustration was the product of not being around my faith family, being jealous of those serving, becoming stagnate, and hardening of the heart. A storm is the perfect way to describe this time; I would be lying if I said I was out of this storm. What better opportunity for God to teach me a lesson than time of heartache, insecurity, and complacency?

Missions is not a destination, but ones current location.

I am guilty of making statements about everyday being missional and living on the field in the past, but this summer has really taught me what those things actually mean. I want what I write to be honest, and honestly, I started to become bitter towards people having an awesome summer serving around the world. I felt unimportant to the kingdom on a good day and as if my absence doesn’t make a difference every other day. I am diagnosing myself with self-loathe/self-pity. It is an ugly disease that attacks the heart of a person and slowly works its way to the surface. Bitterness took over my thoughts for a period of time. My soul was dry.

And I had the audacity to blame the cancellation of a trip for it all.

Who am I to blame issues of my heart on circumstances outside of my control? My summer storm was my fault. I chose to build my life around one mission opportunity, rather than building my life on the mission field. I chose to draw encouragement from the idea of traveling back to Jamaica, rather than filling my being with the Holy Spirit. I chose to excite my heart with what God would do, rather than what he is doing. I chose to read Twitter, rather than the Word. And when push came to shove, I wondered why I felt so spiritual unsatisfied. I don’t know if it was more difficult being honest with myself or God, either way, it was scary. Honesty provokes change. In this case, a total breakdown and rebuild of many of my beliefs about how servant-hood actually works.

Throughout the rest of the summer, God has been teaching me what it means to serve Him. I always pictured a place or an organization, a group of people doing Kingdom work together. But sometimes, maybe even most of the time, service is lonely. I spent my summer in Brent, Alabama to learn about missions. I have no doubt about that. Time alone is time allowed to prepare my heart for people.

Storms are never in vain. Rain, shower or flood, allows rebuilding and growing to occur.

I have had so many ideas for ministry in my hometown. There is potential for amazing things to take place in this little town. All the programs and intentions are great and wonderful, but all will fail without prayer. All will fail if we follow the rules, instead of following Jesus. All will fail if we choose religion as a birthright and not a surrender of the heart. My mission is in central Alabama and I choose to accept it. Do you?

“Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourself fully to the work of the Lord, because you know in your labor the Lord is not in vain.”
-1 Corinthians 15:58

Bloom where you’re planted,
Kelly


*The trip could not happen due to internal team reasons. For anyone who donated/purchased Krispy Kreme donut, I still have your offerings and they will be used to fund a mission trip in the spring/summer. I cannot thank you enough for your donations and prayers.

From My Seat at the Feast to My Place in the Dirt

My heart has been stolen, and I don’t want it back.

 The University of Alabama has awoken a part of myself that I didn’t know existed. I have never been so in love with my life, so eager for engagement, so invested in the people around me, so adventurous, so uncomfortable, so strong, so emotional, so overwhelmed, so happy, so joyful, so at peace. The Capstone has brought me more laughter, happiness, and friendships than I could ever have imagined. My heart is held captive by my crimson and white life, it is filled with my new-found family and held in the hands of my Father.

Always Thankful, Forever Tuscaloosa.

 

The person I was in August and the person I am now, are strangers; resembling only in appearance. I have been chiseled, sculpted, and sanded into the woman I am now by the amazing group of people God has blessed me with. I will look back on my freshman year on this wonderful campus and smile. No monetary gain could ever compare to what this university has done for me. In a nine months, I have made friends that have become my family and will be in my life until the end of my time. I do not deserve any of the blessings in my life.  

There is no doubt in my mind that my freshman year at the University of Alabama has been the best year of my entire life; but, mountain tops are only attained from hiking out of low valleys. The two must exist together.  This year has been the most humbling year in  my walk with Christ. It has been made evident to me how I do not have my spiritual life in order near as much as I thought I did. With these harsh realizations have come unexplainable growth and confidence of my faith. This growth has been consistent and, I pray, will continue to be. None of this would have come about without the lessons I have learned so far in my journey at the Capstone.

A few weeks ago at the BCM (Baptist Campus Ministry), we had a Discovery (mid-week service) that was the "worship experience". The night was broken into stations; the names of God, confession, forgiveness, and reflection. In the confession station, I was in a dimly lit room surrounded by my family in Christ. Written on the blood red walls were sins that my Savior went to the cross for, sins that infiltrate my life and find refuge in my heart. I found myself knelt at a bench, speechless, seeking forgiveness through silence and tears. In the corner of the room was a cross; there we were asked to write one of our sins on paper and nail them to the cross. Three words came to heart: gossip, hatred, and self-righteousness. These three things have battled the thrown of my heart and every drop of that is less room for Christ to make His home in me. I have carried that night with me everyday, constantly remembering the shame I felt when I brought myself to the feet of Jesus. 

Entering the university, making my home at the BCM, and visiting new churches introduced a lie to me; a lie that I have believed. Every stranger I met, I stereotyped as being a perfect Christian; despite my biblical knowledge that that was not actually possible. I felt like all of my peers were much more mature in their faith that I am. Being around people with a desire to be Christ-like is new to me and so extremely humbling. I did not realize until the worship experience that I have put myself on a pedestal; I have fooled myself into believe that I am the rich woman eating from the table, when in reality, I am the homeless girl sitting on the cold, hard floor. I subconsciously built the strength of my faith up in my head because I was never involved in the debauchery of kids I grew up with. This year, more than any other time in my life, I realized that sin is not an action, it is of the heart. When we view sin as behavior modification, rather than an intoxication of the heart, we are entering a battle we are not prepared to win. I am the least of these; I am the least of the least of these.

I am a convict. I am the perpetrator in the case of my self-righteous demise. 

This summer, my checklist includes two classes, my sister's wedding, work at the rec center, family vacation, and a week at Spicy Grove Children's Villa in Jamaica. All the things are just that, things. I am challenging myself in a way that I have challenged myself a hundred times before; that being, spend quality time with God in scripture and prayer every day. If I am not growing, if I am not filled with the spirit, my daily mission will be ineffective. I cannot give what I do not have. I cannot overflow with Christ if I am running on fumes. If you're like me, I challenge you too. Not only do I challenge you to spend quality time with God everyday but I challenge you to cut things out of your life that are distracting you from the will of God. Both of these things are on my summer to-do list, and I pray for continuation throughout the rest of my life. This blog is a confession and a call to accountability. I do not know who reads these words (thank you, btw), but whoever you are, you know me somehow. Remind me of these words I wrote. 

God bless y'all.

He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heris having the hope of eternal life. -Titus 3:5-7

*I rarely write about my legitimate, blood family. I love them more than life itself. They mean more to me than anyone, except God. Without them, the life I lead would be nothing but a dream. 

My name is Kelly Hollifield.

My name is Kelly Hollifield and I am an addict.

I am captivated by lyrics with meanings, photographs with stories, and experiences that cannot be verbalized. I live in my day dreams. I want to lead. I aspire to inspire. I am strong. I am as steady. I love people. I am real. I am honest. I think thoughts laced with ideas to bring life to the lifeless and hope to the hopeless. I seek opportunities to change the world around me. I am driven by the desire to be more than I am. I am thirsty for my Jesus. I see a life beyond the borders of my hometown, beyond my college town, beyond my state of origin and perhaps beyond the shores of my stars and stripes.

Those things make life worthwhile. Those things produce smiles and laughter. Those things give that amazing sparkle to the eyes of a passionate person. Those things yield confidence. Those things are the definition of living.

I have the inability to connect. I struggle relating to my generation. I push everyone away that tries to love me. I am known as being emotionless. I am practically a robot in the eyes of most. I have learned to have no expectation because they lead to disappointments. I have a heart that has been broken. I have walls that cannot not be penetrated; at least they haven’t been yet. I have a past. But more importantly, I have a future. 

Those things are the darkness. Those things are the bad days. Those things are the lows. Those things are not of God. Those things are real to me. Those things are lies. Those things are from the Great Deceiver. Those things are a part of life.

I have the worst addiction. It does not produce a high. It only leave you with regrets. I am addicted to excuses. My security blanket it fear. I crumble when fear breathes down my neck. When exposed, the only thing left of me is a long list of what ifs. I am living a life that I have been set free of. I have been set free from this world. To live is Christ and die is gain. That is not a message of fear, but hope. I was given the spirit of power, love, and a sound mind. I have sold myself short to the plan God has for my life; all in the name of fear.

But that’s the truth. I am afraid. I am afraid to fail. I am afraid I will lead a life with no legacy. I am afraid I will be forgotten. I am afraid to feel. I am afraid to open up. I am afraid to disappoint.  I am afraid that showing too much of my heart will lead to pain. I am afraid of my emotions. All of these fears are weighing down my life. All of these fears have effected my happiness. Happiness comes from seeking God’s face and His face alone. I want that more than anything.

I didn’t write this blog for pity or a pat on the back. I’m not looking for that. Don’t post any comments like that. What I am trying to do is something entirely new to me. This is unlike anything I have every written before.I want to be real. I want my reader’s to know who I am. I want all of you to do life with me. I want you all to be able to talk to me about all subjects. I want all of you to see my imperfections. I want all of you to know that I have been made perfect and blameless only through the blood of Christ. I want you all to know that fear is real, but boldness found in the Word of God trumps fear. I want all of you to know love; love found in Christ. I want all of you to find the hope I have found. His name is Jesus.

My name is Kelly Hollifield and I am on a journey to reckless abandonment.

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. -2 Timothy 1:7

My prayer for 2014 is to set aside things that break my heart and focus on the things that break my Father's heart. My prayer is to be lead where my feet may fail and my trust is without borders. 
Join me?

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dy9nwe9_xzw

I would like to start hearing from you guys. Feel free to email me at hollifield.m.kelly@gmail.com or you can find me on Facebook and Twitter.