My Choice To Choose!!

As I pondered on July’s post, this scripture came to me, “There is a path before each person that seems right”. I couldn’t help but think of the many times I did things that seemed right to me; completely oblivious and ignorant to how they could impact my life and those around me. When I became an adult, I felt like I could finally choose my own path and do whatever I wanted. I could wear what I want, go where I want, buy what I want, and date who I want. I was now free from the control of being told what I could and couldn't do. I was a grown woman who had the choice to choose my own path - and I loved it! Or did I…

As a 23 year old, I was now married, living with my husband, and beginning to do things even I didn’t like. I remember visiting my sister-in-law, who upon my arrival, was very surprised with my choice of outfit. For the first few minutes, there was a lot of laughter at my expense. What I was wearing then, I wouldn't dare wear while living under my parents' roof, so why the drastic change? I came to the conclusion that I was trying to fit in, and would do whatever it took to get everyone’s approval. A few years earlier, my [then] fiance and I were invited to a Grenada Independence Dinner and Dance. I was looking forward to it since my cousin stated we’d see lots of people from our country there, and it would be a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends, eat good food, and have lots of fun. Friends, food and fun? I was in! The event was wonderful, the food was great, and it was truly a fun time. Then came the highlight of the night, the after party. The music was turned up to the max, and men and women made their way to the dance floor, shaking body parts I didn't know were shakeable. I sat there intrigued, plus I was a bit scared since I was in a new environment and didn’t know what to expect. Then one of my cousins came over and said, “don't just sit there, get up and dance!” Well for starters, I can’t dance, but that did not stop me from trying. I got up and made my way to the dancefloor, soon mimicking the very actions that appalled me not too long ago. I had this uneasy, nagging feeling on the inside, but I ignored it and continued dancing.

We decided to re-attend the event the following year, only this time we took some friends with us - christian friends. Despite the nagging feeling I had the last time, we planned to go solely to meet people, eat good food and leave. But then it happened again. The lights got dimmer, the music got louder, and the people got looser. I was amazed at how quickly people dropped whatever they were doing to run to the dancefloor. A few minutes later, the DJ played some songs that we thought were decent, so we made our way to the dance floor. While dancing, I didn’t realize the song changed, and a group of girls rushed in and took over the dance floor - one of which was from my childhood village. As she looked at me, I stood there motionless. I felt embarrassed and ashamed, because she knew I was a Christian, and there I was standing on the dance floor, a place even she knew I didn’t belong. I quickly returned to my seat, and left minutes after.

Five months later, my in-laws invited me to accompany them on an excursion with one of my friends. We took the boat and headed over to Toronto island. I went on all the rides, played as many games as possible, and enjoyed the beach. Upon our return, my friend and I started talking about our lives since migrating from our homeland. We opened up to each other about the times we’d dance at parties, and participate in things we weren’t accustomed to doing. We were honest with each other, and saw ourselves as backsliders who needed to return to a right relationship with God. We decided to start a prayer group between us, my sister in law and her husband, as well as my husband. It was a wonderful experience because based on whose home we visited, that person was in charge of exhorting us and providing refreshments. The fellowship was so needed, and we all embraced it. During that time, I began dropping my old lifestyle, and began intentionally living a life honouring God. I no longer had the desires I once had.

I’m sharing this with you because there are many young people in the same boat I was in. I desperately wanted to leave my parents' home because I wanted to do my own thing, but failed to realise I was on a path leading to death. I was so grateful for the conversation I had with my friend that day. There are many young people and even some adults who chose the path of sin because it gives temporary pleasure. With so many paths at our disposal, culture tells us we can choose the path we want without thinking of the consequences, whether physical, emotional, mental or spiritual.

Friends, the bible tells us, “There’s a way that seems right to us, but that path will lead us to death.” If that’s the case, why are so many on this path? The bible gives us the answer in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ.” Unfortunately many are in a blinded state, and heading down a path to destruction, while others are trying to figure out which path to choose. If we’ve been blinded, we cannot make the right choices, because we cannot see where we are going. Unfortunately, many choose to listen to the counsel of the world and live contrary to the commands of God, but we ought to choose the path that aligns with God’s commands. Friends, let’s not be foolish. We need someone to come alongside us to show us the path that leads to eternal life, to hold us accountable and encourage us to remain faithful to God. Let’s not forget, every decision we make has consequences. What will yours be?