January 18, 2021
By Julianne Hudson
Have you ever had the same song on repeat for days? These past several months my song has been “My Own Little World By” by Matthew West.
I am that annoying person who changes the station 30 seconds into a song. I keep changing the station and can’t make up my mind on what I want to listen to. But for some reason, this has been a song I have listened to almost every day.
In my own little world, it hardly ever rains
My Own Little World
I’ve never gone hungry, always felt safe
I got some money in my pocket, shoes on my feet
In my own little world: population—me
Take a moment to soak in and reflect on these lyrics. What a picture this represents, a world revolving around a single soul, with no by passers or even close acquaintances. Seems simple, right?
If you had an entire day to think about what your own little world look like, would it include others? Would you be living the dream chasing after personal gain? Or would you choose no rain or stormy days? Maybe you would embrace the storm? If we were to be brutally honest with ourselves, I wonder what would remain.
I try to stay awake during Sunday morning church
My Own Little World
I throw a twenty in the plate but I never give ’til it hurts
And I turn off the news when I don’t like what I see
It’s easy to do when its population—me
For me, these lyrics hit home. How often I check the box that I attended church on Sunday. I give without intention rather than out of trust. When was the last time I gave that it hurt? Yikes, that seems like a lot of faith is required. How convenient that I can change the station. If something is bothering me I can swipe away. With everything going on, sometimes it is easier to dismiss rather than engage and I don’t want to live that way. If we turn off the television when things of tension or rivalry arise, no difference can be made. No action can be conducted and no true change can happen.
When it’s all about me it’s quite easy to just change the station. I use to always say “Mom, the news is on again” and laugh. I didn’t realize what it could mean in my life. I simply just didn’t want anything to do with it. But after listening to this over and over I began to weep.
I believe Jesus calls us to not change the station or turn off the news when we feel uncomfortable and when it hurts to listen. He calls us to reach out a hand and not turn away. Your “radio” may not be the local news station, but it could be a conversation with a friend of a different race. It could be research and awareness and overall genuine care. We are called to engage.
The chorus says:
What if there’s a bigger picture?
My Own Little World
What if I’m missing out?
What if there’s a greater purpose?
I could be living right now
Outside my own little world
You are you for a reason, strategically placed and gifted. Yes, we live in a broken and dark world, but that’s why this world needs your light. Let your light shine. Let it illuminate the face of Jesus. The moment you recognize that your own little world isn’t about you–life begins!
Some sobering truths to think about – thanks Julianne.