"Stand In the Light" by Jordan Smith, 2016

So, in the morning I'll be heading out for a day or so's worth of travel to Pocahontas, Virginia.

Whowhatwhy?

I'm going on a mission trip with my church's youth group (as a leader, seeing as I graduated high school five years ago). Speaking of which, I haven't been on a mission trip since high school. So this ought to be interesting.

Those who know me would probably agree when I say I don't really like to lead. I like being onstage and leading in music, but when it comes to being (at least somewhat) in charge of, say, a group of high school students, it's not exactly my niche. I'd rather stay in the background.

I'd rather stay out of the way.

We did this song at my church about a month ago, maybe longer, but I've been holding on to it because I wanted to share it at a specific moment. I guess I thought this particular song would be a good sort of Send-off for our trip. We're going to a place away from home, a place where we've been called to help others--a place where we'll have some self-examining to do.

Mission trips, at least in my experience, aren't just about helping people who needed. In a way it's an opportunity to test your faith. A time to experience and open yourself to God.

It's hard when you come back, to remember all the things you've learned, to put them into your every day life. I know that from experience, too. Which is why I want the message in this song to stick with me, and with the people I'll be spending time with for the next week.

It is a risk to be who you are, out there where everyone can see. Especially if you might be alone doing it. But this week won't be about shying away, it'll be about accepting that with God, nothing can really touch you. You won't want to hide who you are because you know that you're exactly who you're supposed to be.

Experiences like the one I'm hoping I'll have help you take each moment as it comes, enjoy life for what it is, and let go of the dark. Maybe fully understanding yourself won't always happen, but I don't think you ever truly know if you just hang out in the back corner. (In a way I've taken my own advice by recommending this song to our worship director in the first place).

Want to know who you can be? Stand in the light. See yourself as you are, and love it.

Lyrics:

Stand in the light and be seen as we are

Didn't I tell you I hear what you say? Never look back as you're walking away Carry the music, the memories, and keep them inside you Laugh every day Don't stop those tears from falling down

This is who I am inside This is who I am, I'm not gonna hide 'Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far To stand in the light and be seen as we are Stand in the light and be seen as we are

With courage and kindness hold onto your faith You get what you give and it's never too late To reach for the branch and climb up leaving sadness behind you Fight hard for love We can never give enough

This is who I am inside This is who I am, I'm not gonna hide 'Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far To stand in the light and be seen as we are Stand in the light and be seen as we are

Riding the storms that come raging towards us we dive Holding our breath as we break through the surface With arms open wide With arms open wide

This is who I am inside This is who I am, I'm not gonna hide Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far To stand in the light and be seen as we are Stand in the light and be seen as we are

Cause the greatest risk we'll ever take is by far To stand in the light and be seen as we are Stand in the light and be seen as we are So stand in the light and be seen as we are