In Between

Chapter Four

After the Christmas break was over, my brother and I were enrolled into Mountain Top Primary School. Usually students aren't allowed to start after the second term has already started. But because my father knew the principal at that time,  we were given a free pass. Before we moved from Ghana, I was in standard two so during my transfer, I was placed in the same class, and my bother in James in standard one.

To say the transition was tough would be and understatement. First off, I had to get adjusted to the new school system and the way of teaching. Secondly, I was a very outgoing, optimistic person. I easily made friends wherever I went.  Because I was accustomed to people always taking a liking to me, and wanting to be my friend, I went into school with the mentality that I would easily make friends and everyone would like me. One thing I can say now is that popularity can be both a blessing and a curse in disguise.

We can use our popularity to influence the lives of others, just by the way we act. If we see someone being bullied, help them out. Befriend a "loner". Spread positivity where ever we go and let others see that we are different. Be a beacon of hope and light. Make a difference through your popularity. And because you have such a high class in whatever school or business place you're at, you set the tone and pace for everyone to follow.

Popularity as a curse is the complete opposite of everything. All you have to do is to see the negative side to whatever listed, and by doing so you as an individual will leave a negative impact on the lives of others.

Like I said since school was already into the second term, I was really behind a lot of stuff. I had to catch up immediately. Since my sole focus was on gaining popularity, because I thought that was my ticket out of being the "new girl", I would be set for  my entire ride of Primary school. Well yo say the least, my theory was proven wrong. Not only did I get into the wrong crowd, but I also abandoned my school work completely and it took a hard hit.

Instead of doing what the bible told me to, I began doing what the world told me to do. And that's the thing. Sometimes it's easier to get sucked into the world after we've given our lives to Christ, because as humans we tend to value the opinions of other more than the one of our Heavenly father.  Seeking for validation from the wrong places often times ends us in the wrong situations and that's where it gets real dangerous and sticky.

Why do I say this? I say it because I've been there and done that., and trust me none of you would never want to go to that place. Yes I admit a Christian was already hard and being a teen is hard also. Now mix those two together and it makes the situation even more complicated. I also understand what it feels like to be different from your peers especially when you're a Christian and a pastor's daughter. The load as a Christian doubles when your parents are pastor's. Everyone sees your life as perfect and expect you to be perfect. You're placed on a pedestal that you can't come off from and the slightest mistakes you make will cause harsh judgement on you and your family. What people don't understand is that you're also human, and you will be making mistakes just like they are doing. The o my difference between you and them is that you had the privilege of being born into a grounded  christian family.

Its hard to see everyone around you doing all those hip and fun stuff while you're left out because you know your values and worth and also what their doing isn't aligning with the Word of God.

The funny thing with being a Christian teen is that while we're over in our little corner wallowing in self pity, there's a greater chance of us falling into those same sins we see our friends and family committing and a  possibility of slipping into our old lifestyle and abandoning God completely.

I've heard several people say "ohhhh, you're a Christian and Christians aren't allowed to have fun," or " are you sure God wants you to do that cause if you do, you're committing a sin." All of these things and more that people have said are lies.

Whoever ever said Christianity is boring needs to find a verse, scripture and chapter to prove to me that God said we as Christians should live a boring life. Yes we're not supposed to be having the kind of fun that world has, but we can still "live life to the fullest".

Having fun as a Christian means that we must still abide in God's word but also not compromise to do things that go against our belief systems.

We are going people and as youngsters, we can't be held back from enjoying ourselves and what better way than to do that with and in the Lord. Also I've seen many people shy away from "modern Christianity ", because they feel as if it disgraces Christianity and we Christian on a whole.

I'm a strong believer of everyone having their own opinion and thoughts. I also believe that everyone has had their own experiences so we all have different takes on things. I however prefer "modern christianity," because I feel that it gives me the freedom to be myself in Christ.

I've never been one to be over religious neither do I want to be held down by rules and regulations. I feel that it distracts us from taking advantage of the freedom and grace that God has given us.  I have always marched to the beat of my own drum

I've had many experiences with over religious people and the many distortions that are put on young people in the church and I personally think that's why it gets hard for youths to willingly go to church. Because no longer express who the truly are in Christ.

Sorry sorry sorry a million times for not updating and taking long. Being committed to so many things while juggling school can be a handful at times and I tend to get caught up in the moment. Also please feel free to message me about any questions you have. I've finally found a perfect time for updates, and that will be Saturday's. Because apparently my only free days are Saturday's. Thank you once again for the support and love on this book and again feel free to message me on any questions you have. Also I have a new Christian Romance book in the works. I'm still contemplating wether or not I should start writing, but that mighty only occur after in done with this book. May God blesses you all and thank you for the support once again.