What does it take to be a professional ballerina? Extreme commitment and hard work!
Then, what does it take to do Christian outreach?
Here, Cynthia compares the commitment and suffering needed to dance beautifully to Christian commitment in sharing the good news about Jesus.
In her bestselling book, “Dancing on My Grave,” Gelsey Kirkland describes the kind of physical and mental commitment it took her to become a prima ballerina. For example, each morning she would divide an apple into four parts, eating a mere quarter for each of three meals, plus one snack. All of her money was spent on various treatments to make her a better dancer.
As with any serious ballet dancer, while beautifully bound in her satin toe shoes, underneath, Gelsey’s feet were injured, bleeding and ugly. Obsession and pain were the cost of bringing beauty to the stage.
How often do we Christians take our service to this level? Do we take it in stride as part of pleasing the Lord? Do we rejoice when we are injured and tired because we have wounds to show? When we’ve emptied our pockets do we feel it well invested?
In Isaiah 52:7 & Romans 10:15, the Bible tells us that the feet of those who bring good news are beautiful! In the ancient world travel usually meant walking long distances on rough roads and risking robbers, resulting at least in dusty, damaged feet. So, were the feet literally beautiful? Not likely! But it was so wonderful to hear a hopeful message, that the injuries and scars of the journey became precious to the hearers. Perhaps it is a little like the wounds of Christ for us.
Along with hockey, which we discuss in our “Risks” video, ballet gives us an example of commitment and perseverance to achieve an earthly goal. How much more important is our sacrifice for a heavenly goal? (I Timothy 4:8)
In Romans 8, Paul reminds us that nothing can separate us from God’s love. And just before his ascension to heaven, Jesus reminded us that he is with us always. God’s love and presence give us the courage to commit to his work.
