Oh Darling, Let's Be Adventurers
If you are a female between the ages of 13 and 65, you probably have or have considered getting a Pinterest account (no judgement to boy Pinteresters! You know who you are.). Or if you have ever even browsed on Pinterest for more than two minutes (and let’s be honest – you can’t stop after two minutes) you have probably seen this picture. “Oh darling, let’s be adventurers.”
This picture is appealing for 4 reasons:
One, the picture is aesthetically breath-taking. The world is a beautiful place, and every person’s natural instincts find Creation beautiful. Sure, maybe you’re not the type who likes sleeping on a hammock in the middle of the Ozark Mountains (or maybe you are!), but one can find the outdoors beautiful from afar even if she prefers reading about Europe from her cozy Ikea chair with a Starbucks in hand. . . Two, every woman loves to be called Darling. Or Sweetheart, Babe, or Beautiful. We adore to be adored! Am I right or am I right? . . . Three, we desire to join in something big. We want to be part of a “let’s.” Wouldn’t you rather win with a team than by yourself? Hoorays, chest bumps, and high fives wouldn’t nearly be the same alone. We were made to be part of community; it’s worthwhile even when it’s challenging. . . Four, just the word “adventure” gives me butterflies. Chacos, NorthFace, and a 10 hour plane ride? I’m there. But, there is so much more to being an adventurer than seeing Mount Everest or the Great Wall of China. Which leads me to my point:
There are too many young women in the world who coast through life without even glimpsing at the adventure that God has planned for them. I just made a gutsy statement. I don’t know each individual young woman in this world or even in my own city. But I know this for certain: If we young women were a people who passionately pursued all that God has for us, this world would literally be different. If we refused to let fashion dictate our beauty, there would be a completely different scale of personal value. Don’t misunderstand me – I love shopping and I love fashion. But fashion is not beauty, purity is not a disadvantage, and the number of Instagram likes on your latest picture does not determined how loved you are.
You may feel adventurous when you go a little too far with your boyfriend or when you take that first shot that you’re offered at a party this weekend. Because it is inevitable that someone will pressure you to go too far, and it is undeniable that you will be pestered to try things you shouldn’t. The good news is this: you (and me) choosing to go too far or try “cool” things does not alter God’s adventures for our lives. The moment you choose Him over everything else, He forgives and forgets all that your (and my) past involves. But let me tell you something: the most adventurous people in the world are those who choose the pursuit of Christ. He will take you places that others wish they could go. He will show you sights that you would prefer if you only knew. Don’t waste another day. Join me. Oh darling, let’s be adventurers.