Cleaning Out Your Closet

by Raylee Evans

Have any of you ever gotten rid of some old clothes? Maybe sold a few, gave a couple to a friend, and left the rest to goodwill? Hopefully the answer is yes, or else you probably have a lot of clothes! It might seem silly, but letting go of even the simplest of things isn’t easy! To get rid of the memories the clothes hold, the experiences they keep, and the precious moments they remind us of. I recently cleaned out my closet; and wow! I did not think it would be so difficult. I was dramatically explaining my sorrows to my mom, as I do, and she kept saying, “Raylee, it’s time to move on.” So simple, yet so powerful. You see, I think I needed to hear this and apply it to all areas of my life.

If you’re like me, you feel as though change is hard. You tend to stay where you are comfortable, and are content. That can be a dangerous place to be. It’s like trying to wear clothes that are too small for you, unflattering and simply doesn’t fit! When you outgrow your clothes, there’s no point in holding onto them anymore. The same applies with life, and the seasons we go through. Sure, it’s comforting, but in all reality we will always outgrow the things of this world. That is something we as followers have to grasp. Comfort equals withering. Your potential to grow into the person God has called you to be fades the longer you stay in your “safe place.” That safe place might be a specific person, place, or maybe even a thing. We should remain thankful for all the things that God blesses us enough to miss, but must also remember that He places those special things in our life to grow and learn from. Therefore, we can’t allow fear and uncertainty of our future keep us from letting God work.

In His Word it says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and give you hope for the future,” Jeremiah 29:11. He knows our plans, and promises us hope! Our purpose lies in the hands of God, not in familiarity. So when you find yourself being thrown into the next phase of life not ready to let go of the past, realize there is hope in our future and great purpose in change. That is the “comfort” we must seek, Christ and His word. That is comfort we can always count on.

“The word of the Lord remains forever,” 1 Peter 1:25. You see, we will never outgrow God. Through every season 24 // July 2020

of life as we change, grow, and move on; we can rely on the one thing that doesn’t change. So the next time you’re getting rid of your old clothes, moving schools, growing away from a friend, or finding yourself having different opportunities than before; remember that it is OK. Change means growth. Comfort equals withering. Hope remains in our future, not in the past. The beautiful thing about life is that God does not intend for us to stay where we are but to grow into what will be, so have hope my friends! Clean out your closet, move out of comfort, and have hope in Christ’s purpose for you!

About The Author

Hi sunshines! My name is Raylee Evans. I am 17 years old, and I am a junior in highschool! I’m homeschooled, and am 1 of 6 siblings! Some things that I enjoy doing is playing basketball and volleyball. I play for a team called the Chattanooga Patriots. I also enjoy working at Ever After Bridal as a prom specialist, and also leading worship at my church, the Church at Grace Point. Loving God and loving people is a huge passion in my life. I believe so strongly in following Christ, and sharing what He is doing in my life!

SAFE. FUN. CLEAN.

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Welcome Pastor Michael Jones!

The Dalton Seventh-day Adventist Church welcomes Pastor Michael Jones to the Dalton community. Pastor Jones brings a wealth of experience in ministry and leadership, having served as both an educator and pastor. “We are thrilled that Pastor Jones has agreed to lead the pastoral team at the Dalton Seventh-day Adventist Church,” said outgoing Senior Pastor Chester Clark, who will remain in Dalton but will serve in a regional administ administrative position. “Pastor Jones has been a friend of mine for nearly Pastor Michael Jones twenty years, and I am confident this community will be blessed by his ministry and leadership.” The Dalton Seventh-day Adventist Church was founded in 1939 and is a community of believers seeking to daily grow closer to Jesus. It offers a rich weekly worship experience, free Bible studies, health and current events seminars, operates a weekly food pantry, and sponsors many community events. The Learning Tree Elementary School has provided high quality Christian education for over 70 years.

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