take a risk... and face the possible consequences

Take a risk.

By definition, I'm talking about something you have little to no control over.

For example, next week I am taking a risk of only eating rice and beans. For five days, this will be on my plate at every meal. With only water to drink, I am hoping to understand what some of my friends in Africa deal with every day. Likewise, the money that my family normally spends on groceries will redirect into feeding orphans in Kenya.

It's a risk. Nutritionally... financially... relationally... spiritually.

With so many options in life, though, you have to choose how you're going to grow.

• Take a risk relationally, and you face the possible consequence of it blessing your life forever... or breaking your heart.
• Take a risk artistically, and you face the possible consequence of applause... or unappreciative critics.
• Take a risk financially, and you'll face the possible consequence of generously blessing others... or becoming focused on the "next buck after that."
• Take a risk on food, and you'll face the possible consequence of finding your new favorite dish... or a trip to the bathroom.
• Take a risk on entertainment, and you'll face the possible consequence of seeing life through a new lens... or getting sucked into something that waters down your standards.
• Take a risk on protesting, and you'll face the possible consequence of changing the world... or becoming an angry, shallow person.
• Take a risk on exercise, and you'll face the possible consequence of better health... or find yourself caught up in the way your body (and other bodies) look or don't look.
• Take a risk on God, and you'll face the possible consequence of the life you've always wanted... or life continuing to be hard (but at least you'll have Him to rely on).

Take a risk... and face the possible consequences.

You may end up right... you may end up wrong... but either way you live on purpose and grow in ways you never would have before.