Yes pin, with an "i"  We've all heard the expression "The pen is mightier than the sword." Often true, but irrelevent here tonight. Tonight we are talking pins, decorative pins, the kind you attach to a shirt, jacket, tie, whatever.

Why?  Because!

Yesterday I received a large envelope in the mail from the fitness company I represent.  Inside I was surprised and delighted to find a certficate congratulating me on my promotion and a pin to represent my new status.  I was tickled pink to attach it to my shirt and have worn it everwhere since. 

It didn't take me long though to notice something about that pin.  The longer I wore it, the more careful I was about what it represents.  If I'm wearing something that can attract questions, do I want to be caught doing things that might tarnish my reputation.  Things that might make people question my committment?  I'm supposed to represent fitness and an active healthy lifestyle.  I found myself walking taller, making a point of smiling at strangers, exchanging my diet coke for water, and walking away from the chocolate.  I'm going to challenge all the coaches to commit to wearing their pins rather than tucking them away in a box!

Then I started contemplating myself and fellow Christians.  Some wear crosses, some carry bibles, some hold themselves aloof, some just blend into the world.  But how often are we proud of who we are, the choice we've made?  How willing are we to be utterly transparent about how we live day by day?  Do we watch our own footsteps to ensure we leave a clean, healthy path for those who follow us?

Perfection?  Unlikely!  While I've burned away well over 100# and become very disciplined about some things, it is still quite likely that one day I will be face down in a vat of ice cream wearing my pin when someone says "Hey!  Are you THE Virginia?!?"  And I will have to say yes.  None of us will walk perfect paths of Christian behavior either.  Still, pinning on your Christianity, letting it show for all the world to see, and doing your best each moment....that creates a powerful testimony to the world as it watches and waits.  Waits for us, for Christ shining through us to draw them in and lead them to their new lives.

How will you pin on yours?  What will it change?  Will you walk tall and smile, or will you slouch and hurry by those who wait? 

Blessed be,

Virginia