Standing Outside The Fire

      Country music has always held a special place in my heart for as long as I can remember. To me, it's as real as it gets. Real people, singing about real life. Brad Paisley quotes in one of his songs: "You're not supposed to say the word 'cancer' in a song, and tellin' folks Jesus is the answer, can rub em' wrong. It ain't hip to sing about tractors, trucks, little towns, and Momma . .  yeah that might be true. But this is country music, and we do. . " -("This Is Country Music" by Brad Paisley).
      To me, listening to good country music is like reading the book of Proverbs. There's good advice everywhere! Walking the line, keep on keepin' on when you feel like you're going through hell, standing up for what you believe in, loving, living, and giving Jesus the wheel. One of the songs that I love is called "Standing Outside The Fire" by Garth Brooks. In it He talks about taking chances, and how some of us let fear of failure keep us from reaching our full potential and living life. And even how we sometimes look at others who set their goals high and fail, but go on to succeed eventually and thing that the risk is not worth it.

   

We call them cool
Those hearts that have no scars to show
The ones that never do let go
And risk it the tables being turned

We call them fools
Who have to dance within the flame
Who chance the sorrow and the shame
That always come with getting burned

We call them strong
Those who can face this world alone
Who seem to get by on their own
Those who will never take the fall

We call them weak
Who are unable to resist
The slightest chance love might exist
And for that forsake it all

 Standing outside the fire
Standing outside the fire
Life is not tried it is merely survived
If you're standing outside the fire

There's this love that is burning
Deep in my soul
Constantly yearning to get out of control
Wanting to fly higher and higher
I can't abide standing outside the fire

      How many of us let the fear of striking out, keep us from playing the game? We feel like were doing the best we can, but inside we feel like we can do better. We can always do better, and nothing is stopping us from reaching our full potential, except our own self doubt, if that be the case.

       For me, I've never been able to settle for less than what I know is the best I can do. I know I got that from my Dad, and throughout my life, it has taught me a lesson. We don't have too sit to the side while we watch others reach their full potential. We CAN accomplish anything we put our minds too. 

      And of course, our Heavenly Father loves us and wants us to be happy. And He wants us to reach our full potential. He's always there for us. And with Him, "nothing shall be impossible." -Luke 1:47  

       So next time you think you're not good enough to live up to your full potential, remember that even if we fall short, our Savior Jesus Christ is there to help us make up the rest. We can do it. Trust in Him and He will help us. "So don't you sit up on the shoreline and say you're satisfied. Choose to chance the rapids, and dare to dance that tide" -("The River" by Garth Brooks).