There are those who are fine with running things how others are doing it. What’s in, cool, and the now was of utmost important. Then there are the others. Yes, those folks who want the new, seek change, and are committed to finding innovative ways of fostering growth.
He labeled them geeks and nerds. Why, you ask? Geeks don’t care what other people are doing, saying, or thinking. Nerds are focused on creating, changing, and correcting, said Seth, the bald headed man, with orange glasses and mismatched socks.
The statement resonated deep within simply because as a child I wore faux tortoiseshell glasses, a retainer, a mint green Wuzzles watch, and a denim skirt in size 14 donated by someone at church. And that was on a good day. I was never the cool kid as a child, but I didn’t care. Looking back, I was a nerd. I didn’t care what other people were doing, saying, or thinking, because I was too busy dreaming of how I’d change the world.
High school came and life changed a bit. I no longer wore a retainer, my Wuzzles were buried somewhere in my closet, and my glasses were laid to rest. [Amen hallelujah!] But I still was intrigued with the new, sought change, and was committed to growth.
TOMS are great, but these boots were made for walkin'.
There’s a new face of the nerd and a new swagger of the geek. If definition categorizes us, so be it. I’m realizing many around me who are desirous of the same thing. New ways of reaching out towards others, changing the way we look at church, and committed to the spiritual growth of those around us.
I’m meeting guys and girls who know something is wrong with their church or ministry, are eager to get involved, and excited about changing the world around them.
It has less to do with titles or labels and more to do with ideals and goals. It has less to do with rebelling, and more to do with embracing. It’s has less to do with faux tortoiseshell glasses and more to do with knowing who we are.
We’re a new generation who is excited about making a difference in our homes, schools, cubicles, and offices. We’re relevant today while reverant to the past. We’re marching valiantly in grace, while remembering scars of our moral lapses and failures. We’re committed to the future, while celebrating the present.
This nerd is committed change. I don’t wear TOMS, I don’t wear glasses, I don’t have my PhD in divinity, and I’m not a pastor. But I believe we are a community committed to changing who we are, seeking who we serve, and fostering our community.
If that’s the definition of a geeked out nerd, hand me my Wuzzles watch and retainer, I’m taking over like Bill Gates.
Amen!! I pray that there are more in our generation that have the same mindset. I sure know I do and if that makes me a geek or a nerd, well, just pass me a retainer (I already have the glasses lol).
Together we are making a difference. I can just FEEL it!!!
You go, Bill Gates! ;0)
Thanks, Annie 🙂 Give Aaron and the boy a hug for me 😉
Ha! I've got 6 pairs of glasses and, although tempted to get "lasered", I'll keep adding to my collection. I'm not a big fan of TOMS either, or the lesser known knockoff, BOBS.
Yes people, SKETCHERS now offers you BOBS.
BOBS by Sketchers
I thought you said boobs again?! I think I need glasses.
Baahaahaa! Where are your horn rimmed lenses when you need 'em?! LOL!
Great post.. This is confirmation for me to move foward and allow God to use me. Thank you
Awesome 🙂 So glad!
You took the sigh out of my heart and put into words. We have been thinking that there's a gap from the tradditonal old genration to the generation of today. We all refer to the youth as the generation of tommorrow but what about the generation that's at the treshhould today? There's gap…a big gap
Arrgh.. frustrated, thinking or over anazying this… Not sure but I feel that something is amiss and I'm praying!
Two hearts that beat as one 🙂
I'm addicted to the Tom's wedges. You should give them a try. I'm just saying.
When I wear TOMS I look like I'm trying to be inde and uber cool. Really, I'm just trying to be taller and not look frumpy.
If I'm feeling brave [and hip] I try a pair. Until then, my stilettos will have to do 😉 Can't WAIT to see you this weekend.
Nerdville rocks!!! Love you 😉
Are you saying you don't have a bible?!?! Sister, I need to buy you [another] one!
😉
Girl, I would high five you right now if I could! I couldn't agree more. I have something to add…My son is unique. He isn't doing things like other kids. He doesn't fit into a mold. People comment on it. People say he is different or that something might be "wrong with him." For exp. he won't sit at a table to eat. He will take a bite and go right back to climbing and jumping. Some people literally avoid my son because they think he is weird. The ironic thing- He is nearly 3.
He's just a toddler! I think it can only get worse. He will continue to behave differently, he will continue to annoy people with his curiosity, etc. (for example, if he enters anyone's home, he immediately starts jumping on their couch or bed or climbing their kitchen counters). God keeps reminding me that He alone is our maker. He is creator and everyone (even my unique son) is fearfully and wonderfully made…and hey, IT'S GOOD TO BE DIFFERENT!
I am so blessed by this blog because even for those of us nerds (I was a nerd too…honors classes, braces, etc.) and I loved just being myself…and now I love being a freak for God. However, why have I not embraced this with my child? Ouch LORD. You are teaching me a lesson. We don't even realize there are "molds" out there and if we don't fit in…we are immediately considered weird. I often think people think I am weird because I always want to pray over EVERYTHING…but that's just the nerd in me that is led by the Spirit. Like the Smiths song, "Shoplifters of the world…unite and take over" I pray us Christian nerds will unite and take over…well, not for take over's sake, but for revival!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I love nerds! But more than that, I love nerds that want to change the world. That want to use their curiosity and intuition and resources to actually DO something. I appreciate those who will get into a system, (church, whatever) and work from the inside-out, as well as those who innovate from the outside-in.
And this nerd totally wants Toms Wedges. Since I work with high schoolers now, I feel the urge to try out all the trends….
I can see the T-shirts now…Jesus Geek!! (…Better get that trademarked)
So true and right!! Bianca, I love your blog and this post touched my heart. This is exactly what I've been thinking about and learning. I don't have to be like everyone else, God has an infinite plan for me just as I am. And I am thankful! 🙂 Love you lots!!!
I'm a {Jesus} geek… and nerd too! I didn't fit in in high school (which I just graduated from haha), I want to change the world and that means not conforming to it.