Peer Pressure

I just drank way too much water before running, so I thought I'd buy time while my iPod recharges. Inspired by Laura and Kevin, I've been listening to talks from FOCUS conference last year on my iPod while I run and on my way to work. This has a few really amazing benefits. Firstly, I've been trying to find time to listen to these talks for a while, and now I've found it! Secondly, it's a fantastic way to start or end my day. Thirdly, everything I learn from these talks is directly applicable to everyday life, and I find myself thinking about them throughout my week. Fourthly, it's one of the ways I have to keep connected with the Catholic community in a place that's so hard to be connected with the Catholic community... Fifthly, it's incredibly encouraging. Although I do get to hug kids everyday, and I work for Disney, life is discouraging. All around me is a culture of relativism; teenage girls who are trying to grow up, to survive in a world where nothing is absolute. Hearing the message of truth in some way every day makes it so much easier to not just shy away from the pressure to live a tolerant life, but face it with conviction. Last, and probably least, it makes me run longer :) The wonderful thing about listening to these talks is that it was initially peer pressure (from Kevin) that made me start listening to them; encouragement given for the purpose of sharing Christ. This was positive peer pressure. I received a lot of this in Fairfax, from most everyone I came in contact with in the amazing community of CCM. Here, in Florida, there is still a LOT of peer pressure, but I have yet to experience the same kind. My roommates don't impose their habits on me, but it's almost passive aggressiveness. I've received subtle looks that only girls seem to give and receive based on my going to church, based on my background, and based on my beliefs, that I very gently, but firmly present when given the need. Living in a body and mind that on one hand begs for acceptance, and the other begs to live for so much more than what I witness here, I feel a little torn. I am resolute in my faith, but I know dealing with all of this would be so much easier if I had a Catholic, heck even a Christian companion down here. They've given up on inviting me to go out, and it almost makes me sad. Even though I won't ever go, it's kind of disappointing to know that I'm missing out on experiences with my roommates. It's an exclusive club that I am excluded from by choice. My roommate, though she goes out and everything, is the only one that seems fully sympathetic to my situation. I think I might try driving to UCF and look at their CCM when I get back here after my visit home. For now, I'm stuck in beautiful Florida, living for my runs where I can hear the beauty of truth flowing through my exercise headphones and I can pound out my frustrations on the treadmill. I am hopefully going home this coming week, and drinking up some encouragement for the coming months.