I am North Cities

I am North Cities is a statement that can be a representation on so many different levels and it can also have a large variety of meanings, but in the end it all equals one thing, "I am North Cities." What is important is that you discover your own meaning to the saying. Some look at "I am North Cities" and immediately think "what in the world" or "cocky." I understand where these thoughts can come from, however it is way off of the true definition of this meaning and the failure to correctly communicate that is what has driven me to write this blog to clear the air up.

As already stated, "I am North Cities" can have a variety of different meanings, but please discover what it means to you.

In an organization, a family, or even a church you will find a number of different people, doing a number of different things. Each thing that each person does will effect the group as a whole in some way. Due to the fact that we are talking about North Cities, which happens to be my church, lets take a look at the church side of it. In a church you have tons of different people, and tons of different positions. One church can have apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, ushers, musicians, sound people, video people, maintenance people, cleaning people, prayer warriors, and so much more. These are titles or positions that are held at the church, but when you walk through the grocery store or you're on vacation, you are just another person and no one really knows you, so now you don't have to live up to the expectation of whatever your title may be at church. HOWEVER, if you're motto is "I am North Cities" (or whatever you would like to put in place of North Cities) then you will live with that integrity and commitment to the things your pastor and ministry team teach, no matter where you may be located. 

"I am North Cities" is not just saying I am this or that at North Cities UPC in Garland, Texas - Pastor D. G. Hargrove. 

"I am North Cities" is taking ownership of your church. Sure it is God's house, but we as saints are here to keep the church presentable and I believe we should. 

"I am North Cities" is saying that when I am walking alone through the sanctuary and there is trash on the ground, I pick it up and throw it away. No one is watching, no one would ever know, but you still pick it up because it needs to be done.

"I am North Cities" is representing my pastor, ministry team, church, and God to the best of my ability no matter where I am, no matter if I think some one knows me or not, I represent them regardless, because I am not just a Christian when I am at church, but I am a Christian everywhere I go. What if I am rude to someone and they come to my church the following Sunday and see me there and feel uncomfortable because I didn't act like a Christian that one time. What if someone sees me in public living a certain way that my pastor teaches against and then they try and develop a relationship with God at my church and become confused because of that one time they saw me living another life. 

"I am North Cities" is going out into the rain and pulling an elderly person's car up to the door so they don't have to venture out into the weather.

"I am North Cities" is not just being a member of a church, it is being a representation of Jesus to someone else in life.

"I am North Cities" is not about a following a certain religion, but it's about having a relationship with God.

It's not the time to be scared about the things of God. It's the time to stop hiding from what we believe when the church folk aren't around. Stop being like the brothers of David and hiding in your fox hole anytime you see the enemy or hear his voice. But be like David and say, "I come to thee in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied. This day will the LORD deliver thee into mine hand..."

You see its not time to blend in with the crowd, but it is time to stand tall and proclaim - "I am North Cities" 

Stop being embarrassed!! Wear it loud and proud - "I am North Cities"

When you're at church - "I am North Cities"

When you're at the mall - "I am North Cities"

When your friends try to gossip to ya - "I am North Cities"

When you have the chance to do things out of Christian character - "I am North Cities"

So proclaim it with me! Put it on your MySpace or FaceBook status, take it to the mall, put it everywhere!

I am North Cities... Are you?