I Dare You to L.O.L. (Live Out Loud)

Friday evening I attended the Amherst County production of The Wizard of Oz. Pulling into Amherst County High School’s parking lot I followed the car ahead of me, pulled out what I needed and began the trek to the auditorium. I took about four steps when I was attacked my one of my favorite little people. The youngest daughter of our pastor, Miss Emma embodies life. She says what she feels and acts how she wants to act. Miss Emma lives life fully and completely. One of my favorite qualities about her is she thinks “big thinks” for a second grader. Miss Emma asks why (and why not) and her imagination is limitless. After exchanging hugs with her mom (Miss Emma does not hug, willingly – she just wants you to know she sees you), we traveled together to the auditorium.

From the opening chord the night was magical. The cast gave 200% and the music was spectacular (the cowardly lion was incredible), but it was the Munchkins who stole the show. Comprised of community children (including Miss Emma’s sister) these little ones were animated, energetic and everything a Munchkin should be. As a group they were top notch but a few of them enjoyed the spotlight for their 15 minutes of fame. I laughed. I giggled. Tears came to my eyes as I watched these children live life fully and completely…putting all of themselves into the performance.

Later that night I began to wonder. At what age do we decide we cannot dance, sing and perform? At what age do we stop challenging ourselves and settle for the known and a life without magic and wonder and moments in the spotlight? At what age do we forget life is to be lived fully and out loud?

These are important questions. Religious traditions teach life is a sacred gift. Life is something to be lived fully and completely. Life is meant to be savored. Magic, imagination, wonder and moments in the spotlight empower us to become.

As Spring rolls into Lynchburg I double dog dare you to live life fully and completely. I dare you to use your imagination to dream dreams and try something new. I challenge you to step into your moments in the spotlight and lay hold of that which calls your name. I dare you to live the life the Sacred Divine gave you with audacity and boldness. I invite you to live life asking why and why not and then boldly dancing into the possibilities. I invite you to live.

Carpe diem, fellow Hornets. Seize the day!

Katrina