More Relevance

FROM: redeemtheday.org

How Exactly can I be Relevant By Chris Kelley

How exactly can I be relevant?

I suppose “being relevant” is subjective at times and changes from one person to another. So, I would say that you can’t generalize what is relevant and try to label something for an entire generation. It’s like the pop-culture label of “Generation X”… it’s like saying that every single person in this generation is directionless and without clear boundaries. In my opinion such a label is irrelevant because it means almost nothing to the individual. The truth is that God has made each of us to be unique and have a unique perspective on what’s relevant. We may share some common beliefs, opinions and practices but in the end, we still have our own personal twists and quirks on things.

So, if you want to be relevant to someone then you have to find out what matters to them… what is relevant to them. There’s no point in talking about what’s relevant to you if your audience doesn’t see things in a similar light. I think it’s through such an understanding of one another that we can really see into the unique souls that the Lord has created. Or to use a coined phrase, we can see what “makes people tick”.

One avenue in which I’ve found myself to be relevant to others is through Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. For those of you that are not familiar with this martial art it’s a style of grappling that revolves around choking, joint locking and pain submissions. Sounds fun eh? Well, it is indeed fun and many other people agree (and I’ve run across a few who don’t!). Because of this common ground I’ve had the opportunity to meet and get to know people that I might otherwise never have met. Because I have shared with others in the enjoyment and competition of this sport I’ve had the opportunity and audience to witness for Christ. Because I was viewed as relevant by the people I’ve trained with I was able to freely discuss my faith because established feelings of respect and brotherhood.

I think that might be a vital component of being relevant to one another… by fostering feelings of respect. In my opinion, when you respect another person you will listen to that person even if you don’t agree with them. In the very least, they will listen because they already know and respect you. Here’s an example to illustrate the point… try to put yourself in the shoes of a non-believer; who would you be more likely to listen to? Would you openly listen to someone you already know and respect or would you be more likely to openly listen to someone you don’t know and approached you right off the street? Some might say that either one is fine (and for some it is) but I would choose a friend over a stranger for such things.

In any case, if you want to be relevant to one another then find out what makes another person tick because that’s what really matters to them! -Peace-

Chris Kelley <><

Age: 29
Hilliard, OH

I’m married to my super-hot wife Lani, have a dog (Helia) and cat (Nocho), love video games (Xbox), collect swords (from Lord of the Rings), like to grapple/wrestle (I particularly like to beat on my friends), read fantasy novels and like shoot bullets at inanimate objects. I’m currently in school at Ohio State University for another degree and pursuing an education in Industrial Design… I hope to work in Transportation Design or Concept Design (and work on movies!).