Blue Like Jazz -- Digging Deep!

I recently read a book which has caused me to really think about my faith: what i believe, why i believe what i believe, and how what i believe... impacts my life. Blue Like Jazz, written by Donald Miller, is a candid "journal" of thoughts which challenged me to look at the christian faith and really dig deep. It caused me to reflect and to see my "faith" in a different light. The last time i read a book that caused this type of impact was Putting Amazing Back Into Grace by Horton. Although the books are very different, nonetheless, it was an eye opening look at how much i often restrict the christian faith into a narrow box and how i at times feel like the outside is "bad". but is that always the case? being different in the world yet standing firm in my beliefs can actually happen. so often i think "different" is bad. why is that?

how can i reach the world for christ, when i am to "afraid" to step out, be different, stand for something (that acutally means something), and not be fearful that i won't relate to others? my desire is to passionately pursue Christ and reflect him daily. the ironic thing is: when i'm in the "box", i seem to be more consumed with "myself" yet its safe. its a case of getting over myself. boy, seeing my sinfulness and selfishness can be hard to swallow... yet its so refreshing. i consider that progress!