So, these are the same feet that are supposed to get me 100 miles across Turkey in one month... what in the world? I look forward to being an outcast once again in a foreign country (even if it is for two weeks). I have the privilege of going and studying the journeys of Paul under an amazing teacher, RVL. It is amazing at what Paul endured just so that our Christ would be known. He exemplified the Lord by the way He walked.I currently work with such a huge mix of people- I enjoy this a lot. There are various backgrounds, lifestyles, and beliefs represented in my "trailer." Well, today I ended up in a conversation centered on how Christianity is a cult. "People should not be forced to believe one way... people can chose their own religion and not push it on others like the Evangelicals do"- is what I heard.
The conversation went on to talk about a previous pastor in Colorado (with whom I am very familiar with) and how he could be engaging in homosexual activity with a prostitute all the while condemning others who are doing the same thing- just out in the open "what hypocrites these Christians are" is what filled the air today.
I listened and wanted to defend immediately- to somehow tell them that they have been misinformed about Christianity... to tell them it wasn't a brainwash fest... to tell them that Christians, including pastors are not exempt from anything, including temptation. I would have defended as much as I could with my words... I sat there thinking...No, this is what they are used to- words, words words! It is the very thing that has hurt us in the first place... words- Empty words without actions behind them. Do people need to know Christ's love? Yes- most have heard of it. But, not many have experienced it with actions.
If we, the "believers" of today quit worrying about our differences and come together based on the one most important thing we have in common- our Lord...the word Christianity would not make so many cringe. Our words would be put into actions. I sincerely hope that the people in that room today will experience Him, not just hear about him.
Who was it that washed the disciples' feet anyways? Oh yah, the guy who touched a man's eyes and he saw, fed the starving, defended a woman caught in adultery, loved the brokenhearted, and served the Rich. We need to desire desperately to be like that man, in not only our words but our actions.
4 comments:
So true, Shan! Deep down, my heart wants nothing more than to love like Jesus...to walk in His Spirit, see with His eyes, listen with His ears, touch with His hands, and then maybe speak with His words. I'm so far from that, but know that each day He continues what He started until it's complete at His return! Blessings to you, friend. Can't wait for Turkey!
Hey Shantra,
so will you go to Turkey? If yeah
so came here thats isn't too far
to Slovakia :-) So? Think about it
and let me know...That could be
very very\ nice to see you ...
hmm something happend with my
blog this is weird...Could someone
changed my password?Majka-girl
I don't know exactly what to say. I am thinking of you and praying for you Shantra. No one will ever take the place of our beautiful Anne. I know she is with God now and in a wonderful place. She will always be in my heart.
Shantra,
I did not know about your blog during the time your mom was sick. Since we have never met I was not aware of your love for our Lord.
Witnessing the death of someone so dear (or I imagine anyone) is a very spiritual experience. When I walked through the last months of my twin's (Siri) life, I learned what it was to walk in faith. Often times without feeling any presence of his spirit or peace, I found that his word was my food, my hope, my salvation and my hope! Everything I had ever heard, every experience that had built my relationship with him sustained me through the darkest time of my life. How wonderful to walk through something so incredibly painful and know that I had a God who was ever faithful, ever concerned and so able to sustain me.
It is true that the days ahead may be the worst and darkest that you have ever experienced thus far. You may question all that you thought you knew about yourself. You may think that this dark grief may swallow you in spite of your determination. But, what I know is that your love of the Lord and more importantly His love for you WILL take you to the other side of your grief.
Be patient with yourself. Allow yourself to rest. Honor every memory of her, talk of her until you have nothing more to say and be willing to take this journey with God. His loving arms will be open to you.
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