Hi all !
So sorry that it’s been so long ! As I’m sure a lot of you are, I’ve been wading through this weird, new season. I have been struggling with finding routine and a new normal, although, as the days pass, I think we’re figuring it out. I’ve also been feeling a bit conflicted about content, what’s been on my heart, and what I wanted to share with you. Then, when I finally felt ready to share another blog, I realized I was locked out of my blogging platform (Ya’ll, I swear I am so technologically challenged, which frustrates my I.T. husband more than, I’m sure, he lets on.)
Anyway, I was cleaning my house the other day, and it sparked my desire to share my thoughts with you. Exciting, right ? Bear with me...
As I got to mine and my husband’s bedroom, I was dusting our bedside tables and was proud to find a “Christian-based” book on both of our tables. Whether they’ve been read or not, I’ll let you decide. However, I thought, “Wow. I’m proud of us. That says something about us, right. At least we’re prioritizing the right content.” But then I got to thinking... “What does that mean ? What does it say about us ? Especially in the world that we are currently living in, what does being a “Christian” mean?”
I feel like social media, mainstream media, and all the like, have been able to represent opinions and facts from every perspective you could ever imagine. I always say that wish I was more educated and understood the multi-faceted positions where all these representations originate from, but the reality is, I just don’t. Here, however, is what I do know: Christ loved everyone. Jesus invited everyone and anyone to follow Him. So, to be a Christian is to follow Christ, right ? This is where I’ve decided to plant my feet and build my foundation. As someone who calls them self a Christian woman, I am going to decide to love everyone. And I say “decide”, because if I’m being completely honest, it doesn’t always come naturally. So yes, I’m going to consciously decide to love everyone. I’m going to love those whose opinion differs from mine. I’m going to love those whose upbringing was different than mine, those who’ve had different experiences than myself, different socioeconomic class, different political views, even different religious views (and the list goes on and on). Calling ourselves Christians doesn’t give us the power to judge those who live differently than ourselves and, in some ways, exclude them from what we’re apart of. As a matter of fact, I believe it’s the complete opposite. I sincerely believe that we are shaped by our individual experiences, whether it’s reality or our own perceived reality. There are reasons why people believe what they believe and feel the way they feel. Who am I to say that they’re beliefs and experiences are wrong and mine are right ? And, IF ! Let’s say if, if I felt that way, I can be kind and love them anyway. I can certainly have a conversation with someone and say, or even just think, “Ya know, those feelings are different than mine, but THAT’S OK !”
I think more than ever, those of us that call ourselves Christians need to come together and be the example that Jesus was/is. Embrace those with varying opinions from our own; and not only try to understand their view, but most importantly, love them anyway.
After Jesus had been tortured; beaten; and humiliated, He hung on the cross and asked God to forgive the participants that had just engaged in the aforementioned, disgusting acts. As His life was ending (seriously, imagine this) he is quoted saying, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Whoa. Can you imagine if we followed that example ? We encounter someone who has wronged us and instead of casting more hatred, more evil, we ask for God to forgive them ?
I don’t often participate in controversial conversation on social media. I, personally, just don’t find it very productive. However, a couple months ago, I, unintentionally, got caught up in a conversation regarding the various riots that were occurring across our country. I stated that, although I don’t understand all of it, I refuse to meet hatred with more hatred. If I want to diminish the ugly, I can’t cast more ugly.
I hope this doesn’t come across that we can’t all have our opinions and strong beliefs; I encourage that. Please, be more educated than I am! However, I just think it’s most productive if it’s done with kindness, respect, and love.
Also, please know that I haven’t always done a good job of this. I’m not, and never will be, perfect. I know I’ve hurt people, said things that I shouldn’t have, mistreated people, and all the like. And sadly, I can’t even say with 100% certainty that I won’t do it again in the future. But ! I can honestly say that, from the bottom of my heart, I am sincerely sorry. I will certainly continue to reflect on my future actions and try to do better.
Momma’s, I hope this finds all of you well. I will continue to pray for this sweet, little community. As always, thank you for reading along and for your support, whether near or far.
Until next time.... (hopefully you won’t have to wait so long)
Your,
(Loving) Christian Momma