Goofiest blog post title ever, right?
Well, I just thought I’d share this since it is Good Friday and all. I think I became a real Christian this week.
And when I say “real”, I realize that some people will conjure up a negative image but I’m not talking about a stereotype of any kind, because I wouldn’t fit.
Real Christian just means someone willing to accept the Christ-stand-in-for-me story. I’m still a liberal. I still agonize over pro-choice/pro-life. I don’t think it’s wise or safe to take the Bible verbatim, and I still don’t want to live in anyone’s version of a theocracy, not even my own. I still mostly believe in evolution, and I still question the “man from apes” thing, just like I have most of my life.
The thing is, this Christianity thing works for me. Maybe it’s not the only path, maybe it is. I have certainly met people devoutly, intentionally chasing God on other paths who would never consider Christianity. I don’t think God hates them, and well, you know, “Ask and you shall receive.” They’ve gotten their answer or will get it, no doubt because God doesn’t lie.
This is not an overnight “Jesus saved me” thing, to be frank, Christianese embarrasses the heck out of me and I won’t talk in it. Real spirituality takes time and pain. (I still very much subscribe to the “The Road Less Traveled
.”) And for me, LOTS and lots of arguing (with God, just call me Jacob).
Anyway, this all started last weekend. I did something, intentionally, that I should not have done, a thing I battle with, a recurring thing. So I felt bad, and I just kind of kept it real with God by telling him, this sucks, but it is what it is, and I’ll be going to hell and should just accept it. Not even self-pitying, just realistic, I’ve hit this wall too many times to think it could pass.
But I moved forward by reading some scripture and then I heard it. Kind of like a laugh, like when you think you’ve pissed off a good friend, and they are like, “Dear heart, you could never hurt me.” Not actual words, but a firm, calm reassurance that I’m not going to hell, don’t be silly. This is just an itty-bitty thing and God can work it out.
So on Sunday I dragged my lazy butt out of bed and went to service, and felt a few things speaking to me. In fact, Saturday and Sunday were days of what I call “remedial” spirituality, where God does things like put flaming billboards in front of you with text like, “I LOVE YOU WILDLY” or “TASTE THE GOODNESS” or something.
Then, on Monday night I went to my new church group (which I am SO digging) and the pastor surprised us by playing about an hour of “The Passion of the Christ“. Now, I’ve seen this before, but between film school jaded-ness, my loathing of Mel Gibson, and the whole “I don’t know about this stuff” thing, it had pretty much no impact.
But on Monday night, it did. In fact, I was THRILLED that Richie didn’t play all of the scourging scene, because just the beginning was making me queasy. Maybe it was just hormonal, but I really felt something this time when the movie played.
Am I making too much of this? I don’t know, and I don’t care. God is with me, He has been for a long, long time. I’m coming out of a dark patch into a “prayers are being answered, life is beautiful, all is well” area. I’m not sure how long it will last, but I don’t care. Is it my Christianity that has brought me there? I don’t know but I’m sure that my faith has played some part, a really, really big part.
Anyway, happy Easter to all who partake, and peace and wild God abundance is my wish for those of you don’t.
mom.of.2 says
I don’t know you so I won’t judge you. I will, however,give my opinion and the truth. First of all, you “think” you became a “real Christian this week?” i’m quite confused. You’re either born-again (saved) or you’re not. John 3:3 reads “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” If you are a “real Christian” why wouldn’t you take the Bible “verbatim” when it’s the absolute truth. This is your shield and armor, the most powerful weapon you can use to defend your faith. You are contradicting yourself on so many levels that it frustrates me. why would anyone settle for going to hell if there is still hope that lives in Christ Jesus if we simply believe in Him.
as Christians, we go through our up and downs and somehow lose our path in our walk with the Lord, but the Lord has never left or lost us. we repent and ask for forgiveness, and we continue to strive to be more Christ-like.
As for the term Easter, here is an excerpt from my pastor’s message:
I. Incorrect Attribution of Resurrection Sunday
1) Let’s dive right into it. First of all, let’s discuss the term for Easter. It is now been associated with Christ’s resurrection for as long as we remember. Unfortunately, the Scriptures nor any Biblical scholars never agree that the term Easter should be associated with Christ’s resurrection. The term “easter” stems from ancient polytheistic religions. It is a pagan term dating back to the flood, the original beginning of the Babylonian empire. Easter is the name of the Teutonic goddess of Spring or fertility, which was then associated Semiramis, the wife of the first ruler of Babylon.
2) As far as the bunny goes, rabbits have always been known as the sexual symbol of fertility. Additionally, the easter bunny is associated with the mother goddess of Spring. The easter egg, draws from it’s ancient traditions that the egg is a sacred symbol from where the Spring goddess of fertility, Semiramis hatched.
3) Isn’t it interesting that the act of Jesus Christ that destroyed death has now been obscured by the term easter, Ishtar, bunnies, and eggs, all of which come from pagan traditions that mock the story of Christ? Isn’t it even more interesting that we’ve accepted it and never questioned it, not even church leaders today? This is the reason why we try to change the thinking and call this day, Resurrection Sunday.
4) This day should be about Christ. And too often, the word association of easter contains words of bunnies, pastels, and eggs, hunting and painting. Today, we try to remind ourselves and teach ourselves new things regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
mom.of.2 says
I don’t know you so I won’t judge you. I will, however,give my opinion and the truth. First of all, you “think” you became a “real Christian this week?” i’m quite confused. You’re either born-again (saved) or you’re not. John 3:3 reads “unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” If you are a “real Christian” why wouldn’t you take the Bible “verbatim” when it’s the absolute truth. This is your shield and armor, the most powerful weapon you can use to defend your faith. You are contradicting yourself on so many levels that it frustrates me. why would anyone settle for going to hell if there is still hope that lives in Christ Jesus if we simply believe in Him.
as Christians, we go through our up and downs and somehow lose our path in our walk with the Lord, but the Lord has never left or lost us. we repent and ask for forgiveness, and we continue to strive to be more Christ-like.
As for the term Easter, here is an excerpt from my pastor’s message:
I. Incorrect Attribution of Resurrection Sunday
1) Let’s dive right into it. First of all, let’s discuss the term for Easter. It is now been associated with Christ’s resurrection for as long as we remember. Unfortunately, the Scriptures nor any Biblical scholars never agree that the term Easter should be associated with Christ’s resurrection. The term “easter” stems from ancient polytheistic religions. It is a pagan term dating back to the flood, the original beginning of the Babylonian empire. Easter is the name of the Teutonic goddess of Spring or fertility, which was then associated Semiramis, the wife of the first ruler of Babylon.
2) As far as the bunny goes, rabbits have always been known as the sexual symbol of fertility. Additionally, the easter bunny is associated with the mother goddess of Spring. The easter egg, draws from it’s ancient traditions that the egg is a sacred symbol from where the Spring goddess of fertility, Semiramis hatched.
3) Isn’t it interesting that the act of Jesus Christ that destroyed death has now been obscured by the term easter, Ishtar, bunnies, and eggs, all of which come from pagan traditions that mock the story of Christ? Isn’t it even more interesting that we’ve accepted it and never questioned it, not even church leaders today? This is the reason why we try to change the thinking and call this day, Resurrection Sunday.
4) This day should be about Christ. And too often, the word association of easter contains words of bunnies, pastels, and eggs, hunting and painting. Today, we try to remind ourselves and teach ourselves new things regarding the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
admin says
I wasn’t going to comment, partly because I’m very busy and very tired, but I decided that I really don’t feel as badly about Momof2’s comments as I did at first. (Don’t take it personally, Momof2, I am very sensitive, doubly so when I’m busy and tired. Triply so when hormonal. Yes, I’m just a barrel of fun to live with, lol!)
My journey with God started when I was 27, and that was 15,16 years ago. There was nothing immediate about it. Now, I know many “immediate” Christians, and I don’t deny that they are true. Thing is, I am true too, and I knew God for years and years before I could even begin to think about Christianity or Christ.
YEARS.
I get that people don’t believe it happens that way, all I can say, is that’s what happened to me. I don’t think at any point God intended to let me go (He did some real butt-kicking along the way.) “Saved” or “not saved” is literal, and biblical, it just doesn’t fit my story. I apologize if that offends anyone, or if you think I’m deluded. I can’t really say any more. Take it up with God.
I felt moved by a sermon to tell my spiritual story and it’s not easy for me to discuss. I don’t want to be attacked or flamed. Lord knows there’s a whole movement out there trying to make me feel like an idiot just because I believe in anything, and that’s painful enough. I’m just saying that we are all so very very different, and I do believe God wants us that way. To get to all the differences, He has to take different approaches. He’s a million times more creative than any artists I know (and I know some multi-talented folks).
Read “The Road Less Traveled” and you’ll see where I’m coming from, when Peck discusses the 4 stages of spirituality. I believed that before I even read the book.
admin says
I wasn’t going to comment, partly because I’m very busy and very tired, but I decided that I really don’t feel as badly about Momof2’s comments as I did at first. (Don’t take it personally, Momof2, I am very sensitive, doubly so when I’m busy and tired. Triply so when hormonal. Yes, I’m just a barrel of fun to live with, lol!)
My journey with God started when I was 27, and that was 15,16 years ago. There was nothing immediate about it. Now, I know many “immediate” Christians, and I don’t deny that they are true. Thing is, I am true too, and I knew God for years and years before I could even begin to think about Christianity or Christ.
YEARS.
I get that people don’t believe it happens that way, all I can say, is that’s what happened to me. I don’t think at any point God intended to let me go (He did some real butt-kicking along the way.) “Saved” or “not saved” is literal, and biblical, it just doesn’t fit my story. I apologize if that offends anyone, or if you think I’m deluded. I can’t really say any more. Take it up with God.
I felt moved by a sermon to tell my spiritual story and it’s not easy for me to discuss. I don’t want to be attacked or flamed. Lord knows there’s a whole movement out there trying to make me feel like an idiot just because I believe in anything, and that’s painful enough. I’m just saying that we are all so very very different, and I do believe God wants us that way. To get to all the differences, He has to take different approaches. He’s a million times more creative than any artists I know (and I know some multi-talented folks).
Read “The Road Less Traveled” and you’ll see where I’m coming from, when Peck discusses the 4 stages of spirituality. I believed that before I even read the book.
Adam Tooter says
Good Afternoon Gina,
I apologize if this is not the right forum to reach you on, but I did not see an email address and was hoping to reach you about a possible, product review, coupon, or giveaway. (whatever you think is best)
If you are interested please reach out to me at aktooter@gmail.com
I look forward to speaking with you soon,
Sincerely,
Adam Tooter
aktooter@gmail.com
203.536.4060
Adam Tooter says
Good Afternoon Gina,
I apologize if this is not the right forum to reach you on, but I did not see an email address and was hoping to reach you about a possible, product review, coupon, or giveaway. (whatever you think is best)
If you are interested please reach out to me at aktooter@gmail.com
I look forward to speaking with you soon,
Sincerely,
Adam Tooter
aktooter@gmail.com
203.536.4060
Sharlene says
I love this. And your enthusiasm for our group is shared by me too. So glad to know you!
admin says
Thank you! Yea, I get excited, I’m dorky that way, lol…Glad to know you too 🙂
Sharlene says
I love this. And your enthusiasm for our group is shared by me too. So glad to know you!
admin says
Thank you! Yea, I get excited, I’m dorky that way, lol…Glad to know you too 🙂