Long Weekend
Posted by Ingrid on 2 September 2008
Footprints of Jesus by Aaron Hicks
A lot happened this week. My dog-dog was sick and needed to be doctored. So I didn’t stray to far from home. So what made this weekend full? A reminder.
I have been in a real deep crisis of spirit lately — so much so that I was looking back on my life and questioning my faith. I could feel myself slipping and it was a terrible feeling. I had spoken to a friend who shared with me (after I poured out to her that I was feeling some kinda way about church in general) that it was in this space that God was able to deal with my heart because I was being honest about it.
I haven’t been to church in over a year. My reasons are all the reason you always hear from people who quit attending church. The pastor is a crook or a whoremonger. The politics behind organized religion are sickening. The lack of true Christ centered teaching or the constant sermons with an agenda. You know the stuff I refer to as Kool-Aid.
So what was my reminder you may ask? Jesus is still there. No matter how angry or disenchanted I may feel He is still Jesus. He doesn’t change. He is consistently there for me even when I am so bogged down in negative emotion I forget to call on him. And the second before I get to far gone in my anger he sends me a reminder.
“I am not a man that I should lie nor am I the son of man that I may change my mind” (Numbers 23:19)
In essence God’s promises stand up to even our darkest moments of doubt. How’s that for a reminder!
Fred Hammond
You Are the Living Word
rawdawgbuffalo said
some cant live the word and thats sad
GC said
how’s your puppy now?
BlackWomenBlowTheTrumpet.blogspot.com said
Hey there Ingrid!
As a cleric, I can assure you that there is a difference between a church mafia …and a real church.
Two weeks ago, i wrote a post to expose the shenanigans of the church mafia in my post, “Disarming and Dismantling The Church Mafia”.
I have met many women who tell me they left the church but when they describe what they think is “the church” they are describing a church mafia. It’s GREAT that they left the mafia! The mafia has NOTHING to offer Christ-centered people.
Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa
BlackWomenBlowTheTrumpet.blogspot.com said
Hi again!
Here’s a booklet that you may find interesting:
http://www.rbc.org/uploadedfiles/Bible_Study/Discovery_Series/PDF/the_church_we_need.pdf
“THE CHURCH WE NEED”
Peace, blessings and DUNAMIS!
Lisa
Ingrid said
@ Torrance… I think it is human nature to struggle with the ideals of faith. That’s what makes us human… our imperfection. What is truly sad is when you can’t be honest about how you really feel. Even when how you feel is ugly.
@ GC… the baby is much better now. It took a week for him to get back to normal. One of the problems with living in a less progressive city is the lack of access to 24 hour pet care. The Vet couldn’t see him because she was booked up, but she gave me excellent care instructions and between her and the internet he’s all better!
@ Lisa… I agree whole heartedly. Having been a key player in the inner workings of a relatively large church I know first hand what you mean by the mafia. The problem is there is no where to run to when you run from that environment. When you escape that atmosphere there is no where to turn and you are lost in purgatory. Being a true believer, but with no place to call home. Thank you for the book. I will read it ASAP.
thegayte_keeper said
LOVE THE SITE…WILL BE BACK FOR SURE!
blujewel said
i haven’t been to my church since April and I miss it like crazy. My reasons aren’t like yours as I rather like my church, but I do understand the act of spiritual warfare. I suggest that you find time each day to spend time with God and continue your personal relationship with Him. And if Sundays is your preferred day of full worship, then create an environment in your home to have devotional with songs, the word, and time for prayer and confession. It’s a practice that I’ve used and it’s helped me a lot.
Hope your doggie is better now.
Love!
nikki indigo said
that song is the last one i listened to with my granny before she died. thank you for playing it, ingrid.
Believer 1964 said
God is in your heart, and the church are believers not a building.
I recommend Lee Strobel’s, A Case For Faith: The Film, it was nothing short of a mini-retreat with Jesus for me.
You may find the spiritual quandary of Charles Templeton enlightening.
I am celebrating in your faith to hold on even when the answers are confusing or not clear.
Truly, it is better to know God than to know answers.
Believer 1964 said
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8z6f7hPQ2Qk
Lee Strobel: The Case for Faith (Preview)