Even as I was writing and posting yesterday's post, I knew it could lead to... questions... and perhaps an unacceptance of what I shared. I recognize that... but the first video that popped up this morning as I was thinking how to proceed thereafter, was the above Frank Shaeffer video. It's an important one which may cover many of the questions you could be having these days...
I have no idea just how many books it would take to document what has happened; however, I have chosen to follow this man who continues to update information of how exactly given his background, involvement, and then his decision to remove himself from exactly what was evolving... Much of what he discloses in just this one video interview, is, in my opinion, just how those who call themselves christians are using us to garner contributions into private pockets... Take heed about Schaeffer's opinions about Pelosi's replacement in the House of Representatives.
You know, folks, a member of my family recently called Pelosi "evil..." without explaining why such a feeling had been made. It seems to me that everything that is being attacked right now is just a continuation. Others have referred negatively to our president without, again, explaining exactly why they feel these ways. In fact, there has been considerable disinformation about the president's character that is spewed across the nation, without any specifics or without documentation. One has already been debunked...
Many have chosen to pull away rather than be associated with Christianity. I find I cannot do that. Mainly because it is a false existence. I believe God is Real and He is Part of our Lives if we Allow it. That key last part is the issue. When you open yourselves up to God, and He has accepted You as His Child, then He will guide us on all things. Sometimes, I will admit, in the past, I "chose" not to follow what He was telling me... Then, knowing, that with His giving us Free Will, perhaps it was to be expected, especially when we are younger and trying to find our way in the world in which we live.
Now, in my opinion, there is a key issue that must be faced, just as Frank Shaeffer had to do to pull away from His father's beliefs and actions. IF WE BELIEVE IN CHRIST, HE TELLS US THAT WE MUST LOVE ONE ANOTHER...
I would clarify, for myself, that I have found that, in trying to do so, I have sometimes failed. However, in failing, I also accepted that it was my failure, not anybody else's. When I reach this point, I often find that I am unable to proceed without bringing in the emotional damages which resulted in a change of brain chemistry... To accommodate to this, however, what I have mostly done is just to withdraw from an individual with whom I am unable to effectively communicate. I do not change my basic love of that individual, rather I acknowledge to myself that if I am unable to interact in a courteous manner, I will not, insofar as possible, seek retribution, vengeance, or, even, an apology... You know, folks, I have found that very few people remember the simple word, Sorry.
How did we get to the point where, in most situations, there is little kindness, respect, or just common courtesy in our interactions?
This is what I know. I have met, known, or heard through the internet or on other media options, people of all races, religions, and sexual orientations. If they did not share that information openly, I would not normally even be able to identify those differences. I have loved and/or found friendship from all of these individuals, who are different in some way from me. I believe this is what Jesus requires of us...
Therefore, while I choose to believe and remain to be a follower of Jesus Christ, I, just like Jesus did when he interacted with the Samaritan Woman... I strive to care for each and every individual I interact with. It is difficult, maybe impossible, but that does not change my desire to follow Jesus as He has asked us to do...
I can never at this point reject Jesus... My family is republican... My family and friends may believe that a Theocracy is what America needs. I do not believe that is what is needed. There is much that bothers me about America, but none of them are those things that the republican party and evangelical christians claim is needed to make American great again.
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