And I'm not sure I'd call a fair amount of what has come with globalization a good thing for the poor. Latin American's losing their farms to certain trade policies, sweatshops and the global trafficking of sex slaves, into our own country as well are some of the downsides of this very broad and complex process
( ... )
A side note: Why do you call yourself goatoverload and use an image of the dragon as your userpic? It's a bit scary. Please don't do it anymore, it's better for your spirituality and your wellbeing.
Its actually not a dragon, but a Kirin, a unicorn from Japanese mythology associated with healing and life. Dragons in Asia tend to be less violent, more about wisdom, healing too, by the way. A dear friend well versed in Japanese made it for me as a play on my name, which is Kieran, and I've used it in honor of him.
My username was another inside joke, I've considered changing it for awhile just because it seems silly now, but I'm afraid people won't be able to find me here. (I think there IS a way to have it all re-set in peoples profiles, but theres a fee, ick :P)
While I appreciate your concern, I would rather you didn't assume things about my spirituality without even knowing me. :P Still, I'm happy to answer questions, and to clear up any misunderstandings about my pic.
Perhaps we simply have different views of mythology. Do I believe in literal dragons and unicorns running around Japan? No, though I might enjoy studying the stories and exploring their art, just as I enjoy the arts and stories of my own Celtic heritage, but don't worship the ancient gods. I grew up studying greek mythology in school, but we don't hear about many of these other heritages. Its an interest of mine, not my religion.
I use this icon first of all because it was a gift of a dear friend. Though I've been thinking of getting some new ones to mix it up a bit. I'd let this journal go defunct for a while, so it hasn't been updated in ages.
People use all sorts of LJ icons, silly and serious around here, so I suppose I was a little confused why mine was getting special treatment. :P Does that clear it up bit?
None of my understandings of my faith tell me that, and I certainly don't consider my LJ icon to be an Icon in the religious sense. I trust the Holy Spirit to let me know if there's a problem, but appreciate your concern.
I'd be curious to better understand your understanding of these things, even if we view them differently.
Basically, I've been thinking that anything having to with the devil is something cursed, ie I would allow curses in my life if I somehow had to do with it. I know your case is different because your icon is not really a depiction of the devil. But personally, I would likely not use such an icon out of a fear that I might be attracting the evil one. As far as I get it, it's good to be wary of these things, yet in the same time it's also good not to cower in fear before them. I suppose, we all have different ways of dealing with those kinds of things and I might just be thinking a little differently. I know that sometimes both people can be right in an argument :).
I know that sometimes both people can be right in an argument :).One of the most profound things human beings can learn, especially when it comes to religion and politics. :P
( ... )
Guess you know what you're doing :). Perhaps I'm a bit too fragile.
About this demon thing, well I know that they're real. But it's good not to think of them. I think the very most of us christians don't have any. I'm assaulted by them often, continually one might say, but I also have a condition that opens me up to such evil kinds of forces. So perhaps I'm vulnerable while you aren't.
I don't like comparing people, we all have our strengths and fragilities. Don't get me started on when it comes to asking out women. :P
I've been having some interesting conversations lately, with both Christians and non-Christians who've experienced negative spiritual forces. I've caught hints of them at times, in dreams and the edge of sleep, but consider myself lucky, for whatever reason to not seem to attract/sense much of that. I've heard from a few people with certain conditions (I saw you sharing on another post, and appreciate your trust with us) that they sometimes seem to experience certain things more.
I respect your need to be especially careful of certain things given your past experiences and situation. I also sincerely hope seeing my icon isn't a stumbling block for you personally, now that we've talked about it a bit.
I'd love to offer a prayer for you, here or off the board if you'd be comfortable with that.
Biblically speaking I don't know of much about any curses relating to demons, etc. Most references to curses come to the warnings of Israel breaking its Covenant, and God is the one giving the blessing/curse. Sin/death is sometimes referred to as a curse in Christian hymns (Joy to the world- "as far as the curse is found," for example
( ... )
Reply
A side note: Why do you call yourself goatoverload and use an image of the dragon as your userpic? It's a bit scary. Please don't do it anymore, it's better for your spirituality and your wellbeing.
Reply
My username was another inside joke, I've considered changing it for awhile just because it seems silly now, but I'm afraid people won't be able to find me here. (I think there IS a way to have it all re-set in peoples profiles, but theres a fee, ick :P)
While I appreciate your concern, I would rather you didn't assume things about my spirituality without even knowing me. :P Still, I'm happy to answer questions, and to clear up any misunderstandings about my pic.
Reply
I don't think though that these mythologies are to be taken earnest. But maybe I'm missing something? Would like to understand you better in that.
Reply
I use this icon first of all because it was a gift of a dear friend. Though I've been thinking of getting some new ones to mix it up a bit. I'd let this journal go defunct for a while, so it hasn't been updated in ages.
People use all sorts of LJ icons, silly and serious around here, so I suppose I was a little confused why mine was getting special treatment. :P Does that clear it up bit?
Reply
Reply
I'd be curious to better understand your understanding of these things, even if we view them differently.
Reply
God bless!
Reply
Reply
About this demon thing, well I know that they're real. But it's good not to think of them. I think the very most of us christians don't have any. I'm assaulted by them often, continually one might say, but I also have a condition that opens me up to such evil kinds of forces. So perhaps I'm vulnerable while you aren't.
Reply
I've been having some interesting conversations lately, with both Christians and non-Christians who've experienced negative spiritual forces. I've caught hints of them at times, in dreams and the edge of sleep, but consider myself lucky, for whatever reason to not seem to attract/sense much of that. I've heard from a few people with certain conditions (I saw you sharing on another post, and appreciate your trust with us) that they sometimes seem to experience certain things more.
I respect your need to be especially careful of certain things given your past experiences and situation. I also sincerely hope seeing my icon isn't a stumbling block for you personally, now that we've talked about it a bit.
I'd love to offer a prayer for you, here or off the board if you'd be comfortable with that.
Reply
(The comment has been removed)
Reply
Reply
Reply
Reply
Leave a comment