I am a Christian.

[mela_lyn]

I'm sure I don't say this enough or show it in my words and actions the way I should but there it is.  I am a Christian.  I've not been really practicing for months, though I still talk to God.  I've been thinking about my faith more and more; as Easter approaches, I can't help wonder where I am going to worship.

I am ashamed to say that I am often

Comments

[firesmithsghost]

I’m fairly certain somewhere on my flist are people of your faith and people who are not. I’ve always considered religion much like sexual preferences; unless there is something interesting and some potential writing material, it is likely better not to openly discuss the details

[mela_lyn]

Thanks, Mike. I appreciate that. I'm not trying to 'rub my faith' in anyone's face. I was more compelled to write this b/c I am not living up to who I want to be and it has been grating on me for quite some time. I won't preach to anyone but I may post about my soul searching and I guess this was my way of saying: I have always tried to treat your posts with respect and I pray you do the same but I'm scared. Especially after being attacked for posts about being against abortion, etc.

And almost find it ironic that you would not assume I'm Christian b/c in my world, I grew up assuming everyone was. :) Even now it's the first religion I think people must be. I don't know why. In-grained in my head... Still the most statistically followed religion (albeit in many forms)...

And I'm totally going to start a sect called The Jewish Zombie Followers b/c I still find that the funniest way of putting it. We Christians probably have one of the first 'zombie' stories. Strikes me as funny.

[firesmithsghost]

I wonder in what areas you think you are failing, really. You're a great person, as far as I can tell from LJ and email. Abortion is a personal choice much like religion. I'm not for no more than I am for smoking but it is a personal choice.

What you post about is your personal decision because it is your journal. We get the 100% Missy, whatever you want to share or not, and if someone doesn't like you, or what you believe, that's their problem, not yours. No one has ever forced me to read anything anyone wrote, not since grade school, and you really are going to have to work very hard to offend me with something that makes you, who you are.

I said it before and I will say it again, who you are speaks well for what you believe, Missy.

Take Care,
Mike

[mela_lyn]

Thank you, Mike.

I know I am a generally good person. My intentions are usually good (usually... even I dream about running stupid people off the road when I drive... which is probably why Sam drives more...). Anyway, I guess no one is truly fully aware of all the little crazy thoughts that pop-off in your head and those are what bother me the most.

Guess I've been doing some 'deep thinking' lately and it's left me craving clarity. I have no questions about what I believe in but more how well I am following it.

And this is where my head starts bemoaning that I'm getting older with adult problems and I dream of being a teenager only to realize that had problems that sucked more than now. :)

But part of the reason I share this is b/c you, my friends, have good insights and I welcome them.

[i_amsherlocked]

I think you are living the way you're supposed to because it shows in pretty much every thing you say already. You are one of the sweetest, most conscientious people I know on LJ. :HUGS: I'd thought you'd mentioned it before now. Believe me, the first person who throws a stone your way is gonna have a whole host of us after them in defense of your honor.
I don't talk about religion or my personal thoughts on it at all because I feel pretty controversial and I've never wanted to start that sort of a discussion in my LJ.
I have friends in all walks of faith (including the complete lack thereof) and I feel like there is such a beautiful common connection between everyone that runs through each different facet of belief.
I think that your tolerance is a good thing, not something that detracts from your christianity.

[mela_lyn]

My husband and I saw a bumper sticker that used the symbols from about 20 faiths to spell out PEACE. We were both impressed with it. Yes, we definitely have our beliefs but there's no reason not to live in harmony. But then I can say that and turn around and speak out against something like abortion. It's so frustrating - that mix of truth and contradiction.

But I do have awesome friends on LJ. You - the bubbly, happy, amazing mom with awesome craft ideas. Mike - our deep thinker with a twisted sense of humor and a slight flirt. :) And the list goes on and on... *hugs*

[i_amsherlocked]

I have a similar bumper sticker that says coexist! I love it!

I think it's okay to be tolerant of other folks' beliefs, but to speak out for your own. Especially when it is something that important to you!
(When I make him irritated, my dad says that he has to love me, but not my actions, so maybe that is how you'd apply that?)

[elspeff]

Actually, kudos for having the courage to admit that you are a Christian, and I concur with what has been said here already - you are a very positive advertisement for Christianity

[mela_lyn]

Oh, I haven't abandoned any of my interests... I just can't stop myself from wondering. Other things trigger deeper concern, but I'm not ready to fully expose my deepest fears.

And I slip and swear and have alcohol. Does not make you a bad Christian, just human. Sometimes I think it's the Christians who admit to being imperfect and aren't afraid of making mistakes that are the best example. How intimidating would it be if you had to BE perfect to be a Christian.

Thank you!! How's that cute baby? You know... it took a few glances to realize what was in your icon. All that skin tone had me confused. :p

[elspeff]

Baby is absolutely gorgeous and wonderful and inspiring and the best thing that ever happened to me (after meeting her dad, of course) and we're STILL waiting for the knock at the door and for someone to say "Erm, we made a mistake...!" Actually, in terms of journeys of self-improvement, it's my wee girl that makes me want to be a better person. The picture of her foot was chosen as my icon just because her feet are incredibly cute and perfectly, properly formed, unlike mine as a baby.

[mela_lyn]

It does make me want to reach out and tickle it. :)

[macbeaner]

well said! :) I'm glad you had the courage to speak up. Not many do anymore.

[mela_lyn]

Thanks. And I know, it's sad, isn't it? Like a reverse of what the world was like 50 years ago. Then it was dangerous to be homosexual or non-Christian and have a voice. Now it feels like it's dangerous to be Christian and possibly speak out against the 'non-secular'. That we're now considered close-minded no matter what b/c we've labeled ourselves 'Christian' but I'm sick of patsying around my beliefs and bending over backwards to be PC.

[mela_lyn]

Thanks. It's funny... my closest girlfriends here in Cleveland are: 1. very religious Christian, 2. somewhat religious (me), 3. believes in a higher power but can't decide which one, 4. believes in magic and tarot, etc. And we've been friends for over 2 years now. :) And we get together at least once a month for crafting, chatting, food, etc. Though we do sometimes get into religious or political (b/c the two always seem directly related) discussions, we tend to avoid them b/c that is the only time we stress each other out. :) *hugs*