Wednesday, May 30, 2012

No, I am NOT ashamed

I have never considered myself "religious".  Even during the most "churchy" times of my life, I did not proselytize  in any way.  I did not hand out tracts or sneak them under the toilet paper in public bathrooms as I heard others say they have done.  I didn't hand tracts to the tellers at banks.  I guess I am not a tract person.  I used to feel guilty that I didn't care more about lost souls.  


Now, I know the Bible says the fields are white unto harvest and more workers are needed.  Sorry, I've never been too good at that.  Oh yes, I went on two missions trips to Mexico to help with programs and Bible schools for children, but honestly, I went because I wanted to see Mexico and we couldn't afford a vacation at the time.  I was touched, however, by the people there.  They seem so light-hearted and happy, to have so little.  I came home very thankful for my house and all I have.  Mexico taught me more than I taught those children.  


I have never been ashamed of going to church.  
Hold on, I am leading up to something here.  


When I did the entry about how I wrote "God's Patchwork Quilt", I started out with a disclaimer that went something like this:  "Warning.  Religious content, if you are not comfortable with that, move along."
  
Then I thought of blogs I read that make fun of God and religion, and I realized none of them give any warning or disclaimer.  In fact, many of those people seem to have the primary goal of poking fun at others' beliefs in hopes those people will read what they have to say and feel bad about themselves.   

I support their right to speak their minds.  So then, why shouldn't I speak mine?  
I won't go into detail, but my beliefs have become ever more liberal as I grow older.  However, God is still a big part of my life. 

I talk to God often throughout the day, but I don't usually ask Him to change the order of things or perform miracles.  I ask Him for strength to deal with whatever comes my way, and I ask the same for my loved ones.  


At my age I seem to always be misplacing something, and when I've looked everywhere without results, I stop, take a deep breath, and say, "God, You are going to have to help me or I'll never find it."  
Nine times out of ten, He does.  

I'm sure that to people outside the church (in my book, "the Church" includes various denominations, not just one) might find the words to Patchwork Quilt rather insulting:  "We once were ragged remnants...," "a person without Jesus isn't much to brag about," etc.  
These lines are written from my viewpoint, from what my life was without Jesus.  The song isn't meant to put down outsiders.  It's all about me and my past.


In the end, I removed the disclaimer.  It's my blog, my beliefs, and my song. 

You don't have to like it. 

18 comments:

  1. Anonymous6:07 PM

    Well said Donna I like your blogs, & nothing in them seems wrong to me. Keep them coming they make me stop & think about so many things I would never think about otherwise.

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  2. I pretty much have the same philosophy about church. I don't think you need to go to church to be a Christian. If one wants to and enjoys it that is fine. I try to live a good life, help others and believe in a loving and kind God.

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  3. I am one of the people who makes fun of this, but I have no goal to make anyone feel bad. I think I only do it when I notice some over-the-top stupid stuff. Like at the blueberry patch there was a model of Noah's Ark with an explanation that dinosaurs would fit in it just fine.
    I feel if people are religious it's fine as long as they don't interfere with my life and they are good people. Religious doesn't always means good, there are plenty of examples.
    I wouldn't marry a person who sincerely believes in any religion,just because we don't have that in common, but I have plenty of friends who do.

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  4. For whatever it's worth, I'm not a "churchy" person, but I loved your song ~

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  5. Anonymous9:11 PM

    One of the great things about getting older, wiser and more mature---you know what you can say and what you don't have to apologize for.

    Good for you.

    Enjoy and keep it up.

    Mo Rage

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  6. As for me, I absolutaly loved the song and would really enjoy hearing you sing it. Maybe you could make a video for us sometime. Just something for you to think about! Keep up the good work!

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  7. It's a disheartening fact that we've come to a point where people are afraid (or ashamed) to admit that they are Christians and believe in God.

    I, for one, am tired of walking on eggshells for fear of offending someone. It's your blog and you have the right to say whatever you like.

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  8. So true, Donna. I pray like you do--for strength to handle what I need to. Sometimes it's the only thing that gets me through the day.

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  9. I agree with Jon. It's your BLOG. Do not walk on eggshells here. SAY what you want. No disclaimers needed. I thought the song was very good.

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  10. you know one of the reason I like gardening is I feel closer to God when I am on my knees in the dirt!
    I printed out your photo of your cattle on your header. I love looking at jersey cows.
    My son has a small Holstein cow and he brought me a gallon of milk yesterday. yummm, good!

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  11. You are right! Never be ashamed. Don't apologize for what you believe and who you are. I think that often it's the things you do and say in your everyday life that are what is important. You don't have to stand on a street corner and hand out tracts. I think the older I get the bigger my faith has become and yes, like you I'm often in prayer. Have a great Thursday!

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  12. I agree with Jon, TARYTERRE and Ma!!

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  13. You said it very well!

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  14. You rock. Period .

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  15. I am not a religious person, really. But as long as you don't push your beliefs on me, I'm fine. You don't and I'm good with that. If you post something I am not comfortable replying to, then I just won't say anything.

    I really like you and I am glad that your beliefs give you comfort.

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  16. Well, you got me wondering...I will look for the song you wrote and read it. I am a little bit of a poet but not musical so I am not a song writer.

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  17. I'm glad you removed the disclaimer. There was nothing wrong or insulting about that post that I saw, and there's no reason for you to apologize for your beliefs or your posts.

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