I recently went to a wedding at a church I used to go to. Katie and I kept remarking that it was like a class reunion, so-and-so got fatter, what’s-his-face went bald and so on, and so forth. It’s been several years since we’ve been back and it was really weird to see all the faces from the past.
What struck me about the conversations that I had were how overly aggressive the people were. They asked questions in rapid fire mode. "What have you done for the Lord lately?" "What church are you going to?" "Does your ministry move in the prophetic?" "We’re selling everything and moving several states away to follow the prophetic leading of the Lord… Do you still have the same old job here in town? Oh, hmmm, that's nice I guess."
They shook their head slowly with a sad little frown when they found out that we were no longer with the same denomination. They freaked out when someone would point out that I had a tattoo. Someone made a joke about a local bar, and there were looks of shock and horror when I said that I had been there and it wasn’t really that bad.
I’m sure they’re having prayer meetings about it right now.
11 comments:
Funny! I can imagine it quite clearly. :) Take heart, you are right where you should be. God's been using you powerfully at Hope! (Or so my parents frequently say).
Thanks Sara, and congratulations to you and Ben on your upcoming addition! This changes everything! You guys are going to be great parents!!
You know what's funny/sad to me about that crowd?
I invited every single person that I could think of from SR to come to our wedding two years ago and nobody even responded to our invitations...Yet I hear from mom that everybody was full of questions about how I was, what I was doing, whether I was in ministry and why I wasn't at the wedding to celebrate with them...Keep in mind Linds and I DID NOT receive an invitation, not even a phone call...tisk, tisk...
I'm so glad that I'm not a part of that crowd anymore, in fact, I thank the God that they perjure and proclaim in the same breath that I'm not "one of them."
Rant done. I wish Macy all the best.
been there...doing that.
freedom really freaks people out. especially those who think they are free but are not.
Jimmy - The same questions fire away every time I visit too. Seems like people are so caught up in their own self - righteousness that they can't love others that don't meet up to their standards of "righteous, christian" living. Oh well, at least we know that we are REAL and true to ourselves. I'm so glad that I am fully aware that I need to take care of #1 before I start worrying about what other people are/ aren't doing for the Lord. (I thought that was God's job to judge accordingly my acts of righteousness - I don't know, I could be wrong, the bible could be wrong too, I guess . . . )
Thank you Lord for the freedom to love you right where I'm at in my life; and that you think I'm lovely . . . even in my weakness!!!
P.S. BEN - We were'nt invited to the wedding either . . . How long have I/we known them; only about 23 years!! I would have gone to your wedding too, if I was invited . . . ;) - I love ya man!!
Oh man, Nikki, I know! I'm sorry about that, I totally lost track of you and Chris, probably like you did with me until this whole blog thing started up! I promise to invite you when we renew our vows in 20 years or so;)
Oh boy...Now I'm in trouble! You know I love you Jared! I suck at keeping in touch with old friends, let alone keeping an address book up to date!
Can I bribe you with a Godfather status for my firstborn son?
You know what's sad, I'm not even apart of this "affronted" crew and yet it seems all too similar to mine and, i'm sure, many other's experiences with church and moving. there definitely needs to be a change in perception -- and especially those damn questions. maybe 'how's life?' or, 'are you a newcastle or bud kinda guy?' you know, the basics.
nice blog, by the way.
it's fun dealing with pharisee's isn't it. "what have you done for the lord lately" . you've got to be kidding me.
it's the unfortunate religion that too many christians have gotten caught up in... too many extra rules beyond jesus' grace and mercy so people can feel extra holy. it's all a bunch of crap, bondage really.
jeff was right when he said freedom freaks people out.. i do think it freaks the older generations out a way more. i'm sure you blew it off man, and rightly so. i'm glad you're in that bar, that's where jesus would be if he were on this earth. that's where the people that need him are.
one of these days we'll hook up. until then...
ahem - Ben, I didn't get an invitation to your wedding (tsk-tsk) and yeah - I was probably getting drunk in a dingy bar after I got all of my prophetic tattoos - so I might not haver made it anyways-LOL...erik.niewald
Who can bear the arrows of a friend
Words can not describe the pain They carry
Wounds deep
Now heaped upon the pile
That covers the breath of a friend
Staying because that's where the Lord has led
Yet enduring the pain of the past And remembering the sincere ones Who I count as my brothers
Yes you young, idealistic and hopefull we were
Even though the pain tears at my heart
There is Love for you, not scorn Enduring love
The heart wrenching at this time And at every thought of those whom I counted as my closest
Not knowing what my unchanged sentiment is.
No matter what is said, written or thought
I will always have undying Love for you.
You are my Brothers
And I hope that I am yours no matter where the Lord leads me.
not so up on the blog thing like to speak if your mooved to
my digits are in the book, as always
JD
ps Ben I was upset that I didn't get an invite but I said well maybe he wanted a small wedding. oh well still love ya!
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