“Religion is about having the right answers, and some of their answers are right… but I am about the process that takes you to the living answer… it will change you from the inside. There are a lot of smart people who are able to say a lot of right things from their brain because they have been told what the right answers are, but they don’t know Me at all.”
― William P. Young “The Shack”
I’m hardly a Bible expert: I remember as many verses as I’ve forgotten. I don’t worship as formally as I did when I was a girl and there are times I feel guilty about it.
But I do know this: I know Him and He knows me.
He’s with me on my walks.
I feel His nudge to pay attention to nagging thoughts or a blossoming ideas.
I see Him in my boys and grandchildren; laughing, talking and enjoying being together.
I feel Him around me, comforting me, hearing me, settling me.
So when some of the talking heads start spouting off their views on religion and reproduction and rapture? I wonder if they’ve ever even met.
Oh, MJ, this is powerful, beautiful, moving. I know HIM! I don’t know exactly what that means. But I know that truth.
Hugs,
Kathy
Thank you, Kathy. MJ
I agree. More than the talking heads, I see what happens in the world and I wonder who really knows Him. I’ve been avoiding the blogosphere, lately, MJ. My emotions are weighted down by the ways of the world lately. Your sentiment touches on a part of what I am feeling. Thank you for expressing yourself so well.
I understand, LD. MJ
“He walks with me…and He talks with me…and tells me I am His own”…as the lyrics say…excellent post, MJ.
one of my favorites
MJ
I agree. And, luckily, there are some compassionate religious organizations to be found that support our living experiences in a healthy way.
I would like to find what you’ve described. Truth be told, I’m afraid of most churches. I know that sounds weird, but I am. MJ
I know. It’s a common problem that progressive churches face. No one believes that there are churches out there that don’t want to tell you what to believe! But there are. I belong to one. And when you find a faith place that supports you in exploring the world with all the doubts and questions, it is a very, very good thing.
I loved the book The Shack, I read it about four years ago, and it was an amazing experience, one that I still draw on. I agree, a lot of the religious talking heads just don’t get it, at least from my point of view. I think true religion is largely quiet, seen in action rather than in a lot of words. The words are important, but I believe that dialogue should largely be between an individual and God. Others need to see our God-inspired actions, not hear our words. ~ Sheila
That book was very impactful to me as well. So many moments that really made me think. I agree with you, I feel that, for me, it’s how I live. It’s who I am when no one’s there to see or measure that matters. It’s good to go and join in a group setting, but, since I was a girl, I haven’t found a Church family that I felt that comfort with. I’ve felt groups who were very nice and always felt a bit claustrophobic in some ways. Maybe it’s me, maybe it’s a control issue, but it’s something I think about often. He was with me in the restaurant when I reached out to that little boy, I know it.
MJ
It’s a journey. A faith journey. It’s wonderful and very personal, just as you described.
The most revealing thing to me happened when my father died. Several ministers/priests stepped forward to pay their condolences to my mother and offer to speak at his funeral. No, religious affiliation did not matter; the man who was and still lives in our hearts and memories, did. Oh…you bring tears to my eyes two mornings in a row now.
Yes, highly personal and individualized.
“The man who was and still lives in our hearts and memories matters.” That’s a real testament to your Dad, and the impact he had on others in his life. Hugs to you, Georgette. You were loved as was he.
MJ
Amen, and Amen.
R
If religion makes you feel guilty, there is something wrong…
I Walk Beside You
Agreed, Coop.
I long for my little country church from childhood with it’s musty basement for Sunday School crafts & lessons, coffee percolator for bridal showers, and even the concrete steps we’d spill out onto after service, our faces to the wind and sunshine.
Until I find a similar church home, I am grateful to know that He is with me wherever I go.. MJ
Powerful!
Thank you
MJ
Amen, MJ, amen. We need to be praying for our country, leadership, etc.
Beautiful post, MJ
I know Him, too and it’s an amazing relationship!
Thank you, Sandi. I agree .. it is amazing and humbling and hopeful, all in one. MJ
You have the essence of faith in all of your work. I think we often get wrapped up in the ceremony of religion and lose the true meaning of a personal relationship. You have that. You need nothing more.
Wow! Thank you, Renee, for the affirmation.
MJ
Nicely written! Amen!
Thank you, Leah.. Love your new pic!
MJ