Don't you love the exuberance of the song "Oh When the Saints"? I mean, how cool is it...like a ticker tape parade kind of a song. And you can just picture it. A whole crowd. Marching. Singing. Maybe picture Mardi Gras without the booze and nakedness. But I kinda picture myself the one sneaking through the group.
You know like it is in one of those movies. Trying to hide in the crowd. Sometimes it feels like there's going to be this big celebration......a big hullaballoo and I want to be sure I'm not noticed because really, well, I'm no saint. I act as if I'll just try to sneak in with the ones who ARE the saints.
I know it might come as a surprise. Yeah, right. But I have a few little things that I'm less than proud of. I have some baggage. I have some bad attitudes. Oh, I WANT to be in that number but I know that I don't DESERVE to be in that number. But, you are no saint either.
Some of you are trying sooo hard to LOOK right. to please. to be acceptable. to be the best mom. to be a pleasing spouse. to dress right. to give generously. to keep up the charade that will keep everyone thinking that you belong over there in the parade.
But the thing is.....you don't. Not by what you do. Not by who you are. Not because of how you seem to others. Christianity isn't about a list of rules and do's and don'ts. It's not about being part of the in crowd of current religious pundits. It's not about being politically incorrect nor correct. It's not about whether you are a democrat or a republican. It's not about social status. It's not about LOOKING right. It's not about earning nor deserving.
Strangely, it is all about WHO you know. Not Billy Graham. Not Ghandi. Not Mother Theresa. Not even God. GASP. What is she saying? It's not about spiritual advisors nor spirituality. It's the WHO of Jesus.
Funny how Jesus is more accepted as a curse word in our culture than a name. THE name. The name that allows the God of the universe to look upon us in grace and compassion through His Son. Around the world, the name of Jesus is being lifted and passed on. It is growing like a raging forest fire. Don't believe me? Look up what is happening with Christianity in Asia and Africa. Research it. Don't just believe me. Ask questions.
Start with the question: WHO is Jesus? I promise you that it will be life changing. Whether you've been religious or spiritual or in the church all of your life. Without Him, you and I aren't in the number. But with Him, just like we are, still human, still struggling, we are among the "saints".
Haha. That still cracks me up. ME, a saint. But not because of me. Because of a gift. A cherished and blessed gift.
There are lots of places online to ask your questions. Lots of people who will answer. But don't use the excuse that a church or some christian in the past disappointed you. That's like not eating nuts because you got a rancid one. Or not drinking water ever again because you drank a glass in West Texas. (it's foul.) Don't let some relationships in the past ruin a relationship you might really find true and good and fulfilling.
Give yourself the time to ask the questions about life. Ask what brings hope. How is right and wrong determined? Are there any absolutes? What is truth? No question is too big. But I challenge you to open your heart and your eyes and bother to ask. You don't need to be convinced nor manipulated. I know a God who is big enough to answer all of our questions and not be in the least offended. I should say, he knows me. That amazes me.
Love you.
blessings,
rhonda
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