A Whole lot of Perspectives…

 Let me just jump right in this…..If I could share with you the degree of stuff that I have been set free from, you would probably be disgusted, or amazed to the point of rejoicing. Through God’s grace and the blood of Jesus , I have been set free from much. That is why I can’t walk around with my christian-measuring stick and beat others over the head with it. I can’t say who is deserving of God’s grace and who is not. I wasn’t deserving, but Jesus chose to die for me anyway. Once Jesus gets a hold of a life, He will change it.

With all that said, I do believe without a doubt that…“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” I can’t change it. I can’t throw out the parts I don’t like. If I so choose, all I can do is ignore it.

Lord, help me with walk with the same love You have shown me…

I love hearing stories of just ordinary people, who have been touched by the hand of God. Here is something written by a lovely gal on my  “A Mother’s Faith” group on Facebook. This is Melissa Allen’s perspective: (Thank you for letting me share your story, Melissa)

Ok look, I don’t judge people. I never have. I make decisions about you based on how you treat me. If your nice to me I’m nice to you. If you show me love I will give it right back. I have more empathy than most. I don’t care who you marry as long as you are happy and you treat each other well. Love is a beautiful thing. Yes, I am a Christian. I haven’t always been. When I hadn’t found the Lord yet, I was still a good person but something was missing. There was a hole in me that I tried to fill with all kinds of things. But nothing ever fit until I found Jesus. It has changed my family in immeasurable ways. Things that I never thought possible have happened. So, tell me why is it that people judge me? Assume that they know what I think or how I feel based on the fact that I love Jesus. If you want to know what I think ask me.
Yes, there are some things in the bible you might not want to hear. There are some things in the bible I don’t like to hear! Because it reminds me that I’m not perfect. It’s called conviction. It’s what keeps me humble and honest with myself. Without it I would go around thinking I had it all together. That I don’t need Jesus and I would be right back where I was 5 years ago. Trust me, nobody wants that! I’m happier within myself than I have ever been. I no longer carry guilt or shame around in a back pack. But it’s not my intention or job to convict you.
So, in a time where we as a Nation are being more respectful of other people’s feelings and rights. Where everything is ok and a man that 6 months ago was being ripped to shreds in the media is now a hero and being celebrated and loved in the media because she is living her truth, am I made to feel like it’s not ok to live my truth? To celebrate the fact that I love Jesus! I can’t talk about it because it might make someone uncomfortable. I can’t share my story with you because you might feel like I’m trying to make you go to church or I’m preaching to you. Trust me, I don’t want to make anyone do anything they don’t want to. I don’t want to preach to you. If I tell you about how my life has changed and how happy I am it’s because it’s true and I want to share my experience with you. I want you to have the love and joy that I have found. Nothing more. I have no hidden agenda. I’m not looking down on you or judging you because you don’t go to church. I’m just sharing something really cool that happened to me. Yet I’m made to feel as though it’s not ok. I’m not allowed to share my love of Jesus because I might make someone feel uncomfortable. Or people will label me and assume they know what I think about certain topics just because I go to church.
So, in a time where we as a Nation are being more respectful of people’s feelings and rights shouldn’t I get the same benefits?
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8 NIV)