Negativity.

[bladespark]

I always said that I was a pragmatist. Nevermind if the glass is half full or half empty, just drink it. And a hedonist too, because you should especially drink it if it's hot chocolate. Mmmmmmmm.

Lately I've been so surrounded by negativity that I've let it get me down. Everything is "anti-whatever" it seems, but that's just what they tell you, that's not how it is. For every bigoted attack, there are a dozen kind deeds. For every media story about Christians, or Furries, or Mormons doing something that smears our good name there are hundreds of unwritten stories about Christian acts of kindness, warm fuzzy friendships and thoughtful intelligent people with open minds. They're there. It's just hard to remember that when we read nothing but the negative. And I know myself that feel-good stories just aren't as entertaining to read, I know why they don't publish as many of them. But I shouldn't let myself forget that they're out there.


I just want to add that whatever evils have been done in the name of Christ, I'm still proud to say I'm a Christian. Real, true, pure Christianity hasn't got anything to do with creationism, or evolution, or anti-semitism, or anti-gay policies, or any of that. Christianity is first loving God, second loving your neighbor, and in and around and supporting it all, trusting in Christ. I do. I trust in Christ. He is my Master, my Savior, my older brother that I never had. He has been there for me and carried me and helped me when I needed it. Religion is a crutch, just like they say. But is that a bad thing? Society is a crutch too. Needing other humans, that's a crutch. We're all cripples here, and none of us is complete alone. And whatever else my happen, whatever may change in my life, the presense and support of God is constant.

If that's not what works for you, then I won't press it on any of you. But I will say this... if you feel a lack in your life, perhaps it's because you're not complete alone either? And maybe you can fill that up with other people, but maybe there's a spot there that could be filled with God.

Comments

[rabbitsystem.livejournal.com]

The receptacle exceeds the necessary capacity by a factor of two.

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

I didn't quite mean it in that way. *grins* Though I suppose you know that. My others are not quite the same as an external other human being, nor as the presence of God. They, and my friends, and God, each bring something different into my life, and I wouldn't want to be without any of them.

[kainhighwind-dr.livejournal.com]

I don't think I've ever really felt an emptiness in any part of me or my life. Despite all my complaining or occasional despairing over things that can be fixed, I deep down have always been sort of childlike and trusting in the universe, in people and life in general, and that things will happen as they happen and everything will be 'OK' no matter what because I will accept it all. I still believe most people are essentially good and nothing could be as terrible as some would make it out to be (*ahem* THE MEDIA *cough hack*). I was a naive child and thought everything was essentially great, and have sort of carried that sense of innocence over into adult life. Some people get on my case about it, and it can be embarrassing to admit it to the more jaded folks around me, but it has served me well and I refuse to let go of it completely.

I actually don't mind the idea of being alone in the universe either, if that indeed turns out to be the case (that is, if I am ever permitted to know such things about existence). I'm happy with whatever 'truths' (definite or undefined) that the universe wants itself to bear; none of it ultimately matters to me and I'll live my life as always, enjoying it in my own way.

I suppose for my part I just have a sort of general sense of 'faith' and peace with my existence that isn't specifically linked to a certain God or religion or any such thing. I have an acceptance for whatever may come my way, good or bad... very Zen or Buddhist if I absolutely must categorise myself under anything I guess. That's what works for me, anyway. :)

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

I think that's great.

It's an all too common failing of religion to assume that there's no good outside of your good.

My "good" involves having God in my life. I wouldn't want to be without it, and I think a lot of people who don't have it might benefit from having it. But I do recognize that some people have found other "good" things that they rely on, and if it works for them, then I'm not going to knock it.

[kainhighwind-dr.livejournal.com]

Same here. Everyone's welcome to discover what it is they need, want and believe in on an individual basis. To me it doesn't matter who's 'right'... all that can be 'true' is that one is true to themselves. If one can't even be that, well... *shrug*

You know I think I've pontificated on this exact same point before. *smacks head a few times to reset the glitch*

i love you

[aazhie.livejournal.com]

I am happy when a christian (or any other specifically religious person) is confident and secure enough to say things like you do, I never feel like I have to defend myself when you write about your faith. You are willing to share, but not going to shove it down anyone's throats. I wish that would be more publicized than all the stuff in the media that is not worth reading... Headlines: Christian Actually Acts Like Christ! (OMG! it does happen!) i really respect that and you make me have more faith in the christian community as a whole by being such an awesome person!

Re: i love you

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

Aww, I've got warm fuzzies now.

Thank you!

Re: i love you

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

Oh hey, was it you that wanted a copy of the fox plush pattern? I haven't forgotten about it, but life has been crazy lately.

[bobkat357.livejournal.com]

very nice post, Reglion is one of the biggiesat downfall's of socity. I like when me and whomever sit and talk about the bible as we interate it; Not how DR shuch and shuch does. The gap in my life has been filled finnaly cause of my mate. The bible is a guide to give you advice on your path. It's not a book to label certin folks or sub cutrlers like the church does.

Very nice post Rob

[ellixis.livejournal.com]

I want to say that I admire that you are devout and joyful, and that you express it in your life without being pushy or forceful about it. I think that's beautiful.

[bladespark.livejournal.com]

Aww, thanks!

[sparkindarkness.livejournal.com]

Would that more of the vocal christians were like you