I have to get up early tomorrow so I'll make this one short, Dental appointment.
I had always been in the mindset that God was this big angry being just waiting to damn you. He is not. But, I stand ahead of myself. Through courses of events and boastful pride I first assumed that God was not real as I grew older and actually what I thought was smarter. I was wrong. The imagine and thoughts I had before, the preconceived notions I had learned in church was this angry deity that one could not satisfy. The one who always ordered killings that seem unsubstantiated at times. Perhaps if churches stepped out of their footnotes of the same old stories and actually taught from the Bible, no matter who it offends or who thinks the preacher is crazy, it might change. I learned that God is a whole lot like not what I had learned. He is a loving God that wants everybody to make it and gives every chance to try to measure up. It grieves Him to lose even one person. That He loves us enough that what we fall short reaching up to Him, He will make up the difference. I learned that He is a Merciful God and what true Grace feels like.
I learned that we are our brother's keeper. Not his judge on his day to day things, but his keeper to see that our brother/sister is never in need. I also learned that we are responsible for only ourselves, but also we impact so many people. Was it a positive impact or a negative?
I also learned the myth of being or feeling superior to anybody.
I learned the myth of believing in moth and rust. I'll let you all look that one up.
I learned (at least for me) that there was no sting of death.
I had always been in the mindset that God was this big angry being just waiting to damn you. He is not. But, I stand ahead of myself. Through courses of events and boastful pride I first assumed that God was not real as I grew older and actually what I thought was smarter. I was wrong. The imagine and thoughts I had before, the preconceived notions I had learned in church was this angry deity that one could not satisfy. The one who always ordered killings that seem unsubstantiated at times. Perhaps if churches stepped out of their footnotes of the same old stories and actually taught from the Bible, no matter who it offends or who thinks the preacher is crazy, it might change. I learned that God is a whole lot like not what I had learned. He is a loving God that wants everybody to make it and gives every chance to try to measure up. It grieves Him to lose even one person. That He loves us enough that what we fall short reaching up to Him, He will make up the difference. I learned that He is a Merciful God and what true Grace feels like.
I learned that we are our brother's keeper. Not his judge on his day to day things, but his keeper to see that our brother/sister is never in need. I also learned that we are responsible for only ourselves, but also we impact so many people. Was it a positive impact or a negative?
I also learned the myth of being or feeling superior to anybody.
I learned the myth of believing in moth and rust. I'll let you all look that one up.
I learned (at least for me) that there was no sting of death.
Great post Anthony! Good luck at the dentist. :o)
ReplyDeleteFondly, Lori
Thanks Lori, The dental appointment went good today. Sore but good.
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ReplyDeleteSince my teenage years I have been terrified of dying. My mother died unexpectedly when she was 40, I was 20. This certainly put my death fear into full blown worry. I have always been scared about being separated from those I love and have literally had panic attacks thinking about death. Your story on Beyond and Back really gave me a perspective that I needed to see and hear. I so hope that there is something for all of us beyond this world. I can't imagine how this is all there can be! It's too terrifying to contemplate. One thing that you mention that I am truly beginning to see is that a life well lived is a life in service to others and to those who are in need. If we have anything we can offer someone in need, it's our privilege to help that person. God bless you for sharing your NDE and being so honest and forthright in what you have said.
ReplyDeleteHi Beth, Be assured that death is nothing to be feared if you get yourself right with God. That will not make you prefect in any sense of the word, but better. Through Grace the rest will be made up. If it weren't for my belief in Jesus though, I'd be terrified again.
ReplyDeleteI thank you that you have watched the show and read my blog. I am honored that you have found use in the words. There are other myths that I'll add later on by editing. Some will pleasantly surprise you I think.
Beth, I also meant to mention, it's addictive. When you begin to serve another, share, make sure another is ok, lend a helping hand, especially to those ho cannot repay you... you will get hooked.
ReplyDelete