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Recently I noticed that I had a new follower.
As soon as I saw the icon I went immediately to her blog.
A Christian.
My heart sank.
Why would she be interested in my blog?
I have been known to use a few bad words and my religious views aren't exactly traditional.
And she had so many followers.
"Jeesh," I thought, "this is one of those
American southern Baptist women. She
isn't interested in anything I say.
She just wants me as a follower so she can
preach at me."
For some reason, (to be polite), I did follow her and was
totally surprised that she, on occasion, commented on my blog.
I went back to her site and surprise of surprises I actually
know her.
I taught 3 of her children!
I try to follow blogs from different areas of society.
That's important to
me.
I hadn't realized how easy it is to shut down in the face of
Christianity.
Me, who takes pride in being so inclusive.
I believe in God.
Totally.
And I love the Bible stories of Jesus that I grew up with.
But when I sit in a church, being an old feminist, I feel as if I am only hearing half of the
story.
Anyway, that's my problem.
The truth is that I'm not so much shocked at the large number
of religions there are in the world as I am at the small number.
Because I think there are many ways to find God.
And I believe if you are on a path whichever one it is, it is
the right one.
So I have gone back to the blog of this Christian woman that
I know and have started carefully reading what she is saying.
And I have found that she has a deep understanding of how
the good in the universe works.
Her lovely writing is clothed in the robes of Christianity,
but her message of
love is universal.
A lesson learned.
***
PS Mrs. B's blogsite is now on my sidebar. It is called 'Just a Thought'.
***
PS Mrs. B's blogsite is now on my sidebar. It is called 'Just a Thought'.
10 comments:
What a lovely post, Francie. I really enjoyed it. And you are right, there are many ways to find God, if that's what you want. And for others who don't believe, that's okay, too. I was intrigued about who this mystery christian woman is and noticed that tiny writing at the bottom revealing her identity (good thing I was wearing my reading glasses...ha ha...). I am going to have to visit her blog.
Good people come from all walks of life no matter their religion, culture, nationality, political views, etc. I also consider myself a very inclusive person and try my best to live up to that, and also try not to judge people based on who they are on the outside and how they live their lives. I can't say I always succeed, but I continue to work at that daily. I suppose we do the best we can.
Thanks Martha.
Unfortunately good people can sometimes believe some hateful things.
But I agree with you so much, assume the best in people until proven otherwise and do the best you can in your own daily life.
Yes, I've known many tolerant and thoughtful Christians in my time. And a lot who weren't. So you're right -- we can't prejudge -- get to know someone first!
Thanks Debra. Tolerance and Christianity aren't always words that march hand in hand.
Francie,
I came across your blog when Norma posted a link on facebook. I was delighted to see the blog belonged to you, and thrilled to follow. I am honored to have you follow "Just A Thought" You sit in the ranks of being one of our children's favourite teachers. They are blessed to have had some great influences in their lives, and your kindness is one of them. Thank you for your kind words for me today... and in the end I really do believe it is about love!
Thanks Mrs. B.
I admit to having that terrible teacher habit of judging people by their children and that of course makes you totally awesome!!
Excellent post, Francie, very thought provoking. I agree with you, whichever path you are on, is the right one.
A very interesting post Francie and I agree that it's very easy to prejudge. I appreciate everyone's comments - food for thought.
Francie, what a honest, heart felt post. I love the "old feminist" part. I was born a feminist. When I found a girl I went to high school with and told her I was pursuing a BA in Women's Studies, her reply was "oh, how perfect. You were always a feminist." We were 14 when we went to school together and I wonder what in my behavior made her think of me as a feminist at the tender age of 14... but I digress... I, like you, think that any path is a worthy one as long as one is not infringing on the rights of others.
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