As I read this passage and the reflection, I remembered something we had discussed in our EM Bible Study not too long ago...
Pastor DeWayne had asked us to think about a time we had not wanted to be a Christian and what we held onto as our "kernel of faith"...
When I think about my life experiences, I don't think there ever was a time that I felt directly persecuted for my faith... I remember my friends not inviting me to do things all throughout my high school years because they knew that I had to go to church on the weekends... but I never considered that to be a negative thing... I don't think I really cared for what I was "missing" out on... Even though I feel that I am pretty open about my faith and my beliefs, there hasn't been a time where others have said something to me or treated me differently because of it... Perhaps I "shelter" myself from persecution... choosing who to share with and who not to... choosing where to be open about my faith and where not to be... I should be bolder when it comes to my faith... especially when it comes to sharing with my non-Christian friends...
One of the things I have learned as a Christian is that just because I am one, doesn't mean that life is all good all the time... hence, my kernel of faith... Ever since my parents separated and divorced when I was in middle school, I have never forgotten how God showed His love to me through my closest "sisters" at church... It was amazing... all they said was "I know" and sit with open arms... and I felt as if it were God saying "I know, come find comfort in my embrace"... It has been over 10 years since that day, but I still remember it as if it were yesterday... This is what I hold on to, especially when hardships come my way... that there is comfort and peace in the presence of God... He knows everything... we just have to go to Him... How awesome is the love of God...
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1 comment:
i totally understand how you feel, how friends left me out when they would hang out.. but i did feel like i was missing out... which is why for a while i didn't come out church stuff.. it was good that you found your kernel with sisters around you, helping you. Thank you for sharing your experiences.. :] makes others feel less alone.. :]
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