Religion and Politics! Seriously? Part 1

Why haven’t I been blogging? Well, what do you write about when the world around you has gone bonkers and people are making total greedy, angry, malicious, murderous fools of themselves?  A lot of emotions and more than a few negative thoughts have gone through my mind lately, so what in the world could I share with others that could be positive and uplifting?  It has always been my goal to avoid discussions of religion and politics on this site.  Why? Because ever since I can remember I’ve been told to avoid those subjects because they are too divisive.  Now I find myself asking “WHY?”  Why is it so terrible to share my faith with others? Note I did say faith and not religion.  Quite frankly,  I don’t even like the word religion.  The English Language Learners gives this definition of religion: “The belief in a god or in a group of gods.: an organized system of beliefs, ceremonies, and rules used to worship a god or a group of gods. Informal: an interest, a belief, or an activity that is very important to a person or group.”  Huh? Call me simple-minded if you will, but I prefer to simply say “faith, my faith is in the one true and living God, not a group of gods (whatever that is). When people say to me, as they sometimes do, “you are so religious”, it makes me shudder, because I don’t consider that a compliment.  There are a lot of religious people in the world, and I certainly don’t think of myself better than others, but I don’t want to be lumped in with the religious! I humbly agree with Apostle Paul’s words in I Timothy 1:15 “This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief.” (King James Version).  There, I readily admit.  I am the worst of sinners, one who has a temper, sharp tongue, unforgiving spirit, etc.  I don’t boast about my sin. In fact, I lament that it has taken me 75 years on this earth to attain perfection, and I’m not even close!!!  It ain’t gonna happen!  I do,  however,  boast in the love God has for me, and I enjoy sharing my faith with others, sharing my belief that no matter how horrible things become in the days,  weeks, months ahead, I know that God is in control and He will save me, perhaps not from my illness or even from acts of violence, but my soul will be saved and spend eternity in Heaven because I have placed my trust in Him!  So, I broke my own rule and started a discussion on religion. My next blog will be my thoughts about the discussion of politics.  I may lose some readers. So be it.

May the days ahead bring you peace, joy, wisdom and understanding; and of course, love and good health! These are things I pray for all of us, even when I’m disappointed, disillusioned and angry.  It’s more difficult to pray when experiencing those thoughts and emotions,  but I believe that’s when we really need to pray. 

 One year for my birthday, my dear friend and neighbor, Rae Morue, gave me a book If I Only Knew gentle reminders to help you treasure the people in your life, by Lance Wubbels. Lately I’ve been reading it, and this is one thing he said I want to share with you: “If Only I knew…tomorrow was not coming, I  would ask you to please forgive me for any wrong I may have done to you.” Many of you don’t know me, we’ve never met, and it may be we never will,  but for those who do know me, it’s  quite possible I really needed to say those words to YOU. Please feel free to let me know. Like all of God’s children, I need reminders and discipline. As I prepare to hit the “post” key, I pray I might humbly accept any reproof coming my way. Seriously!!!!! Lance also shared these words, “If only I knew the depths of wisdom and insight possessed by people around me, I would have spoken less and listened more.” I am seriously listening so please let me know!

15 Comments

  1. Laurie Robinson

    Charlotte,
    The world is bonkers right now and it is going to get worse, before better – but each day I do try to look for the positive things I can see amongst the muck.

    I love your quick humor and honesty. I don’t think you are “religious”, but you do have a strong relationship with God and that is the most we can all ask for!
    XO
    Laurie

  2. Linda Johnson

    Well stated Charlotte. Our faith shines as a light to the world……no expianation necessary but when one asks about our empathy, compassion or deep faith, that’s when we talk about God’s goodness. We know when to talk but more important when to listen. There are a lot of angry people speaking right now but we don’t need to follow their paths.

    Many blessing to you…….with love, Linda (Johnson)

  3. Hi dear Char. Thanks always for your blogs. You are such a good writer. I always thoroughly enjoy them. This one is no exception! Great job! Thanks for the 60 th wedding anniversary card you sent us. Thanks for every kindness extended to us. You are Jerry are so special. God bless and keep us all in this tumultuous time!

  4. Janel Altstadt

    As I read your blog a song played. I am not alone. Faith tells us we are not alone. He will never leave me. He is amazing! You are wonderful! Miss you guys-love to you Janel

  5. Paivikki Buchwalter

    I’ve been thinking about the same thing: why are we not talking about faith and politics? In my view these are the topics we should be talking about…not that these are easy topics, but that shouldn’t keep one quiet about them.

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