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!