tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180243253325258008.post8291538489074491016..comments2023-07-14T05:59:57.303-07:00Comments on Ginger@Large: Update and IntrospectionGingerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11180136851388592854noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180243253325258008.post-68637424215112568742004-10-20T04:24:00.000-07:002004-10-20T04:24:00.000-07:00You're right, it's time to come to terms w...You're right, it's time to come to terms with the "religious" upbringing. What a pity and a shame. I was raised in a church that was "strict" by some means (no piano, no organ, no crosses on the wall" but we were not yelled at from the pulpit. We were instructed to love and serve one another. Were we perfect? Of course not, we are human. I'll say one more thing... we were never told that we were the ONLY folks going to Heaven. That one grates on my nerves still. ;)<br> We had a preacher in Lubbock that said in a sermon, "Never keep your eyes on man (preachers, your bible leader, etc) because you will always be disappointed ... Keep your eyes on Jesus, he will never disappoint you". I've tried to keep that in mind when I find new people that I think have a grasp on being a true Christian. (I'm still having trouble remembering Max Lucado is just a man, he is such a great writer!!!).<br> You know Gin, at least you are back in a Bible believing church. That takes a lot of guts on your part for sure. Many people won't set foot in ANY church after encountering an upbringing like yours. I wonder if that was "bad religion" or just ignorance on the part of the people involved.<br> Hope you are having a much better experience now! <br>Love youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180243253325258008.post-18720135613745165022004-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:002004-10-20T06:50:00.000-07:00I awakened this morning (before I saw your entries...I awakened this morning (before I saw your entries today) with the faces of clients before me. On a part-time basis my clients include women attempting to drop weight. Women from all walks of life--their lack of hope, their sorrow, and their fear--and the way they look to me with just a drop of hope when they begin--was somehow indelibly etched on that screen this particular morning--the one that is erected in the back of our conscious mind somewhere. It came to me how the MEDIA is SO responsible for so many many women feeling inferior, worthless, imperfect, unlovable, of no value, etc.. I then thought back to my New York City days...the days of BIG media...and how phony the environment, the values of the "artists", and how the men of today look at a photograph have NO IDEA how much money, time, and effort went into the airbrush, lighting, makeup work, hairdressing, etc. to get that piece --that slice of life, or even just a simple headshot-- for just one split second of time to look the way it does when it is presented to the public. Even then, just out of school, I turned down a job writing copy for clients on the order of Revlon International because even though I knew I could max the opportunity, what it was doing wasn't good enough.... Enough on that for now.... My point is simply: the students of the boob-tube, the magazine covers in the grocery check-out stand, etc., are getting a subconscious message: if she doesn't look like this...______(fill in the blank). --Part I Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180243253325258008.post-46761187185266640842004-10-20T07:10:00.000-07:002004-10-20T07:10:00.000-07:00Part II of today's commentsI grew up very very hap...Part II of today's comments<br><br>I grew up very very happy with my faith. I knew everything being "preached" was the truth. I still do. I am so glad that I had that and I thank G-d every single day for showing me the truth. The Lord led me however to an even higher truth, if it could be possible, converting now to the "sister" church of the church of my youth! I did not even know about the sister church. Both of these churches are the orginial Apostolic succession of the church Our Lord founded while he was on this earth, but there was a split around about the year 1057. It is sad to see splits (Our Lord prayed for unity) heretical teachings, false teachers, etc. But Holy Scripture (the Bible) does say it will happen, but the devil shall not prevail (win) against the church. Our Lord knew it would happen too. So, He must have known it could happen to you. Now, I would rather to err on the side of caution, then on the side of not having faith...so, it is so odd that you bring this up this morning, because I was thinking (See part I) of these women from a different vantage point--I began to envision the "condition" of their souls. What we call an "interior life". And, my thought was...oh how they are sad, despondent about the weight, their appearance, etc. but even more importantly, what is the condition of their souls? If we truly love one another we think about these things. Perhaps your preacher was doing his best; if he was not avaricious (greedy for gain) it could have been his mindset that he was helping you but he was not taught correctly himself. Whatever seed he planted though is somehow taken root. Now you are an adult and free to seek the fullness of truth. As an adult you are empowered to root out the negative stuff...pull out the weeds from your garden and cultivate your faith. --Be glad you have a "garden!" Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7180243253325258008.post-81790153039846275392004-10-20T17:41:00.000-07:002004-10-20T17:41:00.000-07:00Ginger, I had a very stong impression to tell you...Ginger,<br> I had a very stong impression to tell you to check out "Bible Study Fellowship" in "your town". I think they are calling you, what a good experience that would be for you. If you are interested I'll give you the info and the next "Introduction" date. We are studying "ACTS" this year and so far it's wonderful. It's a good way to meet other women with every kind of background imaginable. Sometimes when you hear their stories you gladly take your problems back! Please let me know if you want any information regarding "BSF".<br>Love youAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com