tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post60173226914679770..comments2024-02-16T19:07:42.535-08:00Comments on Darcy's Heart-Stirrings: And So I Choose Freedom to LoveDarcyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-30424557524149413622015-05-25T20:34:34.337-07:002015-05-25T20:34:34.337-07:00Not to burst your bubble, but this "true"...Not to burst your bubble, but this "true" story has since been refuted by the very kid who told the originally told it. <br />Just like the entire "Left Behind" books and movies have inspired so so many brainwashed Christians to believe in "The Rapture." No one cares to delve deeper to find out it was based on teenager in Scotland who had a dream about the "end times," and not one single bit of it is actually in the bible... Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-20475000594988777262014-05-01T08:56:13.674-07:002014-05-01T08:56:13.674-07:00I appreciate your comment. I appreciate not being ...I appreciate your comment. I appreciate not being preached at. But I do feel the need to address one thing, something I see a lot in conversations between those that leave the church and those that stay. You said: "the very reason you have made this decision is having been scarred"<br /><br />I really dislike this statement. It implies that my choices are made purely on experience and emotion. Which is not true in the least. While my experience has definitely influenced my spiritual journey, I do not make choices in my life that have not been thoroughly analyzed and critically thought through. My personal beliefs are the product of critical thinking and studying, not a reaction to outside influences. My experiences have opened my eyes to things that I may not have seen as easily, such as the way the Evangelical church treats people who do not conform. But do not for a moment think that what I choose is not the the product of critical thinking, reasoning, and logic. It is very condescending to assume that people walk away from church based on emotionalism; to assume that reason and logic have nothing to do with their choices. Because I guarantee you that people like me have very thoroughly and agonizingly through through our choices, actions, and beliefs. We have arrived at our beliefs and convictions through much deliberating and can very logically lay out why we believe what we do and why we have chosen the path we have.Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-10365049439041356802014-04-30T00:52:56.492-07:002014-04-30T00:52:56.492-07:00Darcy,
I wish to preface what I am about to say b...Darcy,<br /><br />I wish to preface what I am about to say by thanking you for opening my eyes to some legalism that I had naively bought into, namely the courtship/anti-dating garbage. I feel exactly where you are coming from with regard to that. It was your posts on that subject, in addition to similar posts by others, as well as having seen actual, good, healthy, Godly dating relationships in real life that caused me to realize how I had actually been sinning against my sisters in Christ by avoiding them (yes, this type of legalism effects guys at least as badly as it does girls, if not worse).<br /><br />Which brings me to my main point. I can tell you have been hurt by legalism, much in the same way I have, and it breaks my heart to see yet another person who has been scarred by Pharisaical teachings, although by the same token it isn't surprising. Satan loves to let Christians (or people who claim to be) make a bad example for those who are actually trying to glorify God with their lives. If you say you genuinely love Christ and wish to serve him, and serve others in his name, then I have no grounds on which to say anything to the contrary. God is the only one who truly knows your heart, and for that matter, the only one who can do anything to change it. That is why I am not going to try to convince you of anything. God would not be honored in me trying to use arguments to convince you, when the very reason you have made this decision is having been scarred by those who claim to have laid down their lives to know him and make him known. I will be praying for you. Praying that you will someday see a true Church, one where the Word is preached, God is glorified, where people meet the real Christ, and not a man made interpretation of Him, and one where God's sheep are made to live free according to Him, and not slaves to man.<br /><br />My sincerest apologies in advance if anything I have written has offended you. I am simply trying to encourage you, the Gospel is offensive enough. From what little I know of you, you seem to be a wonderful wife and mother, and I only want you to have maximum joy while serving the Lord. And that may only be done under the love and care of the true body of Christ, not alone, and not in the clutches of the false religion He saved you out of.<br /><br />In Christ,<br /><br />-JAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-72444150318791805112014-04-29T18:47:12.674-07:002014-04-29T18:47:12.674-07:00Haha! I like to say "rainbow and unicorns&quo...Haha! I like to say "rainbow and unicorns". ;) Which my life ain't. Most people's isn't. I'm just one of the few not pretending it is. I have this theory that emotions, especially the "negative" ones, have been so demonized in church pop culture that people are scared to death of them. Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-32550992515417284442014-04-29T18:45:01.447-07:002014-04-29T18:45:01.447-07:00No bitterness here. Although I don't have a pr...No bitterness here. Although I don't have a problem with bitterness when directed at things deserving of such strong emotions. I am angry, for sure. But that's what happens when you finally admit you've been duped your entire life. Sometimes anger is a very necessary part of healing. Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-83907770697896955062014-04-29T03:19:04.717-07:002014-04-29T03:19:04.717-07:00I use it, depending on the day and context. If it ... I use it, depending on the day and context. If it associates me with the evangelicals, I don't want to use it. Lanahttp://www.wideopenground.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-25738737556998669642014-04-26T18:22:36.549-07:002014-04-26T18:22:36.549-07:00Christian to me means "belonging to Christ&qu...Christian to me means "belonging to Christ" or "of Christ". Christ (Jesus) is who I strive to be like and emulate. It's an honor to be called a Christian; regardless of how other Christians use the name. I don't belong to other Christians and how they act doesn't reflect upon me. I am His and His alone :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-32374777444411147322014-04-24T09:18:26.075-07:002014-04-24T09:18:26.075-07:00Heavens to Betsy. I suppose God was never angry. M...Heavens to Betsy. I suppose God was never angry. Maybe He has bitterness issues. I am so sick of how, when people try to share something hard that happened to them, or a strong opinion against the prevailing Christian culture, the response from so many, rather than actually looking at what was said and responding, is to say "Oh, my, my dear, you are so bitter." <br /><br />Don't disturb the teacups and roses, sweetie. It may require someone to think, and you know how UNCOMFORTABLE that can be. kerrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12360668091194462455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-50036186217771691522014-04-23T13:16:06.892-07:002014-04-23T13:16:06.892-07:00On your title you say ' I choose love' bu...On your title you say ' I choose love' but this whole post is so very bitter towards others and very negative however you look at it. I am a christian my whole life but not the kind you grew up with, we believe in Jesus and love people. I know I struggle with so much in my life (like greed, envy, anger, etc) all the time that it is very hard for me to see overall hatred in others (eg: gay people). Most of the time I am dealing with myself and asking God to change my heart. I am not capable of loving everyone for sure. I seriously have a lot of envy issues. I am trying for my #2 baby for 2 years and right now get so angry everytime I hear baby news around me. I have met similar people like me all the time. So to tell I choose to love all the time - I think it is not possible - I think I can only try....partime mumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11259409098448737105noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-37285823389685079602014-04-21T19:13:46.059-07:002014-04-21T19:13:46.059-07:00I truly believe you are right, Eric.
But for now,...I truly believe you are right, Eric.<br /><br />But for now, because of what the label means to everyone in this country, christian or not, I cannot identify with it any longer. It doesn't describe me and my faith and what I stand for at all anymore. I'm sure God doesn't mind though. He didn't come up with the label in the first place. Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-86895470800763224392014-04-21T09:06:10.339-07:002014-04-21T09:06:10.339-07:00It's significant, and more than a bit ironic, ...It's significant, and more than a bit ironic, that the way you describe "Freedom to Love" is essentially what Christ actually taught ("Love your neighbor as yourself," innit?), while the description of "Your Christianity" is what He blasted the Pharisees for teaching. Apparently a lot of these self-styled "Christians" have missed a few very important concepts. Sometimes I wonder if somebody read Matthew 23 and thought it was a how-to manual? That would actually explain a lot.<br /><br />I suggest that it's not you but really the "Church in America" (or at least a noisy subset of it) who are the ones abandoning Christianity.Erichttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09440250912113010049noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-52401219137863103212014-04-19T20:20:56.988-07:002014-04-19T20:20:56.988-07:00Excellent movie I have heard; can't wait to se...Excellent movie I have heard; can't wait to see it!!<br /><br />SAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-23324572082048347732014-04-19T20:20:06.744-07:002014-04-19T20:20:06.744-07:00Living for the Lord- i.e. following what He shows ...Living for the Lord- i.e. following what He shows you and tells you- in the Bible and also How he speaks to you on a day by day basis by the Holy Spirit. I don't believe in following "commandments of men" or anything that men tell me to do that isn't in the word of God either. For example, how I dress isn't really addressed in the Bible but many Christians believe they are saved by how they dress.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-85635685199474317512014-04-19T20:17:33.562-07:002014-04-19T20:17:33.562-07:00I never said we are saved by calling ourselves Chr...I never said we are saved by calling ourselves Christians. We are saved by the grace of God and His son's blood. We accept the gift, repent of our sins (confess them) and are changed by that. I never once said that we are saved by excluding people or thinking we are right about everything. I certainly don't think that way. Remember where I said I wasn't better than anyone else on this earth? I truly do mean it and live it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-87418857901967548392014-04-18T23:50:51.259-07:002014-04-18T23:50:51.259-07:00Have you had a chance to watch "Heaven is for...Have you had a chance to watch "Heaven is for Real"? It's a true story that came to theaters on April 16, just two days ago.<br />MLAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-53097965117654487712014-04-18T15:15:29.482-07:002014-04-18T15:15:29.482-07:00Absolutely beautiful. :-) Thank you so much. I no ...Absolutely beautiful. :-) Thank you so much. I no longer have faith but I cherish love and kindness and it fills me with so much joy to meet others who cherish them too. Rambling Tarthttp://www.ramblingtart.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-29163816133498477902014-04-18T13:40:36.429-07:002014-04-18T13:40:36.429-07:00Ah. It's how "living for the Lord" ...Ah. It's how "living for the Lord" is defined that is the problem. It has been turned into a monstrosity that she has every good reason to reject.Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08252374623355509404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-4962154239413137312014-04-18T13:36:51.194-07:002014-04-18T13:36:51.194-07:00Anonymous, I really find myself doubting if you ac...Anonymous, I really find myself doubting if you actually read anything Darcy said. We're not saved by calling ourselves Christians. We're not saved by thinking we're right about everything, or by excluding people. And when she said "love is morality and love trumps all," she was only saying what Jesus and Paul both said too. <br /><br />What she describes is exactly what I've found too-- the only difference is that I still call myself a Christian. But I had to leave behind the kind of Christianity she is describing, and return to simply believing in God, loving Jesus and people. What she calls herself is unimportant. But the fact she cannot find a way to call herself a Christian anymore is an indictment on those who did this to Christianity-- not on her. Kristenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08252374623355509404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-87893639370225205082014-04-18T12:38:19.535-07:002014-04-18T12:38:19.535-07:00<3 I appreciate you, Renee. :)<3 I appreciate you, Renee. :) Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-34069567204528442962014-04-18T11:26:27.296-07:002014-04-18T11:26:27.296-07:00Dude, your "good news" sucks. Do you rea...Dude, your "good news" sucks. Do you really think you'll convince me to follow your rules so I won't burn in hell by throwing cliches at me that I've heard a million times? You forget that I was raised a very conservative evangelical. I know the routine. There's nothing you can say that I haven't heard before or even preached before.You completely missed the point of everything I wrote here. Which doesn't surprise me. Thinking critically outside the box is not a trait most American christians posses. <br /><br />Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-73139677844845674542014-04-18T11:22:58.751-07:002014-04-18T11:22:58.751-07:00Teaching as gospel the commandments of men. Teaching as gospel the commandments of men. Darcyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03702441292981376229noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-10086459823349648442014-04-18T10:15:07.934-07:002014-04-18T10:15:07.934-07:00Uh, no. There is no long checklist for being saved...Uh, no. There is no long checklist for being saved. Believe, repent, confess and live for the Lord. Period ;)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-1499850953724924412014-04-18T10:14:11.497-07:002014-04-18T10:14:11.497-07:00yes, you're right! Many Christians are asses; ...yes, you're right! Many Christians are asses; self righteous, prideful, arrogant etc.... But that does not change the fact that Christ died for you and me. I know some Christians who are very humble, unselfish, loving and giving; they are genuine and real. They care.<br />I'm sorry you don't want anyone concerned for you or caring for you. :(<br />As for me, I'm not willing to take a chance on Hell. I've prayed about it and I believe God has shown me that I can Trust Him and what He tells me is true.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-39742378753268981712014-04-18T10:11:29.324-07:002014-04-18T10:11:29.324-07:00Christians don't have to be asses. Period. I d...Christians don't have to be asses. Period. I don't view myself as one. I love others and reach out to others. I love you! I'm not self-righteous; I view myself as no better than anyone else on this planet.<br />Yes, some Christians are asses; many are actually. Some claim to be humble and lowly and they aren't. They are full of themselves, smart-alecky, prideful and self righteous. Some don't know the meaning of forgiveness and they are bitter toward others.<br />I'm sorry you don't like me caring about you. I'll stop now because you don't want me to care for you and worry about you.<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3113535730415912557.post-12163841559055409062014-04-18T07:46:06.825-07:002014-04-18T07:46:06.825-07:00So, I think we already both know there is a lot we...So, I think we already both know there is a lot we don't see eye-to-eye on... but there was also a lot in your post that struck a chord in my own heart.<br /><br />And this line, "I love Jesus and I try to love people." - Yeah, that line. Awesome.<br /><br />Grace to you on your journey, friend!Renee Shaferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13774416011859298242noreply@blogger.com