I came across this site one day and thought GodTube?? Seriously...there's a "GodTube??? Cool. According to the site:
GodTube.com is a dynamic community of people who are looking to connect, share, and belong. In its simplest form, GodTube is a video-driven social network where users can explore their faith and the tenets of Christianity.
I just watched this video, which I don't believe is true, but nonetheless, I think it raises some interesting points about our hesitance to share our faith in the face of disbelief and sometimes ridicule. When you think about it, that should be when we are most vocal, but instead we are often all too silent.
It has certainly taken me years to grow comfortable enough in my own faith to even begin to be truly open about it...proclaiming one's self a child of Christ feels like coming out of the closet! Some people look at me like I have two heads, and edge away from the conversation. Or assume that because I speak of things like feeling God's presence, they need to avoid certain topics...oh please, I have two children after all, and I didn't find them in the pumpkin patch! And just because I want to follow in Jesus' footsteps doesn't mean I've lost my sense of humour or that I don't say the f-word myself on occasion. Well ok, I don't actually swear much, but I never did, my language has not changed since I started on the path of my present faith journey. I think everyone has the right to their own beliefs (or non-belief as the case may be), but they don't have the right to dictate or ridicule what I believe. I sure hope the Spirit will fill me with the strength to stand up should I ever encounter such a bully as in this video story.
Spirit, Spirit of gentleness, blow through the wilderness, calling and free... Spirit, Spirit of restlessness, stir me from placidness, Wind, Wind on the sea...
Comments (6)
Hi Anne, I really like your openness when you write about your beliefs. It's honest and up front and that's cool to me.
That story was interesting but I also find it very hard to believe that it actually happened, but whether it did or not it does raise some interesting points like you said about being able to really stand up to what you believe in no matter what that may be.
Awesome post! Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by Kathy (Trekcapri) | August 7, 2008 9:29 AM
Posted on August 7, 2008 09:29
Thanks Kathy, I still often feel a tad apprehensive when speaking about my faith, so I am very touched by your lovely comment!
Posted by Anne | August 7, 2008 11:24 AM
Posted on August 7, 2008 11:24
GodTube?! Who knew?!
I think part of my reluctance to talk about my faith is because I grew up here in the Southern "Bible Belt" with so many bossy and vocal Baptists who feel compelled to try to save everyone else's souls. They are annoying and plus, not very tolerant at all of anyone whose beliefs are the slightest bit different.
I don't want to be perceived as preachy like them (and I also don't want them telling me what to do!)so I've always been pretty low key about talking about faith. Plus I don't really think of myself as Christian (though I am very interested in the teachings of Jesus).
But I love reading your writings about faith because you aren't preaching or judging others, you're sharing from your heart. But I can understand why it's taken you a while to get to the point where you want to share.
What Kathy said...awesome post!
Posted by Annie | August 7, 2008 2:12 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 14:12
Annie, thanks so much for your kind words!
Posted by Anne | August 7, 2008 2:40 PM
Posted on August 7, 2008 14:40
Anne, I really like this post and your sharing of your love for Jesus. And...I have passed on the video. Jesus is the King and Redeemer!
Posted by Jane | August 8, 2008 4:37 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 04:37
Awesome Jane, great to know you've passed this on!
Posted by Anne | August 8, 2008 6:56 AM
Posted on August 8, 2008 06:56