Often times, I speak before I think. I believe that I mean well, and I happen to be very passionate, and for some reason I have been given the privilege of what I feel is a new spark in my faith. With that comes opening up myself to criticism as I outwardly share and well sometimes-- I think it is for my own good. My intention of my two previous posts was not to offend-- that couldn't be further from the truth. I for one was amazed to hear his testimony and personally would have loved to meet the guy. Sadly, I heard he died a few years back.
When I generalized that we are numb to many of the things that should grab our attention and bring us to a halt-- maybe I shouldn't have. Maybe I should have spoke just about me-- because I for one have become numb-- to a certain point. Does that mean that I don't have a radar to see homeless men hiding beside a bush or between cars in a parking lot? Does that mean that I haven't provided food for families in need or paid a bill for a single women raising her kids so that her power isn't turned off? Of course not. It simply means that in general-- I HAVE BECOME ANESTHETIZED TO THE PAIN AND SUFFERING OF 90% OF THE WORLD. And I have failed to celebrate in the thousands of amazing testimonies of people who have been transformed by God. It's the truth. And I don't say that with pride-- but I am honest. A few of my commenters felt like because their testimony was not as radical as Danny's story was, it somehow makes it less significant. That makes me sad. Because in part I have contributed to people feeling that way because I have not shouted from the rooftops how awesome their story is. Well---- I am hear to tell you that your story is awesome! So awesome in fact, I pray and pray that my own children's testimonies are as awesome as yours. What I wouldn't give for them to grow up knowing and trusting the Lord from the very beginning. Knowing what I know now-- how I wish that for myself-- even though I know my heavenly Father has done great things with my testimony just the way it is.
Bottom line--- I could have easily deleted the posts and pretended like nothing happened-- but a few of you convicted me. I shouldn't have been so quick to generalize that people are numb--- I am thrilled to hear that I am in the minority. Don't give up on me-- I will get with the party eventually.
17 inspiring thoughts:
Arghhh I get dispondant when noone comments tooo...not only numb at times we can be quite vain I suppose too lol!
just found your blog and will spend time catching up...Agape
I wasn't offended. :)
I agree with you that too many people in this world are so involved with their everyday lives that they don't see beyond themselves. I am sorry that people made you feel guilty for expressing how you feel. I did not take it personally and am surprised that anyone else did. I love that you are so passionate about your faith and don't mind sharing it with others. Keep up the good work. I look forward to reading your blog everyday and believe that you are touching more peoples lives than you will ever realize.
Christine: I got what you meant in your posts. It just surprised me I guess in the response when you only got a few comments. However, I KNOW what you meant because at times I become numb to God's miracles, too. I guess what makes me less numb is I keep looking at my youngest son and the miracle he is and that God saved his life as a 6-week old infant. Yes, he has disabilities, but he is a miracle I get to enjoy everyday. My other children are miracles, too, but it's just something about Curtis that reminds me of it daily. Keep on! I love you girl and appreciate your blog and you for who you are!
Christine,
I posted a Christian music video on Facebook (one that really spoke to me) a few weeks ago, and NO ONE commented. I thought it was weird, too. I do think that your generalization is somewhat accurate - MOST of us get desensitized from time to time and it's good to have a wake-up call to what power our Lord God Almighty has.
You're fabulous and I'm thankful that you are on fire for the Lord!
Hey, no need to explain! I agree with you completely that we all seem to be a bit robotic a lot of the times and we tend to be numb because of all the external stimulus in our lives--too much!! I wasn't offended at all. You were speaking out loud what your heart was saying and that is absolutely always okay. God Bless and keep feeling!!
Hi Christine,
I saw the comment you left on my blog and wanted to say thanks! :) Also, for my Happy Thanksgiving post, We live in Canada and here we have our Thanksgiving earlier than you do in the States. Ours was on Oct. 12th! Thats why we are early. :)
Catherine
I'm not so sure it's a numbness, at least on my part. Some of it is temperment. I know you personally, Christine, and you are passionate and quick to act and caring and I think that it frustrates you sometimes that not everyone is like that. I know I've frustrated you (maybe frustrated is not the right word, but I can tell you've wanted to give me a swift kick in the direction of the nearest airplane to the nearest overseas orphanage, lol) before in some of our conversations but I think it's just differences in temperment. I admire you tremendously, in your passion and ability to just go forward in what you believe is right.
THAT IS SO COOL FROM RACHEL
Hi Christine,
Thank you for your blog. It has touched me for many reasons, mostly because you talk about important people and issues I care about. As a reward, I left you a present on my blog – I’ve nominated you for the Lemonade Stand Award. To accept, you must comply with the following conditions:
- Put the Lemonade logo on your blog or within your post. You can lift it off my blog, http://www.empowerpeoplechangelives.com.
- Nominate at least 10 blogs with great attitude or gratitude.
- Link the nominees within your post.
- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
Please accept the award. I can’t wait to see and follow the people you give it to.
Thanks for your dedication to blogging!
Now this is a cool post, thanks for writing this down and sharing it. You are already "with the party" Christine, we all at one point or another run our mouth off and say or write something that in hindsight wasn't the greatest way to express our point. I know I have . More than once. Ittakes guts to say:" hey, I could have done that differently".
So thank you.
Christine,
Is there a place on your blog where you give your testimony? I'd love to read it!
you maybe learning but I think I learn way more from you than you maybe learning. So thank you! does that make sense?
Christine, I think that if we are really honest, we are all numb to some degree. It is not only a survival mechanism but a great way to rationalize why we often don't reach out to those in need. Most of us need a good kick in the butt to pull us out of our stupor. Thing is, the kick hurts.
Love your humility. Love your heart. Love your Blog.
As Martha said, it is a "survival mechanism" - but I am not sure it is not one given to us by God. We cannot proceed to do ANY good thing if we are focusing on so many different ones that we either are frozen into immobility or scatter our efforts so widely that none are effective and some are counterproductive. If we weren't numb to some extent, we'd go mad.
That said - I believe that God is calling each of us to a vocation of love. We all have good work to do to build His Kingdom on earth. What we need to pray (seems to me) is not that we aren't numb to all the suffering in the world, but that we don't close our ears to God's call for us. And in my own case I think I need to pray that I ONLY respond to God's specific call for me, and don't turn my back on the work He has given me to do "good work" of my own choosing.
Rather interesting place you've got here. Thanks for it. I like such themes and everything that is connected to this matter. BTW, try to add some pics :).
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