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posted by: PastorDave (reply) post date: 10.02.06 (7:24 pm) I really should not be the first to respond to this post. You probably need someone with a more adventuresome mind. But here goes... It does seem to me, in our cozy lives, we spend far too much time simply observing the hurts of others and not getting involved. Maybe we have excuses, even good sounding excuses. But the real pity is that often we do not even bother to wrestle with the issue and come to pious rationalizations- we are simply lazy, morally and ethically so unconcerned we would rather enjoy our comfort than be bothered with things that are dirty and unattractive. When I find myself to be comfortable amidst the pain of another human being, then something is seriously missing inside. posted by: lorischuster (reply) post date: 10.02.06 (8:23 pm) One thing that I have felt for a long time, even before my life was in turmoil, was that the church as a whole has no idea how to deal with the plight of those who are suffering. They come up with pat answers...a Bible verse, a prayer..but after that there is an awkward...nothing. They don't understand what really happens in people's lives. They need to learn how to deal in gray. One thing that I appreciate about our pastor Rob Bell from Mars Hill is that he finds tangible ways to make a difference...to show Christ's love. It doesn't have to be about a church program or scripture...it's about love--plain and simple. It's how I was able to go back into a church again. posted by: graceshaker (reply) post date: 10.20.06 (11:59 pm) in this poem the speaker is christ and the immediate audience is the comfortable xian culture of america. i tried to enhance the idea we seem to have that god is all about answering our prayers and making our lives comfortable while we have absolutely no idea or intention of ever seriously being an answer to the prayers of others. 3 weeks ago i went to the emergency room with unbearable upper abdominal pain. i was treated and recovered but my experience there really altered me. not bc of my own suffering but bc of the suffering and loneliness of others. i could rant a bit but ive already written a poem about it and i will post it shortly. thanks for your thots. theyve helped strengthen my resolve to do something... |
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