Working at "Because Justice Matters" is rewarding and i am happy that God's sovereignty placed me here. But might i say that some of the work i do is incredibly frustrating.
Right now i am in the process of investigating and writing 23 reports on 23 different "massage parlors" in the Tenderloin area. To do this research i must read many, many reviews from men who frequent these massage parlors for sex. This means i have to read the graphic details. I'm pretty good at guarding my mind for the most part but i will say that it gets really disheartening when i read reviews that say " these girl want to be here...they aren't trafficked and even if they are, take that up with the politicians! I just wanna have a good time". Really, really frustrating.
I think God has placed me in this specific area purposely as i believe he does everything he does for a purpose. For one i think i am able to give grace to these men easier than alot of girls. I don't judge them. I pray for them because its obvious they have brokenness as well as the people who are running these brothels. I think its easy to get angry at these people but God is really teaching me..
Have grace.
And that is something that my brother in law Phillip always tells me when i am in a situation with a person who its hard to have grace with. I really, really love Phillip Wood. He is an amazing brother in law. He has so much wisdom and love to give. He told me before i left that it would be hard and i knew that was probably true, but i don't think i felt the weight of that until i got here. Most days are pretty good and i don't have to feel so emotionally and spiritually burdened. The next two weeks though ( my last) are going to be the hardest because of this investigation. Just like a race i will finish strong with God's strength and i know i can get through it if i rely on Him.
Back to Phillip, if you're reading this, i just want to tell you thank you for playing such a huge part in my life and encouraging me to follow the path God has laid out for me. Even though its been quite a dramatic journey at times, its been worth it and i know this is what God has called me to. Now i understand what it means to "take up my cross" and really follow Christ. it would be so much easier to work in a different field but God hasn't called us to easy.
Thanks Phillip for being such an encouragement :) I love you and can't wait to tell you all about my time here!
Lastly, i leave you all with this verse of encouragement:
"Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes. Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds! Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest?"- Luke 12:22-34
Monday, August 1, 2011
Friday, July 29, 2011
My mom.
I've decided to write a blog about my mom. Every week i think i might pick someone to blog about....family, friends etc... :) Who better to start off with than the one who physically gave me life, eh?
My mom has always told me that "family will always be there" and this hadn't landed on me until my stay in San Francisco. Suddenly i was thrust into an environment where select people didn't get my jokes, think i was funny, smart, talented or really all that interesting. I shut down. I was so used to having a mother who encouraged me and told me each day how "amazing" i was. Of course i always laughed off her compliments, but they were also nice to hear.
Since being here i have learned not to find my worth in other people's opinion of me and to find my worth ultimately in God. I have also learned that i actually care way more what my mother thinks of me than random people i've only known a short time. She has encouraged me along the way, even telling me of a previous and similar experience she had one summer many years ago. She works so hard. She has 3 jobs and works nights at the hospital on weekends ( they SO over-work her). And yet, she always goes in and does it. She perseveres even when she deals with tiredness ( emotionally...physically) and she is a huge inspiration to me to keep going down the path God has for me even when its hard because the reward out weighs the hard journey.
What i miss/love about her:
Her smile, her COOKING ( dear lord..), her random and loud outburst of song and dance, her listening to me when no one else will ( and actually caring what i say), that she is obsessed with vampire books and movies and this gives me hope she will obsess about Harry Potter with me too, her cute style, the way she loves our dogs even though they smell bad and annoy me, and how adorable she is in general! She scrapbooks and makes stationary for me all the time. I just think its cute.
I'm actually tearing up writing this. I miss my mom but i get to see her in two weeks so its all good :) i just wanted to write about her and tell yall why she is a special person to me.
My mom has always told me that "family will always be there" and this hadn't landed on me until my stay in San Francisco. Suddenly i was thrust into an environment where select people didn't get my jokes, think i was funny, smart, talented or really all that interesting. I shut down. I was so used to having a mother who encouraged me and told me each day how "amazing" i was. Of course i always laughed off her compliments, but they were also nice to hear.
Since being here i have learned not to find my worth in other people's opinion of me and to find my worth ultimately in God. I have also learned that i actually care way more what my mother thinks of me than random people i've only known a short time. She has encouraged me along the way, even telling me of a previous and similar experience she had one summer many years ago. She works so hard. She has 3 jobs and works nights at the hospital on weekends ( they SO over-work her). And yet, she always goes in and does it. She perseveres even when she deals with tiredness ( emotionally...physically) and she is a huge inspiration to me to keep going down the path God has for me even when its hard because the reward out weighs the hard journey.
What i miss/love about her:
Her smile, her COOKING ( dear lord..), her random and loud outburst of song and dance, her listening to me when no one else will ( and actually caring what i say), that she is obsessed with vampire books and movies and this gives me hope she will obsess about Harry Potter with me too, her cute style, the way she loves our dogs even though they smell bad and annoy me, and how adorable she is in general! She scrapbooks and makes stationary for me all the time. I just think its cute.
I'm actually tearing up writing this. I miss my mom but i get to see her in two weeks so its all good :) i just wanted to write about her and tell yall why she is a special person to me.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
When soul meets body
Tonight me, Lina(intern), Maggie( intern) and Jen (staff) went out to Broadway and did a strip club outreach. We brought cute bags with makeup inside ready for 9 clubs. We prayed days beforehand and a few hours before going out, me and the interns prayed for about an hour. We prayed for the women we would encounter, the bouncers, managers etc and just that God would give us favor and open doors.
God blew us away.
We decided to go to the easy clubs first ( the ones we already had relationships with). I got the privilege of talking to a few women before entering the 2nd club with Jen. Let me rewind first though....Earlier that day i was having a pretty crappy day. Things just werent going as i wanted and i was finding myself filled with my own flesh rather than the spirit and i didn't like it. Luckily, we prayed before we went out and i think that really helped me to get into the right mind set and prepare me for what i was about to experience. Before, i was nervous....anxious and really almost wanted to cop out and say " i can't do this...its too much". But i persevered and went into the club with a peace in me. Yes..there was alot of nakedness, but you learn to look into people's eyes, smile and ask their name and that all goes away. If you know me though, you know how awkward i am and how much i do not enjoy seeing people without clothes. It goes without saying that God took me out of my comfort zone.
We also talked to many of the bouncers and prayed for them. What was interesting was that nearly ALL of them, including some managers asked us to pray they would find another job and one said " i feel stuck". It was apparent to me that not only are the girls in this industry feeling trapped, but the people who are running it are AS WELL. How huge is that?
We were able to pray for many of the women as well and Jen said she couldnt believe how much favor from God we had. We were able to go into clubs that usually they havent gone into. It was like a full on miracle. Every encounter seemed to reveal to us that God was present and with us and had intricately woven this night out before we had even prayed for him to. One bouncer we prayed for nearly cried. I'm serious. Lina told him he was worthy and that she saw that he had hopes and dreams and that God was going to get him out of the industry. before she had said this, he was closed off and seemed like he didn't care to be prayed for, but his eyes looked into hers and his whole face shifted as if he really believed what she was saying and he knew it was true that he was unhappy in this business. I almost cried. It was just so obvious that God was working on the hearts of these people. And to add to that, one bouncer we talked to didnt want us to pray for him at first and then we "accidentally" ( no accident here) ran into him later and he asked us to pray for his friend and then said God is too busy to answer HIS prayers. We told him that God is big enough to care and the look in his eyes.......man. It was just such a sweet moment. Like he really received that as truth.
All in all, it was a great night. We met alot of people and it was just good to realize that God IS good. Even at a couple of clubs, we didnt get to go inside but we trusted God was still good and one of those clubs happend to be the one where we prayed for the man who i mentioned earlier. If we had gone in, that conversation would not have happend. God's is sovereign. Period.
And i can't tell you how many people said "you made my night". It was just a great experience and i know this is an issue that most people don't talk about. But we have to go to these places and meet people where they're at. Obviously, its complicated at times, but the Holy spirit is in control. And i am MORE than okay with that.
God blew us away.
We decided to go to the easy clubs first ( the ones we already had relationships with). I got the privilege of talking to a few women before entering the 2nd club with Jen. Let me rewind first though....Earlier that day i was having a pretty crappy day. Things just werent going as i wanted and i was finding myself filled with my own flesh rather than the spirit and i didn't like it. Luckily, we prayed before we went out and i think that really helped me to get into the right mind set and prepare me for what i was about to experience. Before, i was nervous....anxious and really almost wanted to cop out and say " i can't do this...its too much". But i persevered and went into the club with a peace in me. Yes..there was alot of nakedness, but you learn to look into people's eyes, smile and ask their name and that all goes away. If you know me though, you know how awkward i am and how much i do not enjoy seeing people without clothes. It goes without saying that God took me out of my comfort zone.
We also talked to many of the bouncers and prayed for them. What was interesting was that nearly ALL of them, including some managers asked us to pray they would find another job and one said " i feel stuck". It was apparent to me that not only are the girls in this industry feeling trapped, but the people who are running it are AS WELL. How huge is that?
We were able to pray for many of the women as well and Jen said she couldnt believe how much favor from God we had. We were able to go into clubs that usually they havent gone into. It was like a full on miracle. Every encounter seemed to reveal to us that God was present and with us and had intricately woven this night out before we had even prayed for him to. One bouncer we prayed for nearly cried. I'm serious. Lina told him he was worthy and that she saw that he had hopes and dreams and that God was going to get him out of the industry. before she had said this, he was closed off and seemed like he didn't care to be prayed for, but his eyes looked into hers and his whole face shifted as if he really believed what she was saying and he knew it was true that he was unhappy in this business. I almost cried. It was just so obvious that God was working on the hearts of these people. And to add to that, one bouncer we talked to didnt want us to pray for him at first and then we "accidentally" ( no accident here) ran into him later and he asked us to pray for his friend and then said God is too busy to answer HIS prayers. We told him that God is big enough to care and the look in his eyes.......man. It was just such a sweet moment. Like he really received that as truth.
All in all, it was a great night. We met alot of people and it was just good to realize that God IS good. Even at a couple of clubs, we didnt get to go inside but we trusted God was still good and one of those clubs happend to be the one where we prayed for the man who i mentioned earlier. If we had gone in, that conversation would not have happend. God's is sovereign. Period.
And i can't tell you how many people said "you made my night". It was just a great experience and i know this is an issue that most people don't talk about. But we have to go to these places and meet people where they're at. Obviously, its complicated at times, but the Holy spirit is in control. And i am MORE than okay with that.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Week 1
So, i survived my first week in San Fran! It's only been a week but has felt like a month. This place will do that to you.
When i first got to the base ( YWAM), i walked into the drop in center ( the Ellis Room), which is where our homeless ministry goes on primarily. It was chaotic, loud and i hadn't slept a wink on the plane, so i was a bit overwhelmed to say the least. I went to my room and found a bunk ( i have 4 roommates) then one of the interns took me out to brunch. After that i went back to my room to read over my manual and i called my sister and my mom. I tried to sound happy on the phone but my attempts failed. It was obvious to both of them i didn't want to be here. In fact i said " i hate it here. I want to go home....now.". I didn't feel very welcomed at first and i was meeting so many people that it was difficult to remember names and while the city is interesting, it is also kind of a hard place. Ex: I saw a woman searching the cracks in the sidewalk for crack this morning. However, the week got better...then it got stagnant, then bad again. Yeah, kind of a rollercoaster. The ministry itself is awesome and i love what we are doing. It's just been hard finding my place and feeling accepted here. I'm the new kid.Maybe im just really awkward. I've been super introverted the past few days. Mostly though, this week has been filled with orientations, meetings and a bit of outreach here and there. I have a few projects i'm getting started on this week such as: flyers for an upcoming event, fundraising,updating our maps for prayer walks etc. We have prayer walks through the city and churches come in and we talk to them about human trafficking and then take them on the walk. I did it my fourth day and was shocked i could lead anything in a city so foreign to me!
The weekend was good. I got to hang out with my friend Tyler and some of his church friends at a Korean restaurant Friday, then Saturday the interns and Ruthie ( director of BJM) went to Sausalito, after hiking in Miur Woods ( i hate hiking....omg). Then Sunday i went to church ( took a bus...whoop whoop) and hung out the rest of the day with my new friend meredith. We went to FIsherman's Wharf and drove around...i saw a naked man. It was scarring. Whatever....thats San fran for ya. Sunday night we went to a charismatic church ( eh..) and then we had to take the subway to get to the base bc there were two women who needed help. It's a crazy life here! Monday was the 4th obviously, and the interns and i went to Berkeley for the day and hung out and i bought a souvenir for Courtney. Then we went to the beach and i didnt really get to spend any time on the beach bc i was in search of a bathroom. I found a thai restaurant and went in....the only way i could go to the bathroom was if i bought something. So i swallowed my pride and sat down and ordered rice...then i saw the bathroom was out of order, so i said peace out and walked a few blocks to a random place. Then we left and went to one of the intern's sister's home. It was really nice there. We grilled out and then watched fireworks and stayed the night. It was a good day.
Ive been toughing it out the best i can. But prayers would be nice. Its just been hard adjusting but for the most part i love it and i know God is sanctifying me. I know this is where i need to be and God is doing a work in me. Its just hard. I feel really alone at times. But i'll get over it eventually. I've realized that the ONLY way i will survive is if i rely on God. Otherwise ill be miserable ( not ALL the time...but you know). I need God more than anything....and im realizing that more and more.
Also pray for two of our women * Dana and * Mary who are battling drugs and homelessness.
Pray that i will be able to focus on what im doing here and not let anything get in the way of that. I can tell Satan is really trying to get to me. Especially in my personal life. So just pray for me and the ministry. Sorry if this post seems depressing. It is what it is though and i'm just being real with you.
When i first got to the base ( YWAM), i walked into the drop in center ( the Ellis Room), which is where our homeless ministry goes on primarily. It was chaotic, loud and i hadn't slept a wink on the plane, so i was a bit overwhelmed to say the least. I went to my room and found a bunk ( i have 4 roommates) then one of the interns took me out to brunch. After that i went back to my room to read over my manual and i called my sister and my mom. I tried to sound happy on the phone but my attempts failed. It was obvious to both of them i didn't want to be here. In fact i said " i hate it here. I want to go home....now.". I didn't feel very welcomed at first and i was meeting so many people that it was difficult to remember names and while the city is interesting, it is also kind of a hard place. Ex: I saw a woman searching the cracks in the sidewalk for crack this morning. However, the week got better...then it got stagnant, then bad again. Yeah, kind of a rollercoaster. The ministry itself is awesome and i love what we are doing. It's just been hard finding my place and feeling accepted here. I'm the new kid.Maybe im just really awkward. I've been super introverted the past few days. Mostly though, this week has been filled with orientations, meetings and a bit of outreach here and there. I have a few projects i'm getting started on this week such as: flyers for an upcoming event, fundraising,updating our maps for prayer walks etc. We have prayer walks through the city and churches come in and we talk to them about human trafficking and then take them on the walk. I did it my fourth day and was shocked i could lead anything in a city so foreign to me!
The weekend was good. I got to hang out with my friend Tyler and some of his church friends at a Korean restaurant Friday, then Saturday the interns and Ruthie ( director of BJM) went to Sausalito, after hiking in Miur Woods ( i hate hiking....omg). Then Sunday i went to church ( took a bus...whoop whoop) and hung out the rest of the day with my new friend meredith. We went to FIsherman's Wharf and drove around...i saw a naked man. It was scarring. Whatever....thats San fran for ya. Sunday night we went to a charismatic church ( eh..) and then we had to take the subway to get to the base bc there were two women who needed help. It's a crazy life here! Monday was the 4th obviously, and the interns and i went to Berkeley for the day and hung out and i bought a souvenir for Courtney. Then we went to the beach and i didnt really get to spend any time on the beach bc i was in search of a bathroom. I found a thai restaurant and went in....the only way i could go to the bathroom was if i bought something. So i swallowed my pride and sat down and ordered rice...then i saw the bathroom was out of order, so i said peace out and walked a few blocks to a random place. Then we left and went to one of the intern's sister's home. It was really nice there. We grilled out and then watched fireworks and stayed the night. It was a good day.
Ive been toughing it out the best i can. But prayers would be nice. Its just been hard adjusting but for the most part i love it and i know God is sanctifying me. I know this is where i need to be and God is doing a work in me. Its just hard. I feel really alone at times. But i'll get over it eventually. I've realized that the ONLY way i will survive is if i rely on God. Otherwise ill be miserable ( not ALL the time...but you know). I need God more than anything....and im realizing that more and more.
Also pray for two of our women * Dana and * Mary who are battling drugs and homelessness.
Pray that i will be able to focus on what im doing here and not let anything get in the way of that. I can tell Satan is really trying to get to me. Especially in my personal life. So just pray for me and the ministry. Sorry if this post seems depressing. It is what it is though and i'm just being real with you.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
One week..
I leave in one week from the hottest and most humid-est place on earth. Mmmm.
I have some reservations about leaving, though. I mean, i'm a little worried about going off on my own. I'm also worried about really dumb, miniscule things too. Such as...
1. I'm scared of flying alone....and yes, we have previously gone over this in my last blog, but i'm even scared about being "alone". I like being alone sometimes, don't get me wrong....but the idea of wandering around an airport in the wee hours of the morning slightly frightens me.
2. I'm nervous about sitting next to someone i don't know on the plane. Yep, we're still on the flying fear right now. I mean, i am probably, most definitely the most awkward person i know. Example: If i am walking somewhere and someone is in my way, i will completely go out of my way and make a detours around them, just so i don't have to utter the words "excuse me"....because for some reason when i say it out loud, it sounds, well, rude. Maybe i'm being paranoid, but i refrain from using those words at all costs for fear of being thought bossy. My friend Davis pointed out to me the other day when we were out and about that i do this. I explained to him my very good reason ( atleast i thought it was) and he said "Lindsay, you just say 'excuse me' and they move...thats it". He made it seem SO simple. Maybe it is. That's one thing i envy about him. He is so chill about pretty much everything and when i hang out with him, i become chill too. I need more chill people in my life!
3. BJM is arranging for some kind soul to pick me up from the airport once i get in. I am thankful for this because i'm not sure i could find where i need to go without the help of a San Franciscian. However, that being said....i'm wondering if this person will have a big sign with my name on it ( and if it will be inevitably spelled wrong) and how slightly awkward it will be to walk toward this person and introduce myself. yeah, once again...i am awkward and even introducing myself is a huge feat for me. Something i will get over while i'm there...im sure.
and last but not least 4. I will be staying in the shadiest part of town, called "The Tenderloin"....google it and prepare to be terrified for me. Maybe i'm being dramatic, but a girl who works at BJM got her phone stolen the other day, so maybe not. I'm going to be working with these people and so it makes sense to stay in the area i will be working at, right? And while that makes sense, it also scares the crap out of me. If you know me, you know i am the most paranoid person, possibly ever. I overanalyze everything and i think about death almost everyday. I'm not really scared of death but i often imagine myself dying in weird ways throughout the day. Morbid, right? So being in a high crime area isn't the best mix.
I think i'll be fine. yeah i kind of go back and forth between being a really dramatic, paranoid and awkward person to a really chill, relaxed and sort of "i got this" character. My personality is frustrating sometimes, Maybe its just the Holy Spirit calming me lol. I think God definitely is going to get me out of my comfort zone and get me to realize that yeah, where i'm staying may not be pleasant but thats not why im there. It's not a vacation. It's a chance to rescue these women out of a very difficult life and share the gospel at the same time. When i remind myself THAT is what life is about....not having a comfy place to be....then i am able to be some where uncomfortable with complete comfort in that God is good. And the same God that protects me in Hattiesburg is the same God that will protect me in San Francisco.
Peace.
PS. i got an email from the person who will be picking me up and she spelled my name wrong. haha who saw that one coming?
I have some reservations about leaving, though. I mean, i'm a little worried about going off on my own. I'm also worried about really dumb, miniscule things too. Such as...
1. I'm scared of flying alone....and yes, we have previously gone over this in my last blog, but i'm even scared about being "alone". I like being alone sometimes, don't get me wrong....but the idea of wandering around an airport in the wee hours of the morning slightly frightens me.
2. I'm nervous about sitting next to someone i don't know on the plane. Yep, we're still on the flying fear right now. I mean, i am probably, most definitely the most awkward person i know. Example: If i am walking somewhere and someone is in my way, i will completely go out of my way and make a detours around them, just so i don't have to utter the words "excuse me"....because for some reason when i say it out loud, it sounds, well, rude. Maybe i'm being paranoid, but i refrain from using those words at all costs for fear of being thought bossy. My friend Davis pointed out to me the other day when we were out and about that i do this. I explained to him my very good reason ( atleast i thought it was) and he said "Lindsay, you just say 'excuse me' and they move...thats it". He made it seem SO simple. Maybe it is. That's one thing i envy about him. He is so chill about pretty much everything and when i hang out with him, i become chill too. I need more chill people in my life!
3. BJM is arranging for some kind soul to pick me up from the airport once i get in. I am thankful for this because i'm not sure i could find where i need to go without the help of a San Franciscian. However, that being said....i'm wondering if this person will have a big sign with my name on it ( and if it will be inevitably spelled wrong) and how slightly awkward it will be to walk toward this person and introduce myself. yeah, once again...i am awkward and even introducing myself is a huge feat for me. Something i will get over while i'm there...im sure.
and last but not least 4. I will be staying in the shadiest part of town, called "The Tenderloin"....google it and prepare to be terrified for me. Maybe i'm being dramatic, but a girl who works at BJM got her phone stolen the other day, so maybe not. I'm going to be working with these people and so it makes sense to stay in the area i will be working at, right? And while that makes sense, it also scares the crap out of me. If you know me, you know i am the most paranoid person, possibly ever. I overanalyze everything and i think about death almost everyday. I'm not really scared of death but i often imagine myself dying in weird ways throughout the day. Morbid, right? So being in a high crime area isn't the best mix.
I think i'll be fine. yeah i kind of go back and forth between being a really dramatic, paranoid and awkward person to a really chill, relaxed and sort of "i got this" character. My personality is frustrating sometimes, Maybe its just the Holy Spirit calming me lol. I think God definitely is going to get me out of my comfort zone and get me to realize that yeah, where i'm staying may not be pleasant but thats not why im there. It's not a vacation. It's a chance to rescue these women out of a very difficult life and share the gospel at the same time. When i remind myself THAT is what life is about....not having a comfy place to be....then i am able to be some where uncomfortable with complete comfort in that God is good. And the same God that protects me in Hattiesburg is the same God that will protect me in San Francisco.
Peace.
PS. i got an email from the person who will be picking me up and she spelled my name wrong. haha who saw that one coming?
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
San Francisco baby!
About a week ago i found out i will be interning in San Fran for 7 weeks this summer with Because Justice Matters. BJM is an organization that works to end human trafficking.I'm so pumped, you have no idea. Here is a list of reasons why:
1. I never go anywhere by myself
- I really need to become more independent and get out of my comfort zone. I mean, am i scared to fly alone? yes! But i think it will help me grow as a person. It's like pushing a baby bird out of the nest to fly....scary, but it has to happen sooner or later.
2. I'll be in San Francisco! I hear its a pretty cool city and plus i love California period. I can't wait to get away from the muggy weather that is Mississippi! It's pure death. Anyways, i'll definitely have fun exploring my surroundings :)
3. Probably the biggest reason is that i'm truly passionate about helping people and sharing the love of Christ while doing so. This is such a great opportunity to grow spiritually,emotionally, mentally and professionally. I'll be a counselor one day and i intend to work with women coming out of human trafficking and all sorts of other difficult situations. I need experience and i'm ready to take the plunge no matter what worries i may have about flying alone or essentially being alone in a foreign city!
Things i'm worried about:
1. How to pack
-I seriously do not know how to pack right. I am assuming i'll need two suitcases and a carry on. I want to take my lap top and camera and i also have to pack bedding. BUT, how do i fit everything? How?! I'm already practicing how i'm going to do it. Also, how many shirts, pants and shorts do i need? Maybe i'm over analyzing. Just maybe.
2. Flying alone
-I am retarded. I accept it. But for real....i will probably be lucky if i can find the door at the airport. Am i gonna have to have one of those people fly with me....you know the ones that fly with kids? oh dear..
3. Not having enough money
(Throw some glitter...make it rain)
- As i said, i'll be there 7 weeks. I have the bulk of the trip paid for, but i don't know how much spending money i need. I will have a place to stay with food and everything. But i really want to buy gifts for the fam and the occasional dinosaur toy. So i ask all of you.....how much do i need to bring?
PS. Donations are welcome!
Well, there ya go. I finally blogged :) Please pray for me as i enter into a new journey. I'll be blogging while i'm there, so make sure to check out my blog every week atleast for an update!
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Theology 101
Get ready for my new blog series on Biblical Theology ;)
It's important to know what you believe and why. When believers say "its just got to be faith", i slightly cringe. Yes, you have to have faith, but that kind of applies to anything. I have faith that gravity exists. I'm pretty sure most people agree with me. However, when it comes to believing in something/someone you cannot see or tangibly touch....people get skeptical, and rightly so. They haven't yet experienced the Holy Spirit for one thing and Satan would love for them to stay ignorant.
I'm not the smartest person in the world, but i don't think any christian should let their insecurities or laziness stand in the way of really digging deep into Biblical doctrine. Asking questions is important and it's okay to doubt. Sometimes that doubt is what fuels us to figure out what we truly believe. If you just stay comfortable in your cushy faith and never ask the hard questions you won't, in my opinion, reach as many people. Although, we will get into God's sovereignty. He IS in control and even in our shallowest of times, he can still use us. But you shouldn't let God's sovereignty lead you down the road of hyper calvinism ( God is in control, so i can do whatever i want because it doesn't matter...He will still glorify himself) Not a productive place if you ask me. Although i would encourage you to read " Spectacular Sins" by John Piper, where he elaborates on that.
We'll talk more on it though. I'm reading Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology and that is where i will be getting my sources and of course The Word. Feel free to submit any questions you might have :)
It's important to know what you believe and why. When believers say "its just got to be faith", i slightly cringe. Yes, you have to have faith, but that kind of applies to anything. I have faith that gravity exists. I'm pretty sure most people agree with me. However, when it comes to believing in something/someone you cannot see or tangibly touch....people get skeptical, and rightly so. They haven't yet experienced the Holy Spirit for one thing and Satan would love for them to stay ignorant.
I'm not the smartest person in the world, but i don't think any christian should let their insecurities or laziness stand in the way of really digging deep into Biblical doctrine. Asking questions is important and it's okay to doubt. Sometimes that doubt is what fuels us to figure out what we truly believe. If you just stay comfortable in your cushy faith and never ask the hard questions you won't, in my opinion, reach as many people. Although, we will get into God's sovereignty. He IS in control and even in our shallowest of times, he can still use us. But you shouldn't let God's sovereignty lead you down the road of hyper calvinism ( God is in control, so i can do whatever i want because it doesn't matter...He will still glorify himself) Not a productive place if you ask me. Although i would encourage you to read " Spectacular Sins" by John Piper, where he elaborates on that.
We'll talk more on it though. I'm reading Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology and that is where i will be getting my sources and of course The Word. Feel free to submit any questions you might have :)
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