claire.she.goes

Tag: faith

  • Statement of Faith

    Statement of Faith

    These days, some Christians seem to favor people and practices that are downright evil over Jesus Christ himself. In light of that trend, I felt the need to say something.

    On this site, in the past, I’ve freely discussed my faith. I’m making room to do so again, in case I feel moved to make a habit out of it in the future. And I wanted to make a declaration about the type of Christian that I am.

    Let me be clear:

    Toxic, invasive versions of Christianity have never appealed to me.

    The core of this faith is supposed to be about love.

    Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[a] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[b] There is no commandment greater than these.”

    Mark 12:30-31, NIV

    In life, our vocations may differ. But our purpose related to how we treat each other ought to be focused on loving God and loving our fellow human beings.

    Trying to play God with other people’s lives is not love. It’s a controlling, oppressive position, and it’s one that I’m not interested in propagating. It’s not a healthy stance for anyone—including those who choose to practice it.

    Amen.

    Photo via Matt Botsford on Unsplash

  • Status Report?: Spiritual Renewal

    Earlier this summer, one of the hottest musicians in the galaxy mentioned prayer in an interview, and I felt it.

    When I first read Rihanna’s chat with Sarah Paulson, I was excited. I had just shared a post on meditation. Next on my schedule was prayer, but I needed a hook. Perfect timing, right?

    Except it wasn’t.

    Something was wrong with me. 

    As a writer, over the course of this year I’ve had doubts about my skills. And as I looked at tackling spirituality, I felt more intimidated than inspired. The thought of writing on God opened infinite possibilities. Yet how can someone possibly quantify something that’s immeasurable?

    Thankfully, not too long ago, I faced a genuine moment of divine intervention.

    One day, rather than feeling a sense of intimacy with God, I felt overcome by the weight of an incredible distance. It was an odd, painful encounter. And of all the things in the world, while listening to a gospel track, I started to sob.

    Looking back on that moment I recognize that I was pretty much the epitome of a religious cliche. But at the time, I felt as though a door had opened. I started asking myself questions. Was I dreaming, or when I was younger, did I have a more authentic spiritual practice?

    Lord knows (no pun intended), over the past few years, something has felt different.

    And so, back to my origins I’ve returned.

    Mind you, as I go, I’m still discovering what this means. Yet the loss of people such as Rachel Held Evans has reminded me that there’s work to be done. In this political climate, the theologian within still wants to call people towards a more conscientious vision of Christianity.

    Overall, I’m not comfortable with any form of piety that denies our common humanity. I really want to dive into religion and some controversial material. But that’s another post for another day.

    And so, until next time… Here’s the last sermon I watched. Pastor Furtick offers a decent riff on the idea that man contains multitudes.

  • “Say YES!”

    I don’t know about you, but I want Destiny’s Child to return. When they come back, they can do anything they want–gospel, soul, rock ‘n roll. I don’t care! I just need them in my life.

    I love this song so much!

    As you go into this week, keep your eyes on the prize. You’ve got what it takes!!

  • “Sunday Best”? How about “Best Sunday”.

    Because it was.

    Seriously. This weekend I had one of the best times I’d had in ages.

    (Thank God for good days!)

    I experienced some fellowship and was reminded that there’s definitely more to my journey. I won’t share those details. But I can tell you that I was inspired by two very simple activities…

    1. First, church.

    I know I said I wasn’t going to bother attending any longer. Yet I can’t help feeling that I need to extend myself into my community. Church is familiar to me. I think it’ll make a great start.

    My town has many places of worship. Yesterday morning I went to one I’d never visited. I keep thinking that I ought to spend time in another sanctuary before I settle down. However, I keep chastising myself.

    I don’t want to play


    Source

    The truth is, I actually know of a place that seems like a good fit. And it isn’t where some people might think.

    2. One of our family friends had a birthday party yesterday. I won’t disclose the exact number but s/he has lived to be over 80 years of age. I couldn’t help feeling overjoyed.

    A long life is a blessing.

    On a hilarious note I can tell you that I couldn’t remember how to get to this individual’s house. (It had been that long…)

    I prayed as I walked. I was concerned. I’d walked down one long street and was making my way up another. All the while it was getting dark. Every time I passed a house where it looked remotely as though there was activity inside, I was tempted to go over and knock.

    Finally at the last minute I glanced down a side street. A group of adults was crossing the road. They were headed in one direction.

    Shy but determined, I approached. “Excuse me. Do you know where I could find [Person X’s] house?” I live in an incredibly friendly area. You never know who knows whom. Or what.

    The man I spoke to told me I was right where I needed to be. A weight lifted off my shoulders, and the joy began. 🙂