EXPECTATIONS
Being a Mother, a Wife, a Sister, a Daughter, a Friend, a Cousin, a Niece, a Granddaughter, and a Sister-n-law is…well, lets just say it gets interesting. I am finding that it is hard to be all of these things and yet stay true to myself and it seems as if my list of who I am suppose to be just keeps growing. BUT, finding Grace has been the one thing that has set me free from the fear of these roles that the world expects for me to play.
Grace has been teaching me to be patient, more kind and not as quick to judge me or anyone else. It is so easy to get caught up in what this world expects. It is easy to forget what makes me ME and it is easy to give up and just be like everyone else, but knowing that I am perfect in the eyes of God has created this peace and this confidence that I don’t think I could ever lose. Those moments, you know…the kind where you wish you would have said or done what you really wanted to say and do?…well, I try harder then ever to never let those moments go by. Those are the moments that help me define who I am.
I will always let the rain run down my face and I will always let the sun shine on my face. I will always take to each day and allow myself the freedom to be what I want to be and simply make it through each moment the best way I can.
I hope for all of you out there stuck in this mind set that you are a sinner that you may some day realize your perfection and see the beauty that God sees. God expects nothing from you.
Love much…Mindy
I too at 56 am still trying to understand and be true to the “Self” in me that God created and it is His grace (undeserved favor) that allows me to get up each new day enjoying this adventure called LIFE.
I’m trying like all get out not to be true to myself. Myself is the problem.
Jesus is the solution. And it is great to know that He forgives me lock, stock, and barrel. But the devil roams around like a roaring lion seeking to devour the faithful.
The self isn’t much better than the devil. And then there is the world, which couldn’t care less about us.
Luther called it ‘the world, the flesh, and the devil’. All would tear us away from Christ.
But He battles for us each day. And in Him we are more than victorious.
There is freedom in the promise that He who began a good work in me will complete it.
“Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)
Excellent, Mindy. It is sometimes very difficult to see the difference between the Ego, the false self that tries to convince us it is real, and the true person we are in God, the true self. You have realized which one is the true self. This only comes by grace from our Source, not from anything man gives. When we realize that the true self is perfect in the Source’s eyes, requiring nothing to be done on our part, save that realization, we can really start enjoying our limited time here. When we come to realize that our biggest enemy to success in this plane of existence is our own Ego, not some human created adversary, we can truly experience for perhaps the first time, a non-dualist, oneness with God our Source. You have come such a long way in discovering your true nature, and who you truly are. May you always remain the true self.
Its always encouraging to hear others experiences, even when I might not be in agreement in thought, to hear another share in their journey of life is good indeed.
Paul said it is good for the heart to be established in grace, the experience of grace certainly is part of the wholeness Christ calls us into being. Without the theology, without the doctrines. That was/is the part that was most difficult for me to abandon, but as I continue on,
I am finding this grace experience no longer in the theistic boundaries of yesterday, but in the living of life today.
Jesus calling me into a new humanity demands I lose my religion with its security systems and illusionary thinking, he calls me out into the wild, into the very realness of being, of embracing the uncertainty of life and of a willingness to give it all away, to become so free and in such possession of self I am able to experience what I am slowly coming to understand and appreciate the very human concept that is divinity,
thank you all for your grace,
Marco
I have been reading for a while on this site, although not commenting and I enjoy the posts and comments. I find that the fact we are all perfect and complete in God’s sight is something that is stressed by all who post here and it is something I believe is very important in each of our individual lives, to be able to see this. As someone said one day, not only are we perfect in His sight but we are also always perfectly fine. It is easy to look at ourselves and others and see faults, but in His eyes we are perfectly fine even in our many faults.
I have been reading some of the comments by Marco over the past several days and I do admit I am not the brightest star in the sky, I am not sure if I understand what he is talking about in most of his comments. This one in particular is a bit baffling to me and it is this (quote) “I am slowly coming to understand and appreciate the very human concept that is divinity”. (end quote). I guess maybe the fact I believe in a Creator that is by all means far above anything we could ever dream or think, I find most of these comments to be somewhat disturbing as it appears there is no belief in a Saviour for our sins, a Divine Creator etc. It also makes me question what someone with that type of belief has in his/her mind as far as eternity goes.
Anyway, I had rambled on too long here. Just wanted to make some of my comments with respect to some of the excellent posts I have read here and at the same time give my humble opinion on some of the “not so clear” comments. Perhaps it is only myself that has a problem understanding what these comments refer to, in that case I apologize for making any reference to them.
Sam
Hi Sam, thank you for sharing I appreciate your comments, what I share here is independant of this website, I am just a reader/responder just like you, they have the right to scrap/refuse/resist/ban etc.. as they wish anything that gets shared, but what I am finding, in the least, is a willingness to tolerate my comments and thoughts shared, that is pretty amazing. I even get some encouragment now and then that really nutures my soul. thank you Cliff and others. In the spirit of it all I sense union, not so much in doctrines(I don’t know if I could say I have any left) but in meaning.
You seem to be trying to make a case for believing right, having the right doctrines about God, belief in the afterlife, thinking of humanity as sinfull/fallen in need of rescue etc..
This is all based of what we know as the bible, put simply an epic story of the Jews and beginnings of Christianity, when I came to the place where this bible lost its status as infallible and/or inspired, the theistic understanding of God died with it. To say it is infallible in some way can only make an idol of it, something religion has done for centuries. I can no longer limit God to the walls of scripture, although in these very scriptures I sense the spirit here and there and draw much from the well.
God, to me, is like the wind, cannot be held, put in a box, or controlled. Not even by holy books.
Do you suppose the word and meaning of divinity exist outside of human expirence? What evidence do we have to suppose such a claim? Faith? Must I reduce faith to believing in things I cannot see, to explain things I cannot understand? That just seems like such a religious response. Can not faith be, such as, the courage to move forward? The willingness to accept the uncertainty of life, without the need to project a divine parent in the sky protecting us from this very uncertainty? This is the God lanuage that no longer speaks to my heart.
The God lanuage that speaks to my heart is the calling of the Christ to participate in the kingdom of God, a kingdom of the heart, n o t h i n g more.
All I can say my friend, is that you are free to understand God in the ways you so choose, if you find my comments disturbing just ignore them like Roy does!
,
love you guys,
Marco
PS, Roy: hey it would be great to get together for coffee or beer sometime, send me a message if you like.
Marco Wrote:
I am just a reader/responder just like you, they have the right to scrap/refuse/resist/ban etc.. as they wish anything that gets shared, but what I am finding, in the least, is a willingness to tolerate my comments and thoughts shared, that is pretty amazing. I even get some encouragment now and then that really nutures my soul.
Geo here:
As one of the BoldGrace.com team let me say that I for one hope to never “ban” any comments as long as they are not defaming and or demeaning of others that post here.
Marco, one of the things I am and hope to always be is open to the thought that all of what I believe may be nothing more than a big heaping, stinking pile of shit! And that I may think others thoughts as the same! hahahaha! But something wonderful happens when all types of shit and manure are mixed together. It makes for very fertile environment for growth. We love your comments and value your and all thought here on Bold Grace Marco. I wish we we closer so we could tip back a few and mix our shit together and see what grows!
Peace
Geo
Marco: I was just trying to put some meaning to some of your comments and that for my own heart and certainly not to cause controversy. I wasn’t trying to make a case about believing right or wrong for that matter or having the right doctrines about God or about anything else. Like you say, we are all free to believe as we choose.
Sam
This site is an outlet for people to speak their truths and the beauty behind that is our willingness to throw those truths out into cyber space. What a wonderful freedom that is, but unfortunately our words can be judged just as easy as anything else. (A lesson I am learning from Cyber Space) Whatever you do try not to purposely hurt anyone and try not harbor any angry feelings in the end if you are hurt. Cyber space can be tricky.
I hope for everyone who comments here that you do it with TRUTH. Like my Dad always says, “Learn to Love….Love to learn”.
aww man you guys are awesome!
lol Geo it would be awesome if we lived closer to get together for a few cold ones, perhaps one day we will my friend. Thank you for your openness, it sure is inspiring.
thaks Mindy for the insight, whatever we say/do ought to be in love, what have we without that critical ingredient in all that we say and do?
Sam, my communication skills do not always hit the target, but I do my best to share where I am at and where I see myself going, thank you all for bearing with me in the process,
grace to you all
Marco
Jim, over at “Jim’s Blog”, Divine Nobodies, has written a wonderful post which really fits the discussion here:
http://www.divinenobodies.com/blog/
It’s entitled “My God Can Whup Your God.
Marco, I’ve really enjoyed your recent comments. I feel a kinship to your thinking about our Source.
Hi Mindy,
I was recommended this site by a very dear friend and have been reading the posts and their comments for a week or two now. What I find so delightful and refreshing is the open-heart attitude of the participants. I feel drawn to you all and you Mindy in particular. I have a desire to get to know you much better, so I’m taking the plunge and writing to you. I too have many of the same roles as you described in your post, add to that list, mother-in-law to 5 and grandmother to 15. I agree with your comments about outside expectations in these roles, and like you I’ve found that the strength to be the real me comes from within. As I trust those deep feelings within, those outside pressures to conform lose their power, and bit by bit the layers of the world are dropping off - there’s no ‘life’ in them.
I am finding cyber space quite a thrill to visit. I live ‘down-under’ in a small town in NZ. Finding so many of you ‘out there’ that are talking real is a great encouragement to me,
a warm hello to all
Audrey
Hi Mindy,
We really enjoy reading your entries. I think freedom is a wonderful phenomonem! It’s sometimes hard for others to truly appreciate our journey in the freedom experience, but you reveal your heart to your readers, and we can identify. So thank you - you enlighten and encourage us.
We’d like to invite anyone in Australia to contact us if you’d like a chat. Our phone number is (03) 52632165 or email jeffryjjj@optusnet.com.au
We are always interested to find other people in Australia who have discovered the gospel of Grace & Peace!
Jeff and Kate
Jeff and Kate,
Thank you! I am known to where my heart on my sleeve and I can honestly say that I wouldn’t have it any other way. It feels great to speak what my heart is feeling and it is even greater to know that I am not the only one who feels the way I do.
Peace
Hi Jeff and Kate
I am from Australia but I haven’t yet fully embraced the gospel of Grace & Peace as outlined on this site. I would love to be so bold but I’m not there yet.
The first time I made a comment on a similar blog such as this one, I used a fake name! That’s how unsure I am of everything. A bit embarrassing to admit. I imagine I am like a Muslim who is secretly considering Christianity. (I know this can no way be compared with the persecution that such believers can face. I don’t mean to trivialize that).
Anyway, I help with Alpha courses, I teach scripture in school, I teach Sunday School, I am on the Missions committee at church and our new pastor is EXTREMELY evangelical (and believes in literal 7 day creation etc I think). I toe the party line on the surface, but every night I seek out and visit my secret full grace blogs! A bit like Nicodemus visiting Jesus at night under the cover of darkness. (Except I’ve had no internet for about 2 weeks so I have been having withdrawal symptoms).
The closest I’ve come to being honest, was in the last Australian National Church Life Survey (held approx every 5 years I think) where there was a choice of how you would describe yourself between such titles as “Evangelical”, “Moderate”, “Pentecostal”, “Liberal” etc. And I chose Liberal! How liberating!!
So I am kind of anonymously saying “Hi” but I’m not yet quite ready to make that phone call or write that email. Sorry! I know that must seem strange.
But at least I am signing with my real name
God Bless you heaps and thanks for your generous invitation!
Julia
Have no fear, Julia. God is with you, just as he is with all of us. It doesn’t matter what you believe. And if you can come to understand that, you will find yourself being set free from all fear. Sometimes, it’s not so much what we believe about God, but more an awakening to what he is saying to us from deep within our spirits. Listen carefully, and expect to hear “love”. Feel deeply and expect peace. It is all within, just waiting for you to recognize it. You’ll be just fine, dear heart. Stick around and share life with us as we all discover the joy of knowing the deepest of Love.
Jeff & Kate, thank you so much for opening your home and hearts to all. I’d would love to stop by and give you both a huge hug! Maybe someday I’ll make it over that way, and if I do, we’ll be sure to connect! In the mean time, please tell us more about your lives and the journey that has crossed paths with ours. We are so fortunate to know you!
And to all our new friends, Steve, Debby, Mary, Audrey, Sue, Sam, Brian NZ… we are so humbled and grateful that you have stopped by to contribute to the conversation. You all add great value to what’s going on here, and you all add joy to our lives. Please visit as often as you can. We love you!
And to our old friends, Don, Bob, Connie, Marco… my heart bubbles when I think of you! Such warmth and compassion you bring to the mix! We are truly one in spirit!
Ditto to what Bruce said.
Cliff
Hi Julia.
Thanks for saying hi! The openness of your message really touched us. One thing we love about grace is that we don’t need to get involved in any processes, because everything was processed at Calvary, therefore we don’t have to try and attain through our knowledge or our belief. God established HIS view and opinion of you (and of the entire human race) at Calvary, so regardless of what we personally believe, or what others believe about us, his view and opinion stands - whether people see it or not - God’s opinion is truth. We agree totally with Bruce’s comments to you - go with your heart. You can trust your heart. It is the very essence of God. You hear his voice. You don’t need to convince anyone else, they are on their journey and you are on yours. Father has made us righteous and pure and blameless and holy through Jesus’ sacrifice so that we are free to explore who God is without condemnation or limitation. He is all in all. We found once we realised who God was, we realised who we were - beholding his image and likeness when we look in the mirror we saw his view and opinion of us.
I only just discovered that the word ‘glory’ in the Thayers concordance is called “The view and opinion of God - his judgment”. So now whenever I see the word ‘glory’ I think - well what IS the opinion of God about people?? He says we are righteousness! So if we are his ‘glory’ we are his ‘righteousness’. If we behold the ‘glory of the Lord’ when we look at ourselves, we are beholding ‘his righteousness’. The knowing of this ‘glory’ of ‘righteousness’ is covering the earth as waters the sea. It’s overtaking who we thought we were. Once I allowed myself to see that all humanity is righteous in the sight of God, I fell in love with the human race. When I began to see it, I quickly looked away thinking ‘Do I REALLY want to allow myself to see this??’ because it meant letting go of everything I thought was true. (My thinking had been trained in Christianity to see two types of people in the world - Christians and non-Christians.) But the excitement that was in my heart, was too great to ignore … I HAD to look at this mystery ‘face to face’ front on … and I saw Jesus in me … and I saw Jesus in everyone! And honestly, the sun began to shine brighter that day, and life was filled with colour, as I fell in love with redeemed humanity. I found it to be the key to fulfilling God’s only direction to us in life: ‘Love God and love each other’.
We love you Julia. Thanks for sharing your story. We look forward to journeying with you.
Kate
Thank you all for your patience, understanding, encouragement and love.
Kate,
HOME RUN!!! You scored right on the mark with your comment!
I can’t wait to hear more of your thoughts about this Bold Grace we have in Christ!
Peace
Geo