We all struggle with something, or some things, and our culture tells us to hide that. To cover it up. To put on put on a happy face.
It's that attitude that leads people to disappointment, shame, and loneliness. The I've-got-to-have-it-all-together lie permeates our society, and people think that if they are not meeting some felt expectation, they are not "good enough". So, they get disappointed. Disappointed in themselves. Disappointed in their place life. Disappointed in God. This disappointment leads them to feeling ashamed of who they are or where they are in life. Which is followed up by another part of the I've-got-to-have-it-all-together lie, the part that says, "if I don't have it all together people won't like me". The shame felt from the disappointment leads to fear of rejection, which lead us to not reach out to those around us, and this leads to loneliness.
My dream is that the Church, my church included, would be a place where people could really "come as they are" and feel comfortable revealing their brokenness. A place where our openness about who we are and what we struggle with would open doors for those who are struggling and feel like no one could understand what they are going through. That it would be a place where no one would be left feeling alone. A place where "community" is more than just a part of the name, or a buzz word that gets thrown around. A place where the word community is synonymous with the word life.
Labels: church
posted by Shannon Smith @ 4/12/2007
8 Comments
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8 Comments:
I couldn't agree with you more. As a woman living in current-day America, it's very easy to get caught up in the "I'm not good enough" mentality and feel as though you are less than what God created you to be.
I was just talking to Jeff about this yesterday... about how we all come from somewhat messed-up backgrounds and how it's important to have hope that, with God, all things are possible.
One of my favorite quotes is from "The Purpose Driven Life" by Rick Warren: "The very experiences that you have resented or regretted most in life -- the ones you've wanted to hide and forget -- are the experiences God wants to use to help others. They are your ministry."
True community involves sharing each other's burdens and struggles. If I can't share with others what God has taught me through my own personal life experiences, it is possible that I would be taking away someone else's opportunity for growth. And that would just be selfish.
yes, well said... and i'm happy you finally claimed it as 'your' church...
shannon, you know the book i've been reading in the morning at the gym? the part i am on talks about this. peter scazzero, the author, calls it emotional health. he argues is a vital aspect in discipleship; an aspect that is too often ignored.
Jeff, I almost put a footnote in there that said, "Jason and Jeff please read my church as your church, but I thought it would take away from the seriousness of my post.
First of all, you post on your own blog? But I do feel like I'm not good enough a lot.
by: Bethany
P.S. I still worry about the kids in Africa!
Wow. Such relevant and powerful words...
It's strange and probably sounds like I'm trying to be over-artistic or something... 'cause I usually am...
but Derek Webb (former Caedmon's Call writer/singer) has really, really challenged me in this way. On his live CD, "The House Show", he talks as much between songs as he does during them, and in one of his sermonettes, he says something like this,
"The best thing that can happen to you - the best thing you could hope for today - would be for your sin to be broadcast on the 5:00 news tonight. Everything. All of it. The nitty gritty..."
OK. I guess DW probably doesn't use the phrase 'nitty gritty', but the longer I walk with the Lord, the more I realize that that's probably true, for at least 2 reasons,
1 - It would free me up from spending the majority of my time trying to hide my sin and maintain the appearance of 'being good' (nobody's good... singles beware)
2 - When 90% of my friends realize how messed up I am, they'll feel less ashamed and 'bad' about struggling with the very same things that we never talk about.
Alright... getting lengthy. I'll stop. More in old posts on my blog...
Keep harping on this, Shannon. When your dream happens, the Kingdom will be a lot more visible on earth.
PS - I'm jealous of 'your' church!!!
Bethany, Yes. I comment on my own blog. I would like for it to be a place where conversations get started, and not just a place where I lay it down and people respond. I don't know it all, nor do I claim to. I value the people that question my posts as much as I value those who affirm them.
And about the kids, me too.
FYI... Bethany is without a doubt the coolest twelve year old I have ever met.
Zack, Great visual about news. Thanks for the encouragement. You should come check us out some time. In two weeks we are hosting several events for a Human Trafficing Awareness Weekend, that would be a great time to come out.
I AM the coolest 12 year old you ever met huh? Just Kidding, I just thought I would say something.
Bye,
Bethany
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