Dear Church Body,
What joy I feel when I walk into the House of Worship! To know God meets me there every time I come to raise my hands in Praise to my God is a blessing.
But sometimes, when I come to meet with Him and share my heart some of you aren’t always on the same page of coming to Worship. Some of you, (and sometimes, myself I admit) come for the socialization, and neglect the real reason God has opened His doors of our Church buildings.
All God wants is for us to come and spend time with Him,
giving testimony to joys, hurts, in our “real ” life testimonies, however good, or bad they might be. None of us are perfect, Church Body, so who are you to call me imperfect, spiritually oppressed, or unforgivable because our stories might be totally different than one another’s?
I have been asked to “be quiet”, as the testimony of God’s grace in my life has slapped you in the face with being too real. It’s my past, which I can’t change and for whatever reason you feel as if you can project your anger on to me. Maybe you’re feeling guilt or shameful too?
But, that hurts when you tell me to shut up or worst of all, “leave, and don’t come back.”
That is so NOT like Jesus, because He invites ALL of those that are broken, sinful, and in need of a Savior. Including me. Including you. So who am I to be told to leave by those inside your church doors? I can not help my past.
How can you openly profess you love and serve Jesus, yet openly kick the broken, hurting, and even the Redeemed OUT those very doors you walked into? You kicked me out several times when I have spoken of the OLD life I lived, and how Jesus set me Free in your own services. I can not change my past, even if you are uncomfortable with it!
Church, if I can’t tell my testimony — my God story, then who will speak the truth where the hungry can experience Jesus in a real and honest way?
I know I can’t sit in those seats, week after week, and ignore the times Jesus healed me. I can’t sit silently just because you are uncomfortable. I know God is behind me as he’s redeemed me from the pit of hell, He asks me to testify to His great love and miracles. It’s my God I want to honor, not you.
I am so grateful God meets me every time I come before Him, sin or no sin. May we all come to meet Him as our “real-selves” leaving the socializing and judging of others outside the church doors.
Oh how I wish you were capable!
Rescued and Redeemed
Dear Anonymous,
My heart beats heavily as being judged is such a burden that paralyzes. My soul screams, “I want to know your story! I want to hear how my God worked miracles in your life!” Yet, when many are uncomfortable with the truth of “life” – a life different than their own, it is easier to point a finger than to look in the mirror. Thankful you can hold your head high and realize they can not take your story from you. Psalm 3:3 NLT “But you, O Lord, are a shield around me; you are my glory, the one who holds my head high.”
Dear Reader,
Have you felt the burden of judgement? Maybe you’ve been judged or maybe you’ve been the one to judge, either way it’s time we realize that we are all sinners. While we might have one finger pointing to another, there are three fingers pointing back to ourselves.
To grasp this 31day series and to view the previous letters click here.Would you like to submit a Dear Anonymous letter? Click here for how.Download Alene’s FREE eBook “Giving Up Normal” by clicking here.
I sit her feeling indignation for you. To tell you to shut up and/or not come back is so against everything we know and teach and profess. Bless you for not rejecting God in the midst of your own rejection.
As for the socializing at Church. I do it. I rejoice in being in the company of my fellow worshipers. Sometimes I “socialize” too much. But, at least I’m there?
Lisa – thank you for your sweet comments and realization. How dare we judge others, but yet I too often miss it and spend church time socializing. And even socializing with those closest to me . . . what about all those others that come needing a word or hug? Blessings friend.
Oh my! I wish I was shocked that someone would tell another to leave, but unfortunately I am not. Hold fast, dear one!! You are likely touching hearts in a way that many others cannot.
Leah – I so believe that too! Hearts are being touched — what a blessing for all.
Geesh. This saddens me…showing up to church to be judged.