Earlier today I was having a conversation with one of my good friends, during which some phrases came up that we have both had said to us - either subliminally or directly. And, it got me thinking about the art of burying issues through maintaining the 'stiff upper lip' we so often associate with being British.
However, some of these phrases don't stem from British, but American culture. They are:
'pull your boot straps up'
'get over it'
'whatever'
I know that I have used the above phrases within my vocabulary - probably the most frequently used is 'whatever', which I actually detest. I find all of the above phrases a brush off, and a rather immature way of dealing with life. To hear someone address you with a "whatever" is basically saying "I'm not interested in what you have to say". To hear someone say "pull your boot straps up" is, in my opinion, fickle and somewhat ignorant. To hear someone say "get over it" is equally as condescending.
The reason I say this, is because I believe everything is a process. There is no 'quick fix' to anything and more often than not, when something is taken through a 'quick fix' process, it is a botch job with a very short shelf life. If the process is a long one, then so be it -- at least what is produced is something which holds substance and longevity rather than something which will withstand about a week's use. Am I making any sense at all?
When I did my year out (DNA), we heard a phrase banded around continually, which was "embrace the process". In all honesty, the more I heard this, the more I wanted to vomit.
I knew it was true, yet I had grown accustomed to just 'getting over things'. It says in 2 Corinthians 4 v 16 that 'our spirits are being renewed every day' - the key word being 'renewed'. It doesn't say that "we have a new spirit, bang, done, that's it".
It's a process.
Life brings with it, situations, which require us to walk them through. Life doesn't offer 'quick fix solutions'. When we are faced with tough situations, God isn't calling us to say 'whatever' to them... He's not calling us to 'pull up our boot straps' because that makes it about US rather than HIM, He's not calling us to 'get over it'... because more often than not, we don't actually deal with the issues.
He is, however, calling us to acknowledge Him in everything we do. He is calling me to acknowledge my need for Him, the need to walk things through, the need to be changed and daily renewed and to align my mind and heart to His.
There's no "getting over it" involved. Sure, we are called to step away from sin, from mindsets and from a path which would distract us from reaching the prize, however.. the race is to be run, we're not able to just hop over the finish line. It takes perseverance, commitment and an acceptance of 'embracing the process'.
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Sunday, 18 February 2007
cops and robbers
Before I commence with my latest series of random reflections, I must apologise to any bored being who reads my blog. I know that I have made it a regular occurence to continually alter or even delete my account, and there have been reasons which I daren't go into - otherwise they could spur paranoia. However, I came to a sudden conclusion that my blog exists for the sole reason of expressing my rants/thoughts/prayers thus, I would continue.
OK, explanation over let the typing begin :)
There are two things in my mind and heart today and whilst at Church this morning thought to myself 'i want to write a blog on this subject, but haven't a clue where to start'. But, I will make a shaky attempt to explain the first thing, and hope that whoever is reading this, can make sense of my words!
It is apparent to me, how many people are robbed. I don't mean in the literal - i.e. handbag nicked by some dodgy fellow in a Kappa tracksuit. I mean, in the Spiritual, emotional and mental.. probably moreso in the Spiritual. I guess I see people who have maybe experienced the awesome love and power of God, yet have gotton so bound by the world that all is forgotton. Well, not necessarily forgotton, but has been shelved. Shelved next to nostaglia, but with a self-adhesive new wrapper which states "my faith - laid down, stripped away, robbed". And, it makes me incredibly sad. So sad.
I remember a few years ago, during the summer months, I was walking in Birmingham... happily swinging my handbag around because the sun was shining and it was just a great day. Anyway, this guy walking toward me tried to steal my bag from me, and my instant reaction was to scream at him and fight him for what was rightfully mine. He didn't get my bag but just carried on walking as if nothing had happened. You know what? NO ONE came to my aid and there were people all around. Instead, it was me who had to make sure this man did not get his mits on my bag.
I guess, this is how closely we should guard our hearts, our relationship with God and our integrity. I am not saying, however, that we should keep our relationship with God under wraps - no way. But, what I am saying is that we need to be aware the enemy comes like a theif - to destroy and to take what rightfully belongs between God and I. And, you know what? It's our responsibility - not anyone elses, to guard this. Sure, we can have accountable relationships but primarily, we are called to be responsbible and guard the things precious to God.
Which, brings me to my second thought of the day. That SO often, Christians are so quick to blame other things for their wrong-doings / troublesome times. And, in all honesty... the one I have the most problem with is, 'im just so done with Church'.
What?
OK, firstly - I totally understand that the Church has a lot to learn. But, let's backtrack a little...
As a kid, I was taught that the "church" is the PEOPLE, not the building or structure or whatever.... WE are the Church. Thus, if you are done or tired with the Church - then LOOK at your own heart. And, I'm saying this to myself too...believe me, I am no innocent bystander in this! I have experienced pain in Church, hurt by people in Churches, boredom in Church... but you know what.. as a wise man once said "don't find a perfect Church and then join it, cause you'll ruin it". And, that is SO true! We will always screw up as Christians, but WE are the Church.. so please, let's stop being what we're actually accusing the 'Church' of being... and that is pharisees.
OK, explanation over let the typing begin :)
There are two things in my mind and heart today and whilst at Church this morning thought to myself 'i want to write a blog on this subject, but haven't a clue where to start'. But, I will make a shaky attempt to explain the first thing, and hope that whoever is reading this, can make sense of my words!
It is apparent to me, how many people are robbed. I don't mean in the literal - i.e. handbag nicked by some dodgy fellow in a Kappa tracksuit. I mean, in the Spiritual, emotional and mental.. probably moreso in the Spiritual. I guess I see people who have maybe experienced the awesome love and power of God, yet have gotton so bound by the world that all is forgotton. Well, not necessarily forgotton, but has been shelved. Shelved next to nostaglia, but with a self-adhesive new wrapper which states "my faith - laid down, stripped away, robbed". And, it makes me incredibly sad. So sad.
I remember a few years ago, during the summer months, I was walking in Birmingham... happily swinging my handbag around because the sun was shining and it was just a great day. Anyway, this guy walking toward me tried to steal my bag from me, and my instant reaction was to scream at him and fight him for what was rightfully mine. He didn't get my bag but just carried on walking as if nothing had happened. You know what? NO ONE came to my aid and there were people all around. Instead, it was me who had to make sure this man did not get his mits on my bag.
I guess, this is how closely we should guard our hearts, our relationship with God and our integrity. I am not saying, however, that we should keep our relationship with God under wraps - no way. But, what I am saying is that we need to be aware the enemy comes like a theif - to destroy and to take what rightfully belongs between God and I. And, you know what? It's our responsibility - not anyone elses, to guard this. Sure, we can have accountable relationships but primarily, we are called to be responsbible and guard the things precious to God.
Which, brings me to my second thought of the day. That SO often, Christians are so quick to blame other things for their wrong-doings / troublesome times. And, in all honesty... the one I have the most problem with is, 'im just so done with Church'.
What?
OK, firstly - I totally understand that the Church has a lot to learn. But, let's backtrack a little...
As a kid, I was taught that the "church" is the PEOPLE, not the building or structure or whatever.... WE are the Church. Thus, if you are done or tired with the Church - then LOOK at your own heart. And, I'm saying this to myself too...believe me, I am no innocent bystander in this! I have experienced pain in Church, hurt by people in Churches, boredom in Church... but you know what.. as a wise man once said "don't find a perfect Church and then join it, cause you'll ruin it". And, that is SO true! We will always screw up as Christians, but WE are the Church.. so please, let's stop being what we're actually accusing the 'Church' of being... and that is pharisees.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)