Yikes, the waters have been murky where I've been floating lately.I've participated in social media a lot lately, leaving Twitter for Bluesky. And I've seen arguments on Facebook too—in comments.
It is awful to me how much 'religious' intolerance there is "out there." There are so many writers, journalists, and posters on social media who feel they need to qualify with, "I am not religious," before they post something that could be misconstrued as a Biblical or spiritual thought! Why point out you are not religious? What is wrong with being spiritual? What is wrong with acknowledging you have a soul?
It could be because there are so many who make it their hobby to be on the attack against Christians, Jesus, and God. I think it is a favourite pastime for some—or simply the work of Satan.
These types say the Bible is a fairy tale and that God doesn't exist. It makes me very sad to hear all of this. And, with the formation of "Christian Nationalism" in the US, many who know that group's political mandates have become antagonistic to all who call themselves Christian. Christian Nationalists are making a bad name for all Christ followers.
When I have engaged with antagonistic people on social media, they have asked for my proof. My proof is answered prayers. Some prayers are answered quickly. Yes, when I ask God to help me find something, He has often shown me where to look right away. Other prayers have taken YEARS to be answered. There is a Bible verse that says, "You have not because you ask not." If you don't ask, you will never see the proof you seek.
Deconstructionists
I've also encountered deconstructionists on social media. Some sound a little jaded. Some are very much on the offensive in attacking the church—or so it seems. I have to wonder if they are all out of love.
Yes, I've seen the corruption in churches. A Bluesky user named Beks regularly reports on pastors or volunteer workers of Christian churches who have been arrested or convicted of sexual assault, usually of a pedophilic nature. It's unbelievable and hard to digest.
I've connected with a former Amish woman who knows well about the abuse in the sect she is no longer part of. She's on a mission to put a stop to the abuse.
I have read the twisted rationalizations of those caught up in the Christian Nationalist movement in the USA. They've replaced God with a political candidate--Trump. They appear to worship him as one might worship a false idol. They rewrite the Sermon on the Mount with a forceful agenda full of hate.
Those non-Christians who are seeing this new onslaught are being granted a vision of Christianity that is disgusting. It's no wonder they are on the attack. And long-time Christians are reconsidering their beliefs too not wanting to become entangled in the mix.
We Must Fight for the Truth
As I've pointed out in these blogs, I have not left my faith. I pray all day long as needed or prompted to. I have a daily practice of turning to at least three devotional books at night to read a section and then write in my journal what I feel is being said to me. I close my eyes to hear from God. I write a list of prayer requests and go back another day to see which ones God has answered. I put checkmarks besides those.
I don't pretend to know it all and I recognize my need for a higher authority. I count on God to give me wisdom daily especially as I go out and intermingle with others. I want to make right choices. I want guidance even when I'm shopping. I don't want to waste my energy on useless things. And so I pray. And I listen to nudges. And I pray for good mental health and physical protection.
I have not attended a church service in a year now. I am in the number who feels it is irrelevant. It's time for change, but I don't know what that change will be.
Interestingly, I go to exercise classes at church buildings. I follow these churches' updates online.
I emailed one church I happened upon on Youtube who shared in their Sunday service about a group they have to minister to those with chronic illnesses. They presented the "Spoons Theory" those of us with #CFS are well acquainted with. I was impressed and touched that they would have such a ministry. So by email, I reached out to them. My mind even swirled if that was a God wink--a church I should visit at Christmas. An answer to my canoe circling. But I never received a reply to my email.
This week, I realized, when I go through these steps, I'm still 'reaching'. Reaching for connection. Reaching to find home. And I know God says it's not time yet.
This week, I saw my reaching as futile. A chasing after the wind so to speak. And once, again, I resolved to leave it with God.
I want to add a Disclaimer here:
My thoughts are based on my life journey. We are each in our own life season. I'm in one of major change, or so it feels that way.
I just became a senior by age. That has thrown me for a loop. My daughter is married, my son lives with us when he's not working out of town. He has a new girlfriend. We are navigating life with another potential family member in it. I stopped working for pay. My husband has worked from home since the pandemic. Most of my personal contacts have changed since 2020. My parents and my husband's parents are gone now. Extended family has issues of their own and we don't gather like we used to. A lot has changed in my life. It's unsettling. But it is part of life.
I was only able to label my health challenges recently Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Myalgic Pain Syndrome (MPS). They've been there for years, but this year were pronounced. When I have a remission, I wonder what all the big deal was about. But then I end up with Post Exertional Malaise (PEM) again. Last night, for instance, I slept 12 hours. And today my neck was in pain again after four days of being pain free. I can't make promises to attend certain events or do certain activities. I must pace myself.
And with adult children, even Christmas is not the same. They have their own agendas. And to dig out all the Christmas decor means expending energy to put it all away later. So my tree is up and lit. A small box of decorations will be added. Unless my adult son digs out more decor, perhaps what I have out is all that is needed.
So life changes have a lot to do with church changes, but I hang on tightly to the truths God has already placed in my heart. I promise to cultivate them more and to not give into the trolls whose life purpose seems to be to convince the masses to deny God.
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