tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30458926.post2695106845385602806..comments2024-03-06T01:00:34.570-05:00Comments on Whatever He Says: Belindahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09251920708783268740noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30458926.post-55866638753639482252011-01-05T08:10:19.504-05:002011-01-05T08:10:19.504-05:00Holding hands tightly with my friends...and Jesus ...Holding hands tightly with my friends...and Jesus my big brother...BelindaBelindahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09251920708783268740noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30458926.post-50805142903620202132011-01-05T07:56:06.016-05:002011-01-05T07:56:06.016-05:00I am sitting this morning in a place where I can s...I am sitting this morning in a place where I can see the effects of my "slippage" having rippled out and affected someone very dear to me. Some of the consequences of my "spiritual density" became very clear in the last few days. It's a very painful and regretful place to be, because it's not me that's hurt so much, but someone i love. Your quote from OC this morning gives pause for sober reflection, but there's hope here too. Lots. <br /><br />So grateful that none of us are alone on the journey (esp me!)...Susanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12527926041729913404noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30458926.post-60736389394137428522011-01-05T07:49:27.903-05:002011-01-05T07:49:27.903-05:00Belinda, thank you for this. I think perhaps it...Belinda, thank you for this. I think perhaps it's a matter of language. Everything I read hear does not speak to 'death of self' ... being dead to sin and sinfullness is not really the same thing. I have always found the 'death of self' talk disturbing and frightening and I wonder if others, outside of the evangelical movement do too. What I read here in this post from the scriptures is about the journey towards selfhood. We all know what it is to 'dress up' ourselves when we go to work or to meet someone important. We all know what it is to be one person with a spouse, another with parents and even another with friends. We all know what it is to lose self through the expectations of others or in situations. I find that I can experience a horrible kind of death of self when, with all the pretending, I loose who I am. I loose the sense of who I was created to be. I find that faith gives me the courage to live fully as the Dave God loves, the guy that was created, the guy who I'm afraid to be much of the time. I don't think we're far off from each other, the sins of pride and of lust and avarice can be such huge distractions and offer such tempting delights. To be dead to the need for praise other than praise for the God you worship is a goal I strive for. 'death of self' 'birth of authenticity' however its said, what matters is the striving.Dave Hingsburgerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11918601687946534172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30458926.post-18386473827822259012011-01-05T06:38:45.970-05:002011-01-05T06:38:45.970-05:00Am enjoying your continuing thoughts on this new/r...Am enjoying your continuing thoughts on this new/renewed initiative. Today the Oswald Chambers' quote resonated with me, the reminder about how my choices affect the community. That is a beautiful thought when seen from the other side, that the small obediences, the invisible things, will bless the larger group. No need for fanfare or parades over small obedient actions. God is faithful to see the blessing ripple out.Marilynhttp://www.asgoodadayasany.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.com