Today starts a new day; I realize that I have been abused by religion. It took me through Day 8, 9 before I realized this, but I am glad I did. You can go back to see my comments on Day 8 and 9 to see what I am speaking of. I am taking the time to do the exercises as outlined in the book; Recovering From Religious Abuse, 11 Steps to Spiritual Freedom written by: Jack Watts. While I know that hurt and abuse as described and presented in the book are two different things, I have come to the understanding that in regards to taking advantage of me I have in fact been abused. I will admit, one of my greatest concerns is I may have at times abused religion. I don’t think I have but this journey will help me understand where I am at and in the process help others as I journal each day with the steps outlined in the book.Oh God! I really don’t want to become the thing that I have hated, despised and rejected. Yet, I realize that at times it is easy to find myself sinking back to that place. It is easy for whatever reason to become the abuser to others in my attitude and in my actions. As much as I have over the years worked at this, I realize it is still easy to fall into that place if I don’t keep working at it, I will quickly become the thing I hate.
The truth is, at times, bitterness and anger have dominated my attitude. While I realize why, it doesn’t change how others see me. I also realize that at times, it has been easy for pride to sink in. I honestly believe that over the last number of years, I have willingly worked at making improvements, but also realized, I have a ways to go. It is imperative that I continue to work on issues that may resemble pride, including not even giving the appearance of pride.
I also realize that many, who abuse has taken on this attitude, even when they in fact have gone through abuse, can stop their behavior. I realized that regarding the abuse in my life. I made the decision to put my foot down and stand for my Jesus and those he loved despite the situations that had existed in my past. The issues that made me who I was in part, would not be known by my children. While I would tell them and others of my past, I wouldn’t have them experiencing the things I did. I controlled my situation. I say this because to the abuser who is lonely because of the reality they are in as an abuser, you don’t have to give in to impact of the abuse, hatred, and dogma’s that often times comes out of your religious experience. You can, let go, stomp down, and move on in the direction where you can meet and know Jesus for who he is as opposed to who you have been told he is. There is freedom and liberation in that. Is the process easy? Heck no! It is possible though, and if working on it daily, you will see improvement.
Father, today I pray for you to continue to help me move forward and be more like you. I pray for others though, may they realize their own dogmas, their own abuses, may they represent you. I pray for their liberty, freedom, and ability to move forward, it isn’t easy, and that is why I know I continue to need you. Thank you for being there for me so please be there for others as well.
(19) People's desires make them give in to immoral ways, filthy thoughts, and shameful deeds. (20) They worship idols, practice witchcraft, hate others, and are hard to get along with. People become jealous, angry, and selfish. They not only argue and cause trouble, but they are (21) envious. They get drunk, carry on at wild parties, and do other evil things as well. I told you before, and I am telling you again: No one who does these things will share in the blessings of God's kingdom.
(22) God's Spirit makes us loving, happy, peaceful, patient, kind, good, faithful, (23) gentle, and self-controlled. There is no law against behaving in any of these ways. (24) And because we belong to Christ Jesus, we have killed our selfish feelings and desires. (25) God's Spirit has given us life, and so we should follow the Spirit. (26) But don't be conceited or make others jealous by claiming to be better than they are. ~ Galatians 5:19-26
Make sure to check the blog archive to follow this journal through its entirety, plus an interview with author Jack Watts and the review of the book.
To see the video posted below click on the video. If the video isn’t at full scale or doesn’t show up, click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24
Click here to read about, and order the book, The Keystone Kid
Click here to follow The Virtual Pew on Twitter
Mike Furches on Faceboook.
The Keystone Kid/Virtual Pew Message Boards
Click here for booking information to have Pastor Mike come speak or perform, from speaking to music or magic, something for all groups.
Click to visit with Pastor Mike regarding any of your needs. He will respond to each request personally, and if need be refer you to one of our other pastors.
Click to subscribe to my blog
Click to visit and join our sister group at MySpace Hollywood Jesus.
Now for those that do not know, make sure you check out the numerous articles and blogs by checking out the archives. If visiting The Virtual Pew or MySpace they are archived on the left hand side of the page. Scroll down to where you see newer or older listed under archives and then click there. There are hundreds of postings so make sure to check out the archives. You can also contact me for a free e-book pre edit version of The Keystone Kid at mike@thevirtualpew.comYou can visit http://www.thevirtualpew.com/ and on the front page down on the left side you sill see our store. Your purchase provides needed funds to The Virtual Pew. If you do not see something to purchase you can click on the search engine, (do not put anything in the search box at this time). You will be taken to Amazon where you can search for anything you desire. Hopefully you will consider a gift to The Virtual Pew.
Now I get asked this quite often, Can we repost your blogs or articles? The short answer to that is, what an honor that you would ask, and by all means, spread the word.Here is our contact information
The Virtual Pew
6441 N. Hydraulic
Park City Kansas, 67219
Email: mike@furches.org
Click on the following links to learn more about The Virtual Pew
Donations to The Virtual Pew
The Virtual Pew Blog
Personal Furches Web Site
Mary Jane Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Page
Mike Furches MySpace Blog
Hollywood Jesus
Reviews With Mike
The Virtual Pew Sermons
The Virtual Pew News
MySpace Hollywood Jesus Group
MySpace The Virtual Pew Group
The Virtual Pew Live Radio Web Page
To Subscribe to The Virtual Pew Live Feed
No comments:
Post a Comment