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.Over the time it took me in my journaling experiences to write my own book, The Keystone Kid, years were involved, and many changes and edits took place. One of the reasons was not that the story changed but for 2 reasons, 1) I needed to fix it grammatically, 2) I had to deal with my own issues of where I had been wrong, or done stupid things in my life. You see, it is important that in my own recovery, I had to realize, I was far from perfect, and had committed sin against others. There were things where I was at fault and I needed to address them.
In my book one of the last things I corrected was in the epilogue where I dealt with where I am now and the things I learned through the process. I recognized my own issues. It was difficult. I have this fear that people will think less of me because of the stupid things I did. It hurts when there are those who ignore the pain and suffering. I guess I am saying I know the process hurts, and I wish I could say everything will work out for the best, but the truth is, it doesn’t always do that. The other side though is that from recognizing my own faults and issues, I have moved forward with integrity. I can change the potential for the future. In that regard, it is all worth it.
Father God, thank you for the forgiveness you have provided me where I have done wrong. I know I will likely do so again in the future, and I don’t say that as an excuse but to recognize I need you tomorrow, just as much as I needed you today. I truly do want to be the person you want me to be, even when I need to recognize my own faults. Father, I know I am not perfect, help me to realize that about those around me as well. Help me realize that I also fall short; it is why I need Jesus and your Holy Spirit to guide me each day. Help me be a follower and recognize the areas of my life I need to surrender.
He who conceals his transgressions will not prosper,
But he who confesses and forsakes them will find compassion.
How blessed is the man who fears always,
But he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity. ~ Proverbs 28: 13, 14
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