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.
God wants us to find peace, happiness and purpose in our life. Unfortunately, the person beating us up the most which prevents these things is ourselves. In my past, and sometimes in my present, I beat myself up and it discourages me from moving on. I know my own weaknesses more and better than anyone else. I sometimes forget, God is still there and wants to help me through my pain. I am grateful I realize this, because I know through my experiences that I can go back to God when I fail. There is an old saying, ‘God isn’t done with me yet.’ I am grateful for that.
I think the biggest problem some people have had, and I have at times, is we forget God is there, we can start over, we can be forgiven for the things we have done, and God will help us move forward. I am grateful that I am not at that place today. I go there on occasion, but it is less than in the past, I think it is because I have learned, my misery is not a place I like to be.
Today as I write this, it is the late Mark Heard’s birthday. Mark was a great songwriter, thinker, and philosopher. He had his own struggles at times, but he persevered and got to the place where he could be honest about who he was. I think his struggle helped him write great songs. Today, for something different, at the conclusion of the post, I am including a video of one of Mark’s songs. Mark is gone now, but he left some great music which can help us reflect and contemplate the good God has for us.
Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. ~ Matthew 7: 7, 8
The Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord – who is Spirit – makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. ~ 2 Corinthians 3: 17, 18
God Will Listen To You By Mark Heard -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sDh_2zovLUo
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g-snU6_zv24
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