Howdy Doody @ MindSay 
sleep
Howdy Howdy All!
I have been out of pocket lately but will be back in a while to bore you with the events of the past month!
Goddess Bless
Howdy Howdy all,
*DISCLAIMER* This entry is about the writer/it is a personal(relatively) musing on MY part. It is not an attack on any one in particular nor is it a sweeping demonization(for lack of a better word) of Christianity. All of the thoughts and emotions contained herein are reflections on a single individual's life and experiences (MINE). Any and ALL may comment as they wish, but no name-calling or personal attacks on individuals is allowed nor welcomed. Feel free to dispute any and all ideas herein, in language appropriate for use in an adult environment (profanity is not forbidden but nasty comments directed toward others is certainly unwelcome).
Okay, I have to let you all in on a little secret...I was raised in a bible thumpin', revival havin', holy ghost catchin' family. I taught sunday school in my younger days and organized countless bake sales and even helped with the Ladies Auxillary as a youth (yeah, all the boys were waiting in line for a chance to get with me, Churchy McBible). I spent my summers attending vacation bible school (which was A LOT of FUN! We learned about Jesus and had games and snacks at the same time). The message was always about inclusion and helping the less fortunate, the oppressed, the infirm and so on. There was no condition placed on this precept. You helped if you could period. You gave what you could (honestly) to your neighbors (not just the folks next door but any neighbor in Christ). Much of how I carry myself now is due to what I was taught about fellowship and being a good Samaritan at Damascus Baptist Church in a tiny town in Mississippi. The church is terribly small but hosts youth programs, literacy programs, a food pantry and has volunteers who actually VISIT with those who are noted as "sick or shut-in". The reverend visits everyone on the list regardless of volunteer support. That I respect.
This must be a serious strain on his time, and energy to always greet the ill of health with a smile and a kind word.
The reverend of the Damascus Baptist Church of my youth earned NO wage as a preacher (not like I notice now in Houston and other places), he was, of all things, a carpenter. The reverend who preaches there (Damascus Baptist Church) now earns NO wage for services. He says that he was called by God to spread his word, period. "God made no mention of me getting paid for the service, young sister."
I don't attend organized religious services any longer, I have taken another route to my enlightenment. But when I visit my family's hometown I do attend services with my family, mostly because it is expected, but also because I LOVE gospel music(so passionate) and also, I like an apostle who trusts his faith enough to share his Saviour's message at zero cost to his corner of the world.
There but for the Grace of God.......?.
As I have gotten older the messages I learned as a girl started to get corrupted. Now I don't know if it because of the messenger (more than likely I think) or the message itself (not always sure what the message is).
Maybe it is the messenger, there are a number of unscrupulous snake-oil salesmen and religion is not untouched by charlatans and ne'r do wells. Anybody with a hustle can pick up religion (any religion although I am only familiar with Southern Baptist Christianity and earth religions) and run with it.
Now I am not saying that EVERY CHRISTIAN that I have come into contact with has been less than what Christianity teaches. Not at all. I am saying that the ones that I have run into that have a separate agenda invoke feelings of unease in me, Especially when THEY they don't recognize this in themselves.
Some Christians scare the hell out of me. I mean some of them terrify me. truly. I have had Christians do and say things to and about me and others that one would not imagine. I have heard them talk of being one under God only to contradict this very idea when their comfort level may be threatened. I was taught constantly that Christian Charity was of serious import under God's plan for his "children" only to have those "teachers" exclude those in need of assistance out of fear, entitlement or plain old spite. Some say that "these people are not real Christians". I don't know if I agree with this, I think that maybe they are Christians, that is, they believe that Jesus was the son of God, who died for "our" sins and that the repentant who "accept The Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour" will be received in the kingdom of heaven. I also believe that they are people first, they are subject to THEIR personal agendas first(whether it be confused with their Diety's agenda or not).
In short, I have noticed on an ever growing scale that when someone wants to push some idea the is EXCLUSIVE (that is not available to everyone) they scrounge around in "The Good Book" to make it acceptable.
Religion doesn't really bother me as a way to soothe the spirit and quiet(calm or medicate) the soul. What bothers me is the much touted "love thy neighbor" idea that I seldom witness from some "Christians" these days.
Still, I believe in US, WE, THE COLLECTIVE........
I like helping people, many of the people I know like to help people and I honestly BELIEVE that MOST people want to help people. Some need a little boost, but I think that when the shit hits the fan, many will put themselves out there for someone they don't know.
That being said, I hope everyone enjoyed their Easter.
The Oak
Live thy Life,
Young and old,
Like yon oak,
Bright in spring,
Living gold;
Summer-rich
Then; and then
Autumn-changed
Soberer-hued
Gold again.
All his leaves
Fall'n at length,
Look, he stands,
Trunk and bough
Naked strength--Alfred Lord Tennyson
Goddess Bless
Howdy Howdy ya'll, I decided to do an audio entry for today! I will try to catch up on everyone's writing this weekend! Until then here goes.....
Goddess Bless
