I am torn between being on the wrong side of shame. The world will push insults until you cancel yourself and it celebrates in your failures. God does not use your shame to expose you. I can grow when I accept and understand that God believes in me and wants to see my full potential fulfilled.

It has been hard for me to understand the backlash I read on social media between whom I thought were Christians. I really like these people, but my view has been tainted as I read through the negative critical and absolute disgusting racially dividing comments. In those comments, there seemed to be no shame with the name calling. Where did Christianity go? Where did the 1^st two commandments go? No other Gods before me and not make idols. It seems politics has become the idol that has cracked and broken the Christian faith that I love and want to represent. I feel there is a shaming even between God’s believers and I wonder which side I will find myself. Silent, avoid, quit, or just closed off?

Now if I choose the above I feel that would be the ultimate shame. It is difficult not to respond to the backlash or to push an insult back out of anger. That just causes more damage. Relationships just seem so fractured. Instead, I need to stand firm in God’s word. Jesus was no push over, but it is how he handled himself that was masterful.

Staying faithful, Keeping hopeful, and loving others is an empowerment that helps us endure and move forward. Our pastor talked about how God’s love never quits on us. He loves us through all circumstances. He teaches how we should treat each other.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them, Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good” Romans 12:9

“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance” 1Corinthians 13:7

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically” Romans 12:10-11

Another message he talked about how we should treat each other even when we have differences of opinion:

“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged” 1 Corinthians 13:4-5.

My prayer is we find common ground and believe that our differences won’t divide America even more than we see today.

I listened to a song by Matthew West called “Do Something” and is powerful as it calls us into action:

So, I shook my fist at Heaven
Said, “God, why don’t You do something?”
He said, “I did, yeah, I created you”
If not us, then who
If not me and you
Right now, it’s time for us to do something
If not now, then when

It would be a shame if I turned away and just decided to go with the tide of apathy being pushed today. I do care about the spirit of our families and communities. Love others, but stand firm in your beliefs and don’t shy away from being called a Christian, Jesus Freak, or any other name that tries to shame you into silence. May our voices be like thunder!

Prayers for all who feel they have no voice. May you find that strength. May You find that light in the darkness of painful circumstances.

God Bless you,

DreamsDontFade