Thank you for leading me to reflect on this Shemaiah. I certainly don't enjoy the feelings that come with being an outsider, I don't seek them out. I prefer to be my true self, child of God, walking my walk, praying that I am an example of who God created me to be. I seek others like me to help support me, strengthening who I am, so that I can fulfill God's purpose for me on this earth. I don't hide from the thorns, impossible really, and when I do encounter them, I feel comfortable being my true self among them.
I'm glad this resonated with you Jim. I was trying to think it out a bit. I have a long way to go on articulating it and understanding it well ---but I know this is a theme I need to pay attention to. We need to pay attention to.
Thank you for leading me to reflect on this Shemaiah. I certainly don't enjoy the feelings that come with being an outsider, I don't seek them out. I prefer to be my true self, child of God, walking my walk, praying that I am an example of who God created me to be. I seek others like me to help support me, strengthening who I am, so that I can fulfill God's purpose for me on this earth. I don't hide from the thorns, impossible really, and when I do encounter them, I feel comfortable being my true self among them.
I'm glad this resonated with you Jim. I was trying to think it out a bit. I have a long way to go on articulating it and understanding it well ---but I know this is a theme I need to pay attention to. We need to pay attention to.
Perhaps all of us who belong to the Lord’s family are outsiders on this earth.
AMEN!!!
"One whose mind and self only belongs to God.
...Only when we lose ourselves can we serve God and others."
So well said, Shemaiah!
Thank you! Just one of the things I have been thinking about.