wow! Can I say that this is maybe another theme that God is weaving through His children now?  Whatever "this theme" is... It's funny that I came to Abilene and have been learning these things, and at a Baptist college for that matter.  I doubt that everyone in the same classes as I came out with the same lessons and changes of heart, but I am convinced as well that what we were taught early on is not so "right."  I grew up with the same mindset in politics as you did, and I am far from it now (not near liberal though!)  haha... I was just thinking this afternoon at work about how my whole mindset is different now.  I actually will try to see the other side, and inevitably I will circle back to my basic belief, but I will at least understand more of how those with the issue see it and how to have more compassion, such as with pro-life issues.  It's not cut and dry.  I can't stand there above them proud with my right and wrong and pound it to people when I've never been there, but I can at least try to understand, and then get down to help them up the way we are called to.  And yes, I've come to realize the moral majority is not quite so moral after all.  Politics are rarely moral, they are usually driven by self-interests... but we still "give to Caesar," being involved and doing what we need to, just there's not a clear party representing the Lord... and I think that there's not supposed to be exactly that anyway.

so yeah, and here's a quote I found a week ago on the blog I have to read for a class by Shane Claiborne!

"Let us pray that God would give us the strength to storm the gates of hell, and tear down the walls we have created between those whose suffering would disrupt our comfort. May we become familiar with the suffering of the poor outside our gates, know their names, and taste the salt in their tears… then when 'the ones God has rescued,' the Lazaruses of our world—the baby refugees, the mentally-ill wanderers, and the homeless outcasts—are seated next to God, we can say, 'We’re with them.' Jesus has given them the keys to enter the Kingdom. Maybe they will give us a little boost over the gate.

And in the New Jerusalem, the great City of God, 'on no day will its gates ever be shut.' The gates of the Kingdom will forever be open.' (Revelation 21:25)"

You're right, "IT" isn't definable, but it's slowly but surely living these knew ideas out in the opportunities that arise, and sometimes going out of your way, and being uncomfortable.  I'm jumping for all of this to be a reality, but it will be someday.. until then, we can share this theme with others! when the opportunities arise, lol. : )

ps. yay for not having the how to be a good wife theme.  As long as you embrace the theme God already has for you, it will enhance your future in a way that will overflow into your marriage! That's what I believe anyway.

 

That's really awesome. I know a lot of people fit into the category you mentioned. Trying to apply the things of the Bible on others before grasping them in our hearts. It doesn't work.

I still catch myself, though not outward and rarely spoken, looking at someone with the though, "Yikes, look at them. They're a mess." With judgmental eyes and unmerciful heart wondering why they can't get better.

Then 10 minutes later wondering why parts of my life are in shambles. Is God going to be as merciful and helpful to me now? Yes, He is an ultimately loving and compassionate God. But when we push others away so that we can get to Him, it isn't quite the Father's heart.

There's bread for everyone. No need to push in line. No need to make others feel like they are not good enough for this generosity. It will satsify every soul. What kind of Christian could not want everyone to have it as they do?
 

It's not that being home, at the home church, is comfortable, or what you want, need, or are looking for, my dear, it's just that your horizons have been incrediably broadened over the past few years, your pre-conceptions have been challenged, and while you are still trying to accomodate and assimilate these new factors into your life, and way of thinking, you sought the familar, in order to give yourself the needed time.

Routine is comforting, and with the difficulty that comes from being exposed to the unfamilar removed, your mind is given the time and distance it needs to process. 

As far as the left/right politcal mishmash goes, it is easy on both sides to see those politicans who have deeply and honestly held convictions, and those who act as if they do in order to get elected.  In my view, there are far more pretenders on the right, but the left is not picture perfect by any means.  I will say this, no one who is pro-choice is pro-abortion, because that doesn't exist.  No one likes abortion, it's just that some of us see the a ongoing need for the right to an abortion to exist.  I pray that soemday we will have a world where it doesn't, but until then, I am pro-choice.  I will be forever pro-gay rights, not only becasue I'm gay, but because that the major arguements against it are entirely religious, not secular, and, no matter what side of the issue you may be on, you have to know that for the continued safety and freedom of expression for all of us, it is required for church and state to be seperate.  I think Catholicism is still the largest denomination in the country, if they were to end seperation of church and state, would the Baptists, just to pick another large body, be happy to accept legally binding religious decrees from them?  Vote your conscience, but for all of our sakes, don't vote your religion, unless you'd like to see evryone's freedom disappear. 

The one thing I really like in reading this about you though, is that it shows  you are really thinking for yourself, and not letting any one else make your decisions for you.  That is a new Laura.  Kudos!