Faith Outside the Box

Greetings! I pray all is well with you, and that no matter where today finds you that your hope is in The One who redeems, sustains and upholds us, the only Christ the King!

I have a confession to make. I am passionate about political issues. It's funny, the world does not like us to be passionate about our faith. Too bad. It's essence of who we are and why we are here in the first place to grow and develop as we learn of Our Lord. But the Church nor the world really cares for people who are passionate about political issues.

I was raised to be passionate about both, though I did not and have not always done so. It's been a process for me. Doing without Christ drove me to Christ. Then as I grew and life moved forward, I happened to begin homeschooling 6 months prior to September 11 2001. Studying history with biblical perspective was such an eye opener and a gift to us. It gave rich perspective to the history making times we were living in.

I won't take you through the blow by blow here, because really, who cares? Suffice it to say that something happened last August which made me unable or unwilling to compartmentalize my life from faith and politics (twin passions). It began to seem that to live my faith I must apply myself to day by day, in whatever ways I can find appropriate for my family apply my efforts to keeping myself aware, finding ways to encourage and inform those around me (family) and friends on the 'net. When opportunity presents to do more (donate, make calls, sign petitions, etc) do so. And always, and in all things pray and give thanks!

It's tempting to say forget it, my efforts are inconsequential and politics attracts so many "me-me-me people" (yuk factor). But, my conscience won't let me turn away. Until I am led in a new direction I better run with determination the road set before me.

I finally made peace with this transition during the last few days. I am hoping that I can keep two blogs going by posting and cross posting from time to time. I haven't been doing much of either because I have been struggling with what strange thing was happening to me. My faith and family and relationship with the Lord was just as strong as always, but I struggled with why was I so driven to political things.

Finally, I just relaxed and had PEACE! It's OK to be who He made me! I can TRUST Him! How novel! ;) He gives us GOOD gifts for His glory and His purpose! Who am I to kick against the pricks!?!

Yesterday there was a successful (well behaved, highly motivated and about 300+ btwn hours of 12:00 5:00) Tea Party in my hometown of St Augustine. I chose to go to next door Jacksonville (4,500+ from 12:00-2:00) with my parents, and the party THRILLED my heart. So many different types of people, different ages ALL of 1 mind and 1 accord. When God was mentioned no one was offened or ashamed but all cheered and gave honor. There was no hate but lots of wisdom and insight from young children, young adults and adults in the middle of life and adults who have been there and done that and know what they are talking about!

I have some encouraging words to share with you all my dear sisters in Christ, and am looking forward to visiting and checking in with you all. This was an important "Bird" Housekeeping matter that required tending to first!

There were a couple of times that when we sang "America, America God shed His grace on thee...and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea..." and when we prayed that I had a flash that God was pleased, that we were taking steps in the right direction and it made my heart happy!

Whether America shines or falls, God's people must trust in Him, look to Him, put our hope in Him. The Word is filled with accounts of Nations falling or pulling back from the brink, in either case there is always a remnant that looks to Him and is provided for even in the midst of trials.

If you would like to know more about where I have been dabbling check out Minorcan Maven. I will be around to visit over the weekend and catch up with ya'll! Some of the posts I have written there explain what I am speaking about better.

"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14