I spent Friday night and Saturday at the Women of Faith conference in Rochester, NY, and you would know that if you follow me on Twitter so I win this contest I'm in right now to have the most followers on Twitter hint hint. Yes. Click the link, and follow me and mah babeh on the twitters. I will send you pickles if that's what it takes.
I don't usually talk about my beliefs as they pertain to God and God-ish sorts of things. I'm not the evangelist sort of Christian who talks about it much, or beats people about head, neck, chest and knees with a Bible. I have never felt comfortable being around people who like to talk to the random person in the grocery store parking lot about Jesus. Not that there's anything wrong with that... it's just not me. I prefer to live my life according to my beliefs, and to talk about it when the subject arises.
That said, if you ever want to question me about what or why? You should. Really. Here or in an email. Because I wear my big girl pants every day, and I am okay talking about them.
So I went to this conference, where the theme was A Grand New Day. There was talk about things that haven't gone well, loss, grieving, addiction... it was a real upper there for a while. But then a woman got up on the stage and spoke about how the Bible is full of stories about people who just didn't have their shit together. Or their stuff. They also didn't have their stuff together, or their acts together... I'm a classy dame, I tell you.
And the moral of her stories was this: God is knows we are not perfect, and He loves us just the same. There is nothing we can do to cause Him to love us more, just as there is nothing we can do to cause Him to love us any less.
I have heard this said before, but for some reason, it sounded different this weekend.
I don't usually talk about my beliefs as they pertain to God and God-ish sorts of things. I'm not the evangelist sort of Christian who talks about it much, or beats people about head, neck, chest and knees with a Bible. I have never felt comfortable being around people who like to talk to the random person in the grocery store parking lot about Jesus. Not that there's anything wrong with that... it's just not me. I prefer to live my life according to my beliefs, and to talk about it when the subject arises.
That said, if you ever want to question me about what or why? You should. Really. Here or in an email. Because I wear my big girl pants every day, and I am okay talking about them.
So I went to this conference, where the theme was A Grand New Day. There was talk about things that haven't gone well, loss, grieving, addiction... it was a real upper there for a while. But then a woman got up on the stage and spoke about how the Bible is full of stories about people who just didn't have their shit together. Or their stuff. They also didn't have their stuff together, or their acts together... I'm a classy dame, I tell you.
And the moral of her stories was this: God is knows we are not perfect, and He loves us just the same. There is nothing we can do to cause Him to love us more, just as there is nothing we can do to cause Him to love us any less.
I have heard this said before, but for some reason, it sounded different this weekend.
When I got home, I told The Mister I got two things from the conference:
- I should find my birth mother.
- I should write a book.
And yes, I know what the book is going to be about.
And no, I have no idea how to write a book.
But I am going to research both. I'll keep you posted.
i heart you bigtime. even if you didn't win my contest ...
ReplyDeleteand even if ... i'm not on the same or even A religious page in my life right now.
which was kinda funny ... 'cause i was going to email you and ask about it. but ... i'm not much of a big girl about it yet ... so that might have to wait.
glad you enjoyed your conference and that you came back renewed and energized. there is always a plus to feeling those feelings in life.
oh yeah. and my husband has a brother that found the family after maybe 20 some years ... so i might be able to find some answers for you ... from the other side if you are interested. it's all good, though. no drama ... well ... there probably was drama at one point. but it faded quickly.
I believe you will do just fine with the book. I'm not sure anyone really knows how to write one...probably just have to sit down and just do it. sounds like you have one in you. Please do keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteI have a half-sister somewhere out there that i am very curious about...
The notion that God loves us even though we aren't perfect...well, that's icing on the cake of this pretty Sunday morning :)
I think anything that inspires new goals is a good thing. No matter what shape it comes in.
ReplyDeleteI have faith in you to accomplish what you set out to do!
There's pickles?
ReplyDeleteOh, MAW. There's always pickles.
ReplyDeleteA book?
ReplyDeleteI won't be too shy to demand an autographed copy, you know.
I heart you Pam! Absolutely heart you!
ReplyDeleteI don't think you have to know how to write a book to write one. That Twilight lady came up with that book in a dream. For real. If she can do it, you can do it.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your new goals and I look forward to hearing the updates. (And reading the book!)
I'll read your book. But only if I'm in it. Just kidding. My husband tracked down his birth mother. She is a total train wreck, but he ended up with a truckload of siblings he didn't know about that are actually pretty cool. Good will hunting!
ReplyDeleteGo on with your book, girl, and your birth mother. I know you can do it. Your bad self can do anything.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I've been struggling a bit myself with wanting to write about my faith on my blog. But not wanting to lose readers who are all like, "Yawn, religion, God, yawn."
So I love that you went to this place in Rochester, which also, I used to live there! Wah! But I do wonder if God forgives my insane pride and my crazy lust. Especially because I keep on keeping on with the pride and lust. But hey, I'm 33. Early 30s, women...right? We're in a bad way.