Faith in the Fast Lane

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

I think sometimes the truth is the hardest thing to hear — especially, when it comes out of left field.

I was out with someone recently, and we were chatting and somehow, the conversation all of a sudden got deep. And in so many words, he told me that he had a bunch of friends he’d love to set me up with, but couldn’t because of my “lifestyle choices.“

Now, typically, when someone hears “lifestyle choices,” a slew of destructive habits come to mind: smoking, drugs, reckless behavior that puts a person’s body at risk…

Well, my “lifestyle choice” he was referring to, was my Christianity.

Now look, before I get too ahead of myself here, this is a great guy. His comment was coming from his heart, with the best of intentions, albeit said clunkily. But, great guy. No hard feelings whatsoever.

But this comment…it sucked to hear. And it punched the wind right out of me.

And in the moment, I just kinda laughed it off, whatever. But I’m going to be honest — that sinking feeling stayed with me. Was I really so undesirable because of my faith? Is my faith considered “baggage?” And I woke up the next morning, still feeling pretty crappy.

I shook it off, and went about my day, and being Sunday, that meant going to Mass.

Well, wouldn’t you know — that God had just what I needed to hear all queued up for me in the readings.

MT 5:11-12 “Blessed are you when they insult you…because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.“

Yup. The freakin’ beatitudes. As though God knew that little ol’ me would need a serious pick-me-up after the gut punch the night before.

I’m going to be honest. Typically, when the beatitudes are read, I hate to admit it — but I tend to tune out a bit. I mean, I’ve heard them over and over since I was a kid.

And not to mention, I typically don’t really internalize them all that much. I mean, let’s face it: in 2019, as a young millennial New Yorker…meek is not really a virtue I possess.

But that morning, the beatitudes hit me in a different way. A personal way. Because for the first time, they applied to me: I had been criticized for my faith.

The climate today among young people is incredibly tough to navigate. At least in New York City, following Jesus is seen as a bit of an “alternative lifestyle choice.” One that is seen as inconvenient. Antiquated. And, in its worst judgement: narrow-minded.

Blessed are you when they insult you…because of me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward will be great in heaven.

One of the things I’m particularly guilty of is getting too caught up in the here and now. I mean, I’m incredibly guilty of that. I care too much about fashion. About being out and about. About the latest hotspot, going here, trying this. I love the fast life that is right here, right now – Don’t blink or you’ll miss it.

But the fact of the matter is that, our purpose is not here and now, but there…Heaven.

We were created for Heaven, and this earth is just a temporary home. We’re merely passing through.

Christianity is not a wide, beautifully paved road. No, it is the narrow, difficult path, that’s full of treacherous terrain.

And as a result, many people won’t understand why a person would make that “lifestyle choice.”

But I want to just encourage you, because God reminded me that morning in Church…Yeah, I may face some light insults. But it is nothing that Christ hasn’t already endured. And why did He endure such insults? For me. Because He loves me that much.

I choose to love God because He loved me enough to shed His blood for.

I cannot deny that. I cannot turn away from that beautiful act of incredibly selfless love. The love that rescued me, and is truly, the reason I’m here today.

So I guess, bring on the judgement. Does it sting? Yeah. But grand scheme, Caralyn. Grand scheme.

“This is what the Lord says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.” Ez 37:5

TAKE ME TO THE B³ STORE!
Yay for cute hats!

A big thank you to my foundational sponsor, BetterHelp Online Therapy. I cannot begin to express how beneficial therapy was for my recovery from anorexia.  Speak with an online therapist. Or check out content about eating disorders from BetterHelp.

***THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ORDERED MY BOOKS, BLOOM: A JOURNAL BY BEAUTYBEYONDBONES AND “MY BLOGGING TIPS“***

Click to order your copy!


Sign up below for my free newsletter!
Get my daily videos, recipes and posts delivered straight to your inbox!

[mc4wp_form id=”30616″]

Here was yesterday’s video! https://youtu.be/8pmp4ZI968A

MAGIC TOOTHPASTE? Yes! I am in love with this superior whitening toothpaste. It keeps my smile sparkling, without sensitivity or bleach! I made a website where you can directly order this miracle product! So if you want to give it a try, you can go ahead and grab a tube for yourself. I promise, your smile will thank you!

Get a tube!

THE FABFITFUN FALL BOX IS HERE! And I made an UNBOXING video! I was — flipping out — over the contents of this box. The skincare items are SECOND TO NONE! I had an absolute blast filming it, so I would love it if you gave it a watch! And to order a box for yourself, you can get $10 off by using my code PUMPKINSPICE.

Be sure to check out my affiliate, Audible. Listening to audiobooks while I cook is literally my new favorite thing. And just for you, they’re offering a Free 30-Day Trial Membership. And with this free membership, you’re going to get 2 free audiobooks! Literally. Free. It is the best deal ever. And if for some reason, you decide it’s not for you, you can cancel within those 30 days and it’s zero money out of your pocket, plus, you get to keep the 2 audiobooks. Soooo…it’s pretty much a no brainer. Plus, it’s a free and easy way to support this blog! So thank you!! 

Huge shoutout to my favorite: Ethos Spa Skin and Laser Center in Summit, New Jersey! Located just outside of NYC, this gorgeous medical spa keeps my skin healthy and bright! Stop in and treat yo’self! 🙂

STAY CONNECTED!

@beauty.beyond.bones – Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

For Podcast versions of my posts, please check out Patreon! It’s only $2 a month!! You make this blog possible 🙂

And really quickly, I’ve had several questions concerning my Amazon link (amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones) — You do not need to buy one of my specific highlighted products on my page, in order for it to “credit” my account. Any purchases that you search or make from anywhere on Amazon, after first visiting my Amazon page, will credit this blog and help support this blog ministry. I am truly so grateful and appreciative to those of you wanting to do so! So thank you! Again, it is an absolutely free, and easy way for you to help keep this blog going!

Published by

Unknown's avatar

beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

271 thoughts on “Faith in the Fast Lane”

    2. Hi kiddo. One of the reasons I read you is because of your stand for faith in our Jesus. As an old guy, who has seen it all, I can tell you it doesn’t matter where you live, work, or play. If you’re known to stand in your faith you will be a target. He told us this is to be expected. What your friend was saying is, he can hook you up with others who lack faith-built standards which the Lord requires of us who call Him “Lord”. That is a privilege, a blessing, an everlasting insignia on the forehead of your very soul. It is the fashion worn long after you are out of this body, this rat-race of life, this culture’s trinkets set-up for you. Proud of your stand. Love to you from Dallas. -Alan

      Like

      1. thank you so much for this awesome encouragemnt, Alan. you’re so right – it’s a “label” i am honored to posses. Because at the end of the day, Jesus is the most important thing! hgus xo

        Like

  2. It’s harder and harder to become a Christian these days but God blesses those who stick with him to the end. It sucks to be rejected and I’m sorry that happened to you. 😦

    From what you’re posting, you’re a great gal (to speak 1940s) and keep living out the Gospel! Sending you a virtual (and chaste) hug. 😀

    Like

    1. I think you’re right about that. Thanks so much friend 🙂 I’ll take the hug anytime! Haha Hugs and love xox

      Like

  4. There is a lot of wow going on in this here but If you don’t mind an impartial older view, I would tell you of my experience here. I know some men may well be turned off by faith, but in my experience, it is because they have yet to embrace that there are things in life bigger than themselves, myself included. For them to completely shut out the opportunity to get to know someone, to me that is a shame. Some people do need that interaction even if by chance to realize this. I for one, realize I know very little, but I do believe and always enjoy learning and feeling more. Will I ever carry the same conviction, I do not know. But, I have hope in my heart that I can. Someday’s it gets closer, and some I admit I feel so much farther away.

    You, just need to keep being you, and one day things will happen. It always seems to when I least expect them to anyways.

    Stay shiny!

    Like

  5. Hey Carolyn, I’m sorry you had that sucky moment with a friend. Coming from someone who’s relatively agnostic but kinda has faith (I’m still figuring it out! 😂) I have experienced this but from the angle of not having casual sex (I’ve nothing against it, it just isn’t for me) or even from religious folk fervently getting up in one’s face that I have to accept the gift of Christ or I’ll go to Hell. That may be what they believe, no judgement here, but it wasn’t the best approach! 😂 With me personally, I see people of faith referring to people such as myself (a bisexual woman) that that, who I am, just as who you are, as a ‘lifestyle choice’ when you don’t choose it nor is it a lifestyle. Slightly different concept but same analogy if I’m making any sense at all! 😂 Basically I’m trying to say for what it’s worth from someone still figuring out their faith, following Jesus’ example of ‘love thy neighbour’ and love one another as I have loved you etc. Aside from it being a fantastic teaching (let’s face it, Jesus is pretty awesome) it certainly saves on a lot of conflict. God bless xxx

    Like

    1. Thanks so much friend 💛 you’re right – loving one another is certainly a good practice all the way around! I appreciate your encouragement 🙂 Hugs and love xox

      Like

      1. Certainly! 🙂 Anytime, it’s always interesting to read your insights, and I admire how passionate you are about your faith. Regardless if it’s my thing or not, it’s good to learn more from people who follow it. Hugs and love to you too! 🙂 xoxo

        Like

  7. Your faith may be a liability — but only to the people who’d ultimately fail to meet all your criteria in a partner anyway. You’re awesome and you’re unique; and your man is out there, possibly even having a similar conversation with one of his friends.

    Like

  8. I converted to Catholicism in 2018. My family responded with indifference at first, but recently the attacks have been increasing in intensity. I love my family. I hate when they refuse to be open to discussion. Everything becomes an argument.

    Its never easy. Shoot even just being a cradle catholic going about your daily life is hard. People dont like Catholics.

    But if we wanted short term profit and popularity and wealth and fame–vanity of vanity, all is vanity. There is no profit under the sun. Only in the next life, is there anything worth while, and He will make all the suffering here worth it.

    AMDG
    -Scoot

    Like

      1. Thank you 🙂 I’ve nothing against agnostics, atheists, buddhists, hindus, jews, muslims, rastafarians, pastafarians, taoists or anyone. I only ask that, if theres going to be a discussion, lets be willing to discuss! Its ok to disagree, as long as everyones listening. Hard to keep an open mind with closed ears and vice versa. All the best to you!

        Like

      2. Absolutely! Unfortunately there is so much polarisation going on with everything right now, that a normal conversation with differing parties to one’s religion, social/political stance, is so refreshing! 😊 Thank you and same to you! 😀 xx

        Like

    2. Hey Scoot! Oh gosh I’m sorry you’re facing that with your family. Sadly you’re right about that. Hang in there my friend. Yes He will!! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  9. Interesting comment your friend made. I can’t speak to what he meant but as an atheist (not a “new atheist” who seem to be filled with hate), I would have some trepidation dating someone who was as devout as you. This is just my own… thoughts… which may be based on my own issues, so don’t take it personally. The first part might simply be, “is this girl ever going to be into me if I’m never going to believe as she does.” I mean do you WANT to be with someone isn’t a believer? I have trouble understanding that. A personal perspective is, “do I trust her?” I come from an immigrant community and have long avoided the “nice girl” because I always felt she was inauthentic and was just making her parents happy. I know that is harsh and an oversimplification, but I want to be loved authentically and that’s hard to have FAITH in when the girl is playing by a whole other set of rules (regarding sex and divorce, for example). Does she want to marry me because its the only way she can leave her home with her parents blessing or does she truly love me and want to spend the rest of her life with me?
    I once did date a very conservative Christian woman when I was young (she was older than me) and she was image obsessed. The arguments were AWESOME (and so was the sex) but always had doubts about what she REALLY felt for me.
    Anyway, good read. Whoever you are, be your authentic self and don’t change for anyone. Nothing wrong with having faith at all.

    Like

    1. Thanks so much for your insight on this. Lots of food for thought here. Love that – being our authentic selves is definitely important!! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  10. I needed to hear this, Caralyn! I need to look at the grand scheme of things and really follow Jesus in what He is leading me to do. Sometimes they’re “small” things, like asking someone how I can pray for them, but I have too gotten scared and complacent to do what the Holy Spirit leads me to on many occasions 😥. This has reminded me of the importance of what Jesus is calling all of us to do, and being obedient with it. So thank you girl!

    Like

    1. Thanks so much friend! So glad this resonated with you. Amen – He is calling us to follow Him!! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  11. On the complete flip side, that comment said even more about those young men than it said about you. It means that for one reason or another or maybe several reasons, those young men can’t, don’t, or won’t live up to your Christian beliefs and it would be an absolute mismatch.

    Like

  12. Don’t forget about it, rejoice in it. You live by your faith and you don’t hide it. When the Apostles suffered at the hands of the Sanhedrin, they left “rejoicing because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name of Jesus.”
    Amen Caralyn. Amen.

    Like

  13. Someone once told me that if I didn’t stop holding to a truth in a meeting, he’d stop liking me. We’d known each other less than an hour. My response? “It’s cute that you think I care…” Yeah, he wasn’t impressing me either.

    You don’t know any of those people who might not like you for your faith. Why would you let their opinion – relayed second-hand – ruin one second of your life? Why would you care what they think?

    You know what I think of you, but I’ll spell it out anyway. You’re a beautiful young lady who is great company! Your faith and your tenacity are refreshing. There.

    There are too many people who love you. Why worry about the ones who don’t? I wrote an article long ago about how Everybody is Somebody’s Jerk. Including you and me. Point is, none of us bat 1.000. Some will like us, but I think more won’t. That’s the way it goes. Sometimes it’s good to care. Sometimes it’s good not to. Saturday was one of the latter. Chances are none of those unchristian guys would do it for you anyway, which brings us back to…why care?

    Your take that a Christian’s life is not going to be a smooth one is spot on. It’s just that faith is good, but so is perspective. Even Jesus told His disciples not to cast pearls before swine…don’t waste time and the Gospel on those who will degrade or dismiss it. He turned His back on the Pharisees, remember.

    You’re good people. Caring was just highly over-rated this time! Delivered fondly…because I care.

    Like

    1. Thanks Jeff for this encouraging response. You’re right – why should I care what they thing. And gosh – I am humbled by your generous words. Thank you Jeff. Truly. That means the world. And you’re right – sometimes it’s good not to care. Gotta just keep on keepin on. I appreciate you, Jeff. Hope your week is off to a great start. Hugs to you and your ladies xox

      Like

  14. Jesus never asks us to bear a burden He has not, himself, encountered. And He has never not been a help within trials. It’s a Jesus thing.

    Oh, I guess we are all hypocrites in some way. . . -Jeff

    Like

  16. When you find the right ONE, he will love you because of your faith not despite it. My oldest daughter is getting married next fall to a young man who broke up with her after a year+ of dating because she was “too Catholic” and he was raised by parents who are former Catholics and didn’t want to date someone so into her faith. The breakup lasted about 3 weeks. Fast forward 5 years, and he is now a devout, practicing Catholic who keeps her on her toes! It will happen. Just keep praying.

    Like

    1. You’re so right about that Amy. This is such wonderful encouragement, thank you. And wow what a beautiful love story! Thank you for sharing that. Congrats to your daughter! That’s so exciting. Next fall will be here before we know it! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  17. Walking the narrow road of faith is not always easy but let me share something that I felt as I read it.
    I see a girl whose faith is not only in words but also in how she lives.
    Her faith / light is not hidden under a bowl or under the bed but for the world to see. Even though they do not understand it, it is obvious to them that it is very much who you are.
    How she lives is not influenced by the world by what Jesus did on the cross for her.

    You are walking boldly in the uncool lane because being identified as a Christian is more important to you that fitting into the norms of the world.
    Stand out for Jesus girl, HE sees it and is pleased in His daughter.

    Like

    1. Thanks so much for this encouragement. Oh my gosh, I am truly so touched and humbled. Thank you. Wow – I am honestly without words because of your kindness. All i can say is thank you. Hugs and love xox

      Like

      1. You are such an inspiration and encouragement to many. I am happy to be a bit of an encouragement to you today. Hugs and love back to you dear friend 💙.

        Like

  18. I love your phrase referring to some who feel that their faith is ‘baggage.’ But O how disappointing when we know that God has given His very best for us, and there is no rival offered in this world! Yes, sometimes the narrow road is challenging, but it is the only way that satisfied, the only road that makes sense! Thanks for sharing.

    Like

  19. I loved this post so much!! Congratulations on being criticized for your faith- that means you are a wonderful role model and are living the Christian life well!!!!

    Like

  22. That’s sad, but at least received affirmation. You know deep in your heart you are making healthy choices of all kinds, even if you sometimes enjoy superficial things like fashion. 💖💖💖

    Like

  23. I’m gonna be really bold here Caralyn, but just take those comments and say ” get behind me, Satan!” He wants you to think you’re not good enough, when that is the farthest thing from the truth. I know you know that 🙂

    Like

    1. Yes!! Oh my gosh that’s so true. Thanks Hannah, i appreciate your encouragement so much. Thanks for this powerful perspective. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  24. It’s unfortunately neither the faith or the Religion. It’s the “V” thing :-). People, understandably if not unfortunately, can not see setting their friends up with someone who won’t, forgive the expression, “put out”.

    You have a great gift that you share with many on this blog, and a greater gift that only one will be able to experience.

    And thats something most of the world will never understand. 🙂

    Like

  27. There is an old norse saying “A miserable man,and ill-conditioned,sneers at every thing;
    one thing he knows not,which he ought to know,that he is not free from faults.” You will find in life people will look at your strengths (for you that happens to be your faith) and look to articulate it in a way that seems like its a burden. In reality they are the ones who are burdened by lacking the depth of faith you attained.

    Like

  29. I will tell you the same thing I’ve told my daughter (you two are of similar age) and son-in-law: If you just concentrate on making good decisions, doing what you know is right, in the end you will be fine. But it is hard sometimes to accept that “thy will be done” means we follow God’s timing, and not our own.
    Persevere, my dear, and all will be well. Hugs and love– Mike

    Like

  30. Thanks for reminding me that having one’s available dating pool reduced by 90% is a sign of God’s favor, not his condemnation. 🙂

    (And for what it’s worth, I just can’t imagine marrying someone who doesn’t share my depth of faith. Would either of us be happy with all the constant tension and disagreements on how to live life and raise the kids? Not something I relish.)

    Like

    1. Thanks so much Brandon for the encouragement. And that’s powerful insight – i appreciate you sharing that! Hugs and love xox

      Like

  31. “You are not your gender, your nationality, your ethnicity, your skin color, or your social class. These are not the qualities of your True Self in God! Why, oh why, do Christians allow temporary costumes, or what Thomas Merton called the “false self,” to pass for the substantial self, which is always “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3)? It seems that we really do not know our own Gospel. You are a child of God, and always will be, even when you don’t believe it. And so is everyone else! God created us all. We are all God’s children.”
    from Richard Rohr’s Daily Meditation Thu Oct 24, 2019

    Like

  32. Hi. I know how you feel. I have lost friends because of Jesus. I lost one friend because when he found out I was a Christian, he turned on the hate like I have never seen before. Another friend claimed he was a Christian. But then he started telling my wife and I about stuff in the Bible as well as stuff about Jesus that simply were not true. (Like Buddha and Jesus would the same. And claimed the Bible said so.) When I showed him what the Bible really said, he decided not to be friends with us.

    Hang in there because as you can see, you have a lot people supporting you.

    Like

    1. Thank you for sharing your heart and your journey story. I’m sorry you can so personally relate. I truly appreciate your support and kindness. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  34. Caralyn, you are in the process of finding what is most valuable in your life. Many wonderful people turn away from Christ because of the cost and misconceptions. You are the pearl of great price and Jesus bought you with his life. Psalm 37:4 says, “Delight yourself in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

    You are on the right path and the husband for whom you are waiting, will appear in God’s timing. You are precious and putting your trust in God and not man. Love and hugs, XOXO

    Like

  36. Beautiful friend, here I am to remind you that God is enough and in His time He will send you who you need when you need it and the time is right. Maybe He is not ready for so strong and powerful a woman of God you are. Be patient. Someone who won’t date you because you live Jesus and won’t be an easy lay needs to run fast into a brick wall to come to his senses – you loose nothing without such a person. Maybe you need to go back home (midwest) to find a real man… NY doesn’t promote loving committed Christian relationships. Yes, that was my highly biased opinion and yes there are always exceptions. Just talking here, just a light hearted thought. Lol As always, love you! Talk to Jesus. Hugs! XO😄❤

    Like

    1. Hi Tonya! Oh gosh thank you for such kind words. You’re so right – be patient. That is terrific advice. And you know what – that is definitely something to think and pray about!!! Love you friend!! Coxoxox

      Like

      1. God loves you as you are always. And any man worthy of you, God’s precious daughter, will do the same and will respect God enough to demand that of himself. Worth waiting for.❤

        Like

  38. Hang in there, you beautiful person!! Inside and out you are beautiful. You live your faith. You are an example to those who walk the tightrope of life between this secular world and life as a Child of God, living His principles. It’s not easy. But, as you know, the rewards are immeasurable – and God has you covered. Your faith will win out. The right life’s partner is out there for you. In His perfect timing, you will meet him. ❤ God bless you, Caralyn. ❤

    Like

    1. Oh wow, thank you so much Jan! What a kind note of encouragement – I am truly so touched! i do beilieve that — I just need the patience! haha hugs to you xo

      Like

  39. The wisdom and love we take back home with us young lady is the entire purpose of our journey. The Man made a path to find that, and which we all will eventually do. Those guys still have to do the trip, stumble thing. You my friend have had a blessing to dive in head first (like the video), and be able to find it much sooner than most. Wait and you will attract from where you are at. This time was just a trial run so that you could see where your heart was at, and go beyond it.
    Your knight in shining armor is just holding on too until he can see his queen, the one that is standing in her truth ❤️

    Like

    1. Oh thank you so much Mark for this encouragement. You’re so right – i just need to be patient and trust 🙂 Hugs and love xox

      Like

  40. I suppose much of todays world says the same thing right to the face of Jesus. “You’re too inconvenient and uncool to hang out with.” I guess my actions in teen and early adult life did that too. But thinking it through its about eternal choices. God is fair. He’s given us a choice. Be selfish and make “I” the centre of our limited earthly lives and fingers up to eternity with the natural consequences this will bring, or hang with Him in spite of the rejection it will bring in our earthly life and have an eternity doing useful things in his universal home. I think the latter is the better deal and hope this recent disappointment doesn’t deter you from the better path you’ve chosen. New York would be a hard place to keep that focus.

    Like

  43. Its the fact that we have to deal with Caralyn. The world cannot accept us for who we are. Your friend is right. Sometimes our faith is a put off for others. Sometimes they wrongly think that we believe we are too good to associate with them or hang out with them. Close friends know us better. But those who don’t, see us as Holy Snobs.

    The reason for this is basically the church itself. We have forgotten how to be approachable. Christ himself routinely associated himself with the “sinners” and walked out of the norm. This got the glares and the criticisms from the ruling religious leaders at the time.
    But yet his character was without reproach. Christ walked in favor with both God and Man. That was his testimony. Being able to be around sin and sinners, yet not entirely affected by it.

    Some Christians would look at it as completely wrong to go to a club or have a drink at at bar with friends, associate with people whom you know are “gay”, etc.
    But it is like Christ himself said, “It isn’t the healthy that need a doctor.”
    Christ’s mission was to show us how to live.. In Love, compassion, with power.. miracles, healings, convictions, all followed him. He went to the people like a doctor going to where the sick are. Instead of waiting at the hospital for the sick to come to him.

    But we have to admit.. We are not going to be welcomed by the world sometimes. They will ridicule us and sometimes even hate us. But we are really not part of the world.. And so we should rejoice, because it confirms we are truly part of the kingdom of heaven.

    Like

    1. This is so true. Thank you for the encouragement, friend. You’re right – a reason to rejoice. Hugs and love xox

      Like

  44. Stay true to God, Caralyn, in spite of those who may reject you for it. In our society, it is much easier to compromise and to take the broad road (which leads to destruction, by the way) than it is to follow Jesus by staying on the straight and narrow. I can testify that there are godly young men out there as I’m the mom of a Christian young adult son who lives by the standards of God’s word. Much like you, he has a lot going for him (he’s a medical doctor, musician, etc). If the right young lady comes along, that would be wonderful, but in the meanwhile, he is content in being single and staying true to his convictions. I encourage you to keep your eyes on Jesus. 💞

    Like

  48. My dear friend Caralyn,

    God and Christianity belongs to you, it is part of your being and has taken place in your character and mind as well – no-one, even not a so-called good friend or guy, should try to take this beautiful colour away from you which your life has built up in the presence of this Christ-power – this must have had a deep impact in your heart – words shot like arrows that have hurt your heart and life – nevertheless make peace with your heart, these fellow human beings have a different way of thinking – he has surely not done it consciously otherwise he would have been aware that he has hurt you with such word expressions. This is a real problem, my friend, that many of us have to faith: the ignorance and lack of empathy, only to see our sides, but leave the counter-side unconsidered – so we should meet our brothers and sister, our fellow human beings with thoughtfulness and awareness (that my thoughts, words, and deeds consist of non-violence) to prevent hurting unintentionally or even intentionally. A companion who cannot see these things should be avoided, it will only lead to conflicts. So my advice to you, my friend: Make peace with your heart, forgive him, and keep distance to him as those around us influence our life: positively or negatively… If pot and lid do not fit together, how can the pot function as a complete pot?
    A compromise is not possible in this case as it would damage your faith in Christ…

    I hope that someday the right one will knock at your door… if not, you always have the best friend, father and brother at your side one can have: God

    Happiness and patience to you, dear Caralyn
    Didi

    Like

    1. Thank you Didi for this beautiful encouragement. How can the pot function as a complete pot – what a great question to consider. Thanks for having having a positive word for me – you’re a great friend! Hugs and love xox

      Like

    1. Oh wow Washington!! That’s awesome!! Thanks so much Nikki for stopping by! Have a great week! Hugs and love xox

      Like

Leave a reply to Didis Art Design Cancel reply