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

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271 thoughts on “Faith in the Fast Lane”

  1. I think I can provide the outside the religious perspective… I receive,well, let’s call it hate often, because I defend christians (a non believer and raised jewish), to me, no one can know me, or my thoughts truky, I’m not perfect, no one is, if you are trying to do the right thing, be with it, we all (mostly) have a moral compass (exceptions for mental illness), we know what is right/wrong etc. inherently. that compass points in one direction, everything else is distraction, and that is the struggle of course, there has to be a point of remembrance, a talisman, some symbol, for you that is christ, and let that work for you, we all lack confidence at times but the key is practice… practice in all things breeds readiness, that is why the bible works, it’s a guide, is it perfect? nah, nothing is, we are not, but it is better to consult a map before a venture than just running out into the darkness… and darn you inspired me to type .. yet again.. so I guess in short, have faith in what you believe, let the rest follow.

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    1. Excuse me, even one with a mental illness has a moral compass and a knowledge of right and wrong!!! There may be lapses due to symptoms, though we are NOT morally corrupt. What an outrageously offensive and ignorant statement!

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      1. your judgment is based in misunderstanding of my comments, take a moment and think about it. what if a “lapse” is your entire existence ? that doesn’t make much sense, I believe more in the natural world and the fault of genetics, bad eggs happen, it is empirical and provable with clear data in all living things, if you don;t believe that, that’s fine, just take a step back before you call something ignorant, you never walked my shoes nor me yours… and we never can, better to discuss things so we can at least try to understand…

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      2. The way your statement was phrased does not leave room for a reader who does not know you to see anything aside from the ignorance of your statement. There was no reason to even include a comment such as this in the overall discussion.

        Mental illnesses take many, many forms! Someone with anxiety or depression does not lack a moral compass or a knowledge of right and wrong. These are still diagnosed mental illnesses. An individual living with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder are not morally corrupt or lacking the knowledge of right from wrong. These are biological, chemical imbalances which can be treated quite well through proper medication allowing many with such disorders to live quite healthy lives. Lapses occur with ANY chronic illness. Even a person with diabetes has mental changes which can make them a danger to themselves when glucose levels are too far outside of normal. No one would ever consider this person lacking the ability to decipher right from wrong or without a moral compass. The same is true of a person living with mental illness. The vast majority do NOT live in a “constant state of lapse”.

        Statements and attitudes such as what you’ve written not once, but twice are why there is so much stigma and misunderstanding about mental illness. Many people who live very successful, functional lives with a major mental illness do not speak about their condition due to the judgment and attitudes I’ve just watched you put out there.

        You may not like my words, but my point is completely valid. If you don’t want to be criticized for your statements, think before you speak. Look at the impact of your words. Pick your audience. You’re not in the privacy of your own home where few will come across your words and most likely agree with you. When you speak publicly making negative, unfounded remarks about those with a medical condition you must be prepared for people to correct you and inform you of your ignorance.

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      3. sorry friend, we disagree, I encourage you to read back your own statement and think about it, I don’t mind criticism but claims of ignorance are not that, I am well informed both in personal experience and educationally, we just disagree. This is not the forum for attack or such long form discussions imo, if my response incensed so many… well, it did not, but for whatever reason it triggered you, there is no absolutes with mental illness, and I was not speaking about ALL mental illness, which is your assumption (among many), I;ll let the people decide if they read through everything, that’s cool with me. I’ m not intimidated by words. read yourself again, you read a bunch into my words… things I did not write, you assumed, again, that’s fine, but just a hat tip.], peace.

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    2. Thanks David. Have faith in what you believe – at the end of the day that just about sums it up. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. Hugs and love xox

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  2. I can share a little perspective on your friends’ comment. I was raised Catholic, attended a Catholic university, minored in religious studies, have received all the sacraments including that of marriage. Along the way, I found that I’m a true atheist. I have friends and family who are Catholic and all other religions. Even within friendships there are differences in how we think about and handle issues that arise in our lives.

    As a non believer, you cannot successfully have a romantic relationship with a believer. The chasm between the two is just too broad. The philosophical differences in how we manage our lives and the lens we look through is too different. I know from experience.
    His statement was not a criticism of your faith, rather a statement recognizing that in many other areas you would be a good fit for his friends.

    Being a Christian in the modern world present problems. It always has. I can tell you that i’s significantly easier identifying as a Christian than an atheist in today’s world. You may not believe that to be true, but it truly is. I’ve been on both sides of the divide.

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    1. This is a very powerful perspective. Thank you for sharing your story and for this insight. I can definitely believe that – labels are tough because by nature they set you apart, come what may. I appreciate you stopping by and for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  4. I woke up this morning in the arms of God. He was holding me to Him as if I was a little toddler child. And He spoke to me about my lifestyle, it is 50 years now, since He took me, just as I was… And I was to use your words, a virgin. I have lived,, 50 years as a virgin. It was the only thing He asked, “Promise me, you will never marry.” No He never asked me to take vows as a nun. Just to remain as I was… I have. I have led a full life, and I awoke this morning a little girl in my Father’s presence… I am writing this to you. His special friend to Him you are…please know you are blessed for your faith, your choice… In good time you will receive your heart’s desire.. Just hold on to His sleeve with perseverance. Please delete comment if it is your wish. I never meant to embarrass you or offend. Just to whisper what you already know, our God is love..

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful story. Wow, you write so poetically and powerfully. I truly appreciate the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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      2. Oh! Thank you!! I’ve never considered getting fringe before! Hmmmm 🙂 I’ll think about it! Have an awesome day! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  6. Sorry to hear that dear 🌹, I know how it is I’m not a religious person but I do try to live my life by a code of conduct of honor and respect and that clashes with other people that’s why I always say ” To each their own ” you can do whatever you want just don’t expect me to follow along if it’s something I don’t do.
    So you do you dear and keep gone down your own road. 🌹

    ❤️✌️
    BY FOR NOW

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    1. Thank you Dawn 🥰 I appreciate the encouragement so much. Amen – to each their own! I agree!!! Grateful for you!! Hugs and love xox

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  7. Ouch! It hurts when people judge us for our beliefs. Maybe it’s a blessing in disguise though? Wouldn’t you rather date someone who shares you’re world view and belief in God? I know I would rather date someone who share’s my values and beliefs? I’m sure the right person will come your way at the right time. Enjoyed reading your post.

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    1. Yes it’s true. What a powerful perspective shift. Lots of truth here! Thanks so much for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  8. Thank you for being honest and open about your struggles!! I’m glad I found your blog! God bless you!
    Even though we get criticised for our Faith, it’s fine. Jesus offers us all the peace, joy and tranquility we need and VICTORY! He overcame the world with love and we can too! (John 16:33). So we let God’s great love lead the way! God bless you Caralyn! 🙌💛💛

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    1. Thank you friend. You’re so right – all the peace joy and tranquility! Let His love lead the way! Hugs and love xox

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  9. “A time is coming when men will go mad, and when they see someone who is not mad, they will attack him, saying, ‘You are mad; you are not like us.’” -St. Anthony the Great
    Hang in there girl.

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  10. Good morning. I was reading your post and it made me think. It is interesting. I don’t think it’s one’s faith in as much as what one chooses to believe in to be of concern. I see the issue as how one practices The Faith. My mother was Protestant Free Methodist, and my father Roman Catholic. It was perplexing to hear how my mother grew up believing going to the movies and wearing makeup was a sin. So was playing the Ave Maria in church. Not to my father.

    It was confusing for us as kids. So, in my honest opinion it is something that needs to be talked about beforehand. How one practices and makes their spirituality palpable and real. I believe that for a harmonious relationship, these important rituals need to be agreed upon and valued equally. Cheers!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You bring up a great point – definitely a conversation to have for sure. And an important one. Great insight. Thank you. Hugs and love xox

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  12. It’s awesome that you are strong in your faith and stay true to yourself. I saw this dating advice online once and I love it – ‘Run as fast as you can after God and if someone keeps up introduce yourself.’ Someone out there will love God as much as you do and love you exactly the way you are. 💕

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    1. Thank you friend. Your encouragement means more than you know! Oh my gosh I love that quote!!! Hugs and love xox

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  13. When people question my faith I like to use the example from the movie “Contact” where (loosely quoted) Jodie Foster ask Matthew McConaughey “how can you believe in something your can’t prove?” he replies “Did you love your father?” She replies “yes” He says “prove it!”

    Where do people without faith go when tragedy strikes?

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  14. Do not despair over that conversation. Any Christian in today’s world is bound to find resistance to expressions of faith, especially if you are really trying to live as Christ desires for you. As far as living too much “in the here and now,” don’t be too harsh on yourself for that. Yes, our ultimate purpose is found in eternity with Jesus, but we are in the here and now for a grand purpose as well, to show others in this life the love of Jesus and introduce them to Him. Your blog is one way you are doing that while living in the here and now. Blessings always to you and yours, my friend.

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    1. thank you so much DT, for the encouaragement. You’re right – we’re here for a grand purpose as well — that’s important to remember for sure 🙂 gosh, i am humbled by your generous words! hugs xo

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  15. I believe that God is using you in mighty ways, and though trials will come, your rewards will be great, if not here, certainly for all of eternity. I pray you keep doing what you are doing. God will find you the right person for you, I believe, in his own time, and in his own way. God Bless.

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    1. Oh my gosh thank you for this beautiful encouragement. I appreciate your prayers so much. I believe that too – in His time. Hugs and love xox

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  16. Thank you for your honesty here. It’s so hard to be a single Christian in today’s world. I’ve had guys break up with me because of my ‘lifestyle choices’ and it does suck. It’s painful and discouraging at the time, but now I can look back and be so grateful they dumped me. Because when/if I do get married I want it to be a faith-filled, God-centered marriage and that won’t happen with someone who hasn’t chosen the same “lifestyle”. I believe God will bless you with a strong Christian husband who values and chooses your lifestyle. Stand strong and firm in your faith – God has it under control!

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    1. Thanks so much Becky for this beautiful encouragement. You’re so right – God has it under control! Hugs and love xox

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  17. Morning! You’re an inspiration in a broken & judgmental world. Stay true to yourself and your beliefs and good things/people will come your way. ❤️

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  18. The day is already upon us when the world will judge us not by what we do but by what we believe. Your experience is proof positive. I came across this verse just this morning and thought of you. “No weapons turned against you will succeed” (Isaiah 54:17). Stay strong in your faith, dear. The right man for you will show up when God makes it happen.

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  22. I pray that the Lord gives you opportunities to meet both friends and a significant other who are more in tune with your hope in Jesus. ❤

    I do believe that religion has always been, and will continue to be, a source of divide among people. Why? Because there is nothing more worldly than religion, and religion has nothing to do with God. It never did. Those who follow a religion group among themselves and tend to consider others outsiders. Those who don't follow it group among themselves and consider religious groups outsiders. Different sides of the same coin.

    As followers of Jesus, we are called to believe in, have a relationship with and follow him – not religion. And this doesn't mean that a person can't attend a place where there is a form of membership, such as Catholic churches. But religious affiliation does mean that it becomes significantly more complex to relay what, or who, we are following to others.

    In many cases, the person indeed follows the religion they are affiliated with, and may or may not have a genuine relationship with God. I grew up among religious people and that was essentially the reason why I turned atheist. I always knew the "God of religion" didn't exist.

    I think you've shared enough about your faith here that shows you prefer to live in a way that shines the Lord's light in your life. And that's how we're called to be. But anytime we resort to religious membership, it will invariably result in divide.

    Just to give you an example of how that works, I always have the opposite situation as the one you report here. Almost every single person I meet, including some friends, sees my behaviour and, because I don't associate with religion, they don't know "where" to place me and never, ever consider me any sort of outsider. On the contrary, they seek my company. They want to become closer. They love my values and, funnily enough, often think they share them – even though they're not believers. There is actually a "common ground" that they themselves see between us, because religion is not part of the equation.

    So though I can see how religion can cause a lot of divide, because that's what it has historically done, I don't see people being repelled by Jesus' love in our lives. And it is up to each one of us to reflect that love more than we reflect religion. It can be tricky at times, yes, because people have difficulty to place us. But let it be. It's simply because they don't know God. If they did, they would know He can't be placed anywhere, and neither can we.

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    1. Thank you so much for this encouragement and thoughtful response. Yes – that’s so true. Jesus even said that He has come to divide. Hugs and love xox

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  23. Your lifestyle choices result in the positive. When someone said that to me many years ago, I replied, “Is it so bad? What if there is no heaven, no paradise? What have I really lost? My choice free’s me to be healthy by not smoking, or drinking to excess. My morality free’s me from all the diseases young and old people get for sleeping with whoever and I could go on. Is that so bad?
    Living a life free of excesses protects you from so much pain and disease. A God-like life is a safeguard in so many way, it’s hard to innumerate.

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  24. Great insight as always, Caralyn. As a non -millennial (lol… that’s my way of saying “older person”) who doesn’t date I can relate to being insulted for my faith. It’s like I have some disease… Christian and not dating… what?!?! But like you said so well: It’s not about here and now. It’s taken about four years for me to fully appreciate living in the present and being fully here WHILE understanding I live not for this life but what comes in the afterlife. People can feel how they feel but it doesn’t change how I am judged and held accountable so I am the o YL one who had to be okay with my choices and lifestyle. And I chose child of God, boldly!

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    2. Thank you Shell!! You’re right – it’s a bold and important choice we can cling to with our whole heart! Hugs and love xox

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  27. Never be ashamed of who you are. Remember we are in the swipe left/right phase for easy sex. You are not easy sex. Tell your friend not to tell these people he wants you to me about your spiritual belief if he believes the person he wants to set you up with is a good person. It is you who needs to tell the person who you are.

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    1. Thanks for your encouraging words. That’s great advice – I need to be the one to tell someone who I am. Great point. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

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  28. Here it goes, … he was not truly insulting you. It was a backhanded compliment. Think on it as he knew those guys were not worthy of you; or that he would be embarrassed of you knowing what type of friends he really associated with.

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    1. Thanks for this perspective. That’s a great shift – definitely encouraging 🙂 haha thanks for stopping by. Hugs and love xox

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  30. Keep shining Jesus’ light! This world is getting darker and darker but our God is mighty. As long as your “lifestyle choices” Honor our Lord, they are perfect. To bad their lifestyle choices don’t match – they are missing out! Stay strong in Jesus 😊❤️

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  33. True Christianity, a changed heart, life, & mind, has been considered an alternative lifestyle since the the resurrection. Thats why the world hates it so much.

    Congrats for overcoming both anorexia (physical & pyschological torment) & congrats for noticing and overcoming a rejection. You can be assured more will be coming down the pike. I believe Paul said all that live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution, not promises of a lavish lifestyle, but rejection, humiliation, loss of family & friends, even death if it reaches that point.
    So feel honored to be stepping into those ranks of fellow believers who are accounted worthy to suffer, in whatever manner, for Christ.

    God bless.

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      1. I’m jealous of young people that take the chance to live in NYC. In hindsight, it’s something I wish I had done. I wish you the best in the Big Apple!

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  35. What does it mean that our modern Christians don’t fit the Sermon on the Mount? The Beatitudes is the very portrait of the one we claim to love and follow.This is why I left modern church. The Beatitudes is too deep and simple for most Christians today. But what does that mean? Shouldn’t we be asking?

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  36. I read this passage after reading your post and thought that it might be encouraging to you.
    “Even though I’m considered insignificant and despised by the world, I’ll never abandon your ways. Your righteousness has no end; it is everlasting, and your rules are perfectly fair. Even though my troubles overwhelm me with anguish, I still delight and cherish every message you speak to me. Give me more revelation so that I can live for you, for nothing is more pure and eternal than your truth.”
    ‭‭Psalms‬ ‭119:141-144‬ ‭TPT‬‬

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing that. Wow what a beautifully encouraging verse! So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  37. This post took me back 30 years to a conversation with a colleage during a summer job. Just chatting in a pub after work and talking about ‘outselves’ I mentioned my faith and the response was ‘Oh if only it wasn’t Christianity’. What really struck me was that it wasn’t just any concept of having a faith, but Christianity specifically.

    It was an interesting glimpse into the future that we now live in where people won’t even consider being friends because of a differing viewpoint and something we are all poorer from as a result.

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  38. I don’t see that as an insult AT ALL. For starters, the fact that your “lifestyle choices” are an “issue” to him is really a kudos to you…you are letting your light shine! He sees the light of Jesus in you and it is this very light that is PROTECTING you from all the WRONG guys this person wants to set you up with. CELEBRATE!! Of course your light is undesirable to the darkness. THAT’S WHAT YOU WANT…TRUST ME. Besides, Jesus is the best matchmaker. All in His perfect timing my dear.

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    1. Thank you so much Mindy! Yes! He really is the best matchmaker. Thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  39. Interesting – I haven’t seen this happening myself but I’m sure it is happening. As a parent of a millennial, I try to understand their points of view; however skewed I think they may be. Both my daughters were raised going to church and still like going with my wife and me, but when asked why they don’t attend church on their own it typically goes something like this “I have my own beliefs and I don’t need someone telling me what I should believe”. What is that about??

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    1. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah – the millennial life is interesting to say the least! Glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  40. I wonder sometimes whether the percentage of actual Jesus followers has dropped, or merely the hordes of “Christians” we had when Christianity was the dominant religion. The path to life has always been a narrow one, and your testimony is a refreshing encouragement to stay on it, Caralyn!

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    1. Hi Mitch! Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Yeah – that would be an interesting – and I suspect very eye opening – statistic. Thanks for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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  41. I agree with your statement about how a “lifestyle choice” has definite negative connotations now, and that religion is not one that pops to the top of the list. It really saddens me that others are not willing to elevate themselves, but rather pull those above them down. And I don’t mean “above” as in a ‘better-than-you’ snobby sort of way. But ‘above’ as in doing something they can’t (like staying religious and keeps values that you find important). We see it all the time in media. ‘Fail’ compilation videos. Or comments like, “No way you really did that.”
    I remember when people used to believe first, then waited to find out if they were lied to. Now it seems like people assume they are lied to first, and even if they are given the truth afterward, they still believe it’s a lie.
    Keep the faith. This life, this suffering, is temporary. Christ suffered all for us, we can suffer a little for Him.

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    1. Thanks William for sharing your thoughts on this and for your encouragement. You’re so right – it’s temporary! And we can definitely endure it for Him! Hugs and love xox

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  42. This is a tough one to comment on, Caralyn. The father in me says stay true to your Christian convictions because it is so easy for me to say that. I’m not looking for Mr. Right in the Big Apple. I truly feel your angst for several reasons. Again, easy to say from afar, but my advice is in Romans 12:2 — do not conform. I know, I know, that’s easy for me to say but it has played out in my own life, in a different way than yours. You either conform to the world (a world that is turning from God) or you hang in there believing what you believe. I am praying for you.
    Ted

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  43. I love this Caralyn. I am finding it hard to fit in at my job right now, and I am feeling a little judged and misunderstood. Thank you for sharing this encouragement. It truly gave me some much needed perspective.

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    1. Aw thank you so much Sarah! I’m so glad this resonated with you. Hang in there!! Sending so much hugs and love xox

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  44. There has to be a proper balance. Yes, you need to have the long range view of “we are strangers here, heaven is our home.” But we also need to live in the here and now. I spent most of my 20s and 30s looking at the next thing and missing what was right in front of me. Proper balance is the key. Jesus is the rock of your life. Look ahead to the eternal life that he has won for us with his death on the cross. But he has also given us this life, this abundant life, life to the full, as he says in the Gospel of John.

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  45. What an interesting post. At an early age I was introduced to a lot. I do not want pity but just to share this. At 9 years old, my favorite Aunt (who at the time was reaching 90 and due to my youth, I thought “smelled funny”) passed away. At 10, my father (who many years later Ibfound out adopted me) died at midnight on Christmas Eve. I was so angry with this “God” whoever he or she was that whenever his name was spoken, my attention was diverted elsewhere. Death continued to stalk around me and it wasn’t being quiet about it at all.
    Once there was a break in the deaths, I begin to ask why. But before I could get an answer, it struck again. This time it was to a 9 year old boy who through all of my attempts to revive would pass on.
    This really rocked my world and turned it upside down and I finally gave up and begin to ask God to help me fight with me to keep death away.
    I continue to see it all around me to this day. Cancer, heart attacks are plagueing our family now but with Gods help, it has become easier to deal with as it is in His grand scheme of things to come. I can have an open mind and respect the question or statement of your friend you went out with. I always respect everyones personal opinions as from what I gather you do as well, but they have to understand that they must respect mine as well which is to believe in a God. I now live with a very God fearing family but they are not overbearing in how they approach me about my past. As for my friends….well, there are no phone calls just to talk, nor invites to go places. It has been this way for the past 10 years unfortunately. But if it is because of my faith, than they have judged me because of my beliefs and those are not friends I want around. I will take faith and solitude over a lack of faith and an over abundance of friends any day.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your story. Gosh what a lot you have been through. My heart goes out to you, friend. Hang in there friend. You’re so right – at the end of the day – faith is worth it. And you’ve always gotta friend in me 🙂 Hugs and love xox

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  46. 🙌🏽💪🏽🙏🏽

    Matthew 6:19-21
    19 “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

    I used to have that mindset living in New York City. Even 10 years after moving it stayed with me…
    God didn’t stop calling for me and I finally picked up!

    God bless you!

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  47. Well, I’m pretty sure I would have said (with a smile on my face), “Someone who would dismiss me automatically because of my ‘lifestyle choice’ probably isn’t someone I would care to go out with.”

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  48. Amen sister! Thank you so much for sharing this! I’ve had this situation happen to me as well and I began to have doubts because of my desire to be a wife again one day, but God is faithful and His timing is better than ours. If people reject us because our “life style” then they are really rejecting Him. I needed this. Thank you! ❤️

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  49. There is a difference between letting Christianity be your invitation or your armor. I have seen so, so many Catholic influencers using their faith as a way to close themselves off to people who disagree (armor) and even to cast judgment on those not meeting the “standard,” rather than reaching out as Jesus did to have conversations that may not result in resolution but still uphold the value and dignity of each person participating in that conversation (invitation). Make sure your “lifestyle choice” reflects what true Christianity is supposed to be.

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    1. You’re right about that. True Christianity – that’s the important thing to remember! So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox

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  50. Ummm, so God is WAY bigger than ya’ even know because the conference you’re speaking at in March 2020 theme is: “Rejoice and Be Glad.” Mark 5:12 Yep! He’s just “prepping” you right now, giggles!! Hugs Caralyn and thank you for staying stead-fast in your faith walk – remember God is simply still “perfecting” the man He will one day reveal to you! And that man will be so grateful for you staying true to His Word. ❤️

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    1. Oh that’s so amazing!!!!!!! Wow thank you for reminding me of that!!! God is so good 🙂 He is always prepping us for His plans 🙂 love it!! Thanks for this beautiful encouragement!! Hugs and love xox

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