Check Your Snark at the Door, Sister

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

“Were you in a bad mood when you wrote this? It doesn’t sound like you…”

My parents called to ask me if I was okay after I sent them the draft of the post I intended to publish tonight.

It was about the inauguration. And I wrote it having not gone jogging yet, so yeah – let’s just say the level of “snark” was off the charts.

So I decided to scrap it. Hence why it’s eight o’clock and my post is an hour late. I decided that if I was going to put something out there for you to take the time to read, it needed to be actually worthwhile, and not a one-way-ticket to Destination Downer.

There was a lot of talk about “unity” yesterday. I’ve written about it before:

And frankly, my thoughts haven’t budged. It’s still a “conform, or we’ll label you XYZ-ist/phobic and blacklist you from society” kind of a tone, as evidenced in yesterday’s inauguration theatrics.

Which does, make me sad.

And to be honest, I’ve found myself harboring a lot of negative thoughts about President Biden. Particularly about how he is advertising how Catholic he is, and yet openly platforms for, and votes to go against the Number One teaching of the Catholic Church: the sanctity of human life. I find myself holding so much anger and, truthfully, resentment that he is on the global stage, under the brightest of spotlights, and absolutely shitting on Catholic moral teaching, while parading his faith.

It really, really makes me upset. And I’ve been carrying a lot of negativity on my heart, as my parents clearly picked up on in the draft of my first post.

But hanging out with my boyfriend last night for dinner, he said something to me that really made me reconsider everything. He said, “Will you give him a chance?”

Will I give him a chance?

*Sigh.* Why is he such a good man?

Yes. Yes, I promised him that I will.

Because that’s the thing that I feel God trying to teach me right now: tolerance.

Ironic, isn’t it? Because, tolerance is the actual ticket to unity…which, for all of its airtime, I have yet to hear anyone mention.

I’m spending so much emotional energy focusing on Biden’s short fallings. On his platforms that go against my beliefs. On the horrific pro-abortion legislature he defends that literally makes me want to throw up. (I’m doing it again…)

Tolerance…

Not everything is a strict black/white dichotomy. That’s what got me in trouble with my perfectionism, and it’s manifesting now in my standards for others.

I need to remember that, a) we all have short fallings. (Hello, my list is a mile long with the deceptive and manipulative past I have with my eating disorder.)

And b) that we are all, at the end of the day, children of God, made by the same Father.

Biden: made by God. Harris: made by God. Me, you, everyone: made by God. And that means something. That means that we are ultimately on the same team. And though, yeah – some may have fallen off the path, or have made/are making terrible decisions –myself not excluded– we should strive to see one another as sibling of Christ, first, and then through that lens, consider the differences.

Because I’m telling you, if I spend the next four years harboring the same negative feelings as I do right now, I’m going to end up with grey hair, chewed off nails and a drinking problem.

So my challenge to myself, and you’re welcome to join me, is that from now on, whenever I learn of something Biden did that makes me want to scream, or feel hopeless about where this country is headed, I will just stop the negative thought dead in it’s tracks, and hand it up to God in prayer.

“Offer it up,” as they say.

Because, as St. Augustine – the saint that Biden cited in his address – reminds us, there will always be tension between the city of heaven and the city of earth: The earthly city springs from love of self and indifference to God, where the heavenly city, is born from love of God and indifference to self.

And therein lies the truth: We were not made for this world…we were made for heaven.

And the closest glimpse we have of heaven — besides the Mass — is love.

Which is what I’m really going to try to practice more of, here.

Love.

Join me.

(And for those who are interested, I am publishing the original post on Patreon.)

“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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223 thoughts on “Check Your Snark at the Door, Sister”

  1. Hi. I understand where you’re coming from on two fronts. As a hard of hearing man, I wrote a post on audism. Not autism, but audism. But so much anger went into it, I never published it.
    Two: I understand how you feel about Biden. I learned a long time ago that just because someone says they are a Christian, does not make it so. I honestly don’t know where he stands with our Lord. I am not qualified to see into his heart.
    I do believe that under his command, many bad things will happen. I also believe that these things have already been written about in the Bible. This means that the day Jesus will call us up, is getting closer! So I will try, again I will say ‘try’ to not worry about Biden, and will instead try to focus on our Lord and Savior.

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    1. Thank you friend for sharing your thoughts on this, and for sharing your story. You’re right – a title does not a Christian make! amen gotta focus on Jesus! Hugs and love xox

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  2. I think we’ve given him a chance for 47 years and he’s destroyed lives. And within 30 minutes of his presidency he destroyed more lives by ending the Keystone XL pipeline and the border wall. Jobs were lost.

    I get the conservancy and it’s nice to save the environment but the people are more important. I’m upset about this whole election deal and how Joe came to office and at the same time he started flying executive orders left and right when we are in a pandemic. These orders were not for the American people.

    Negativity is a touchy subject here. But if your boyfriend is a Christian he should know better than anything else that Biden and tbe rest of the administration is evil. These people choose to go against Gods wishes and as a result, people suffer for it. He may not be as involved into politics as you or I am but I pray he understands that these politicians are bad and bring harm to others.

    Sometimes we need to be angry or negative about something to bring change too. Its hard to be positive when you are criticizing someone but sometimes prayer isnt the only thing we need to do. But also communicating it in such a way people understand can bring positive changes. I can go on but I have to return to work but we’re in dark times at the moment.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. Definitely joining you in that prayer. There are harmful HARMFUL effects to the policies he’s enacting and undoing. Heaven help us! Hugs and love xox

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  4. I think we all deserve to be a bit guarded in these times of change. Yet, as you know, the One of all knowledge is with us, and He never changes. As for snark levels, we all are guilty. Texas hugs : God’s grip – Alan

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  5. I love your honesty, Caralyn. And M & D know you oh so well. Likewise, It sounds like your bf is a keeper since, among other things, he gave you a really good challenge. Excellent post. I’ve been praying hard all week too. Keep the faith; it’ll all be alright in the end. Have a good weekend ❤️

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    1. Hi Mary! What a nice surprise to see your name on here!! Thank you so much — haha you’re right, they know me oh so well!! And yes!! Steven is a gem, I am so grateful to have him in my life. He is my “even keel” as my dad would say! haha. Yes – these coming years, we’re going to have to be prayer warriors, that’s for sure. And it’s true! God is in ultimate control, and we can place our total and complete trust in Him. Sending so much love from NYC! Thank you again for stopping by! xoxoxox Caralyn

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  6. The bible says not to be angry without just cause and you have valid reasons to be angry. However, God is NOT surprised by anything that is happening in this country and we are getting what we deserve as a nation. We’ve taken God out of everything and He’s allowing this to happen and the bible says these things will happen and HAVE to in order for Jesus to return. He came to divide NOT to bring peace because it’s OBVIOUS the world does not want Him. He also says His kingdom is not of this world. I do not allow myself to watch the news and try to limit my time on social media. It’s destructive to your peace especially because we have NO CONTROL over anything.

    With that said, I understand the sentiments of your boyfriend in a sense as he’s saying to calm down. So, with that he sounds like a great guy and a great balance to you. haha!

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – we’ve taken God out of the picture, and we’re reaping what we’ve sown, unfortunately. And hehe yes! He is a great man and my “even keel” haha Hugs and love xox

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  7. Humans are notoriously bad judges of what will make them happy in the long term. That’s why so many people make bad decisions – they picked things on impulse that they thought would make them happy Right Now. But, things rarely turn out as people expect, and quite often, when you get what you thought you wanted, it turns out to not be what you thought it was going to be and doesn’t lead to where you thought it would go. That’s what’s behind so many bad romantic relationships, people picking the wrong jobs, even committing crimes – it all seemed like a good idea … at the time.

    Take it from someone who’s been through some bad times and unexpected health problems – human beings can’t predict the future. We just can’t. People don’t fully understand all the implications of their decisions, both because they didn’t fully understand what they were agreeing to in the beginning and because situations often arise that nobody really predicted. Some things that I used to see as dead ends and job failures actually turned out to be points in my favor because there were things I didn’t know about my own health at the time. I saw it all as failure because I didn’t get where I wanted to go, but if I’d gotten what I initially wanted, it might have hurt me more in the long run because of what I didn’t know was coming. Even though I didn’t know it at the time, I really needed to hang back to be where I needed to be when the crisis hit. There were things I needed to understand and deal with in order to move forward, and it turns out that when I started moving again, it was going to be in a direction that I never thought I would go and which actually might suit me better in the long run than what I wanted before. If I’d tried to push forward in the wrong direction, I could have done myself far more harm and ended up in a much worse position. At this same time last year, we were just starting to get the indications of what 2020 was going to be, and who knew we’d still be struggling with the coronavirus today? Even though we didn’t know we were going to be in this situation, it doesn’t change the fact that this is something we have to deal with before we can move forward. We don’t have to like it, but we still have to do it.

    But, the good news is that, just as unexpected bad situations arise, life also has the possibility of unexpected, happy surprises. You may never really like Biden because some people, personalities, values, and approaches just don’t mesh. But, if he does a better job of organizing the pandemic response, something that he’s apparently already starting to do, that would pleasantly surprise you, wouldn’t it? It’s only his second day, so it’s way too early to see how that’s going to pan out, but that would be something to look forward to, and it would allow us to move on to other things that are difficult to focus on right now. Biden might not be what you want right now, but it’s possible that he could do what we need. After that, we’ll just have to see what’s next. But, it is possible that it may turn out better than anticipated, even if it’s unexpected.

    As for abortion, there’s more than one way to make progress on that, and it’s occurred to me that solving one set of problems might unintentionally solve another, whether anyone intends it or not.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your heart on this. Wow, such powerful insight here. You’re right – hindsight is always 20/20 when it comes to decisions. I’m hoping for a happy and unexpected surprise! Hugs and love xox

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  8. The king’s heart is like channels of water in the hand of the Lord; He turns it whichever way He wishes. Proverbs 21:1

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  9. I must say, I’m quite grateful that President Trump is no longer the President. Nevertheless I know God used Him and I covered him in prayer as the Lord mandates us to pray for those in authority. For me it’s refreshing that President Biden is our Chief and commander and I will cover this new President in prayer as well. God will use Him as well as the only one that is right is God. No political party is more “saved” than the other if you will because for me Trump’s pro life stance was erased when he encouraged people to overthrow the government, who’s life was he caring for then? I thank God for this country and I thank God that I get to do my part in continuing to intercede on behalf of our new Commander and Chief.

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    1. Thank you for sharing your heart on this. you’re right – we are instructed to pray for those in power. joining you in that. Hugs and love xox

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  10. I just have to pray for him, and remember that a grateful heart is a content heart… so my thankful journal is going to grow exponentially as I focus on who God is and what He has done!

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    1. Hi Linda, thank you for sharing your heart on this. Yes – I will definitely join you in prayer. amen – gotta keep a perspective on the power of gratitude! Hugs and love xox

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  12. At the beginning of every quilting class I teach I say something to the effect of, “I’m snarky but not mean, look at my face.” Snark can be an effective tool sometimes. For example when a quilter is new to a technique is frustrated that she’s not quilting it as well as she’d like sometimes stopping their thinking with, “yeah you’ve been doing this for three minutes so you should be totally perfect” gets her attention and helps bring into focus the fact that learning a new technique takes time. Sometimes it goes over like a lead balloon.

    As a cohort we as Catholics have a long way to go as far as building, repairing the culture wherein life is sacred from womb to tomb. Some of this recognition needs to happen in our own Church as reminders that while we are one Body we all do different things, have different gifts. For example: my husband and I worked with formerly homeless men to get back on their feet and experience their dignity as people no matter how they got there. Each one was wounded in some way. I’ve witnessed the beauty of these men experiencing their dignity and the transformative effects in their being, and also the heartache and loneliness of not being able to connect with their family. As our focus was this we were, at times, criticized for not doing x, y, or z because this is what pro-life looks like.

    There are moments when those of us in the pews regularly don’t know ministries offered for the care and well-being of others from local food-pantries to homes for women in crisis pregnancies to help them through. We often forget that when we see a need it is not on our parish Priests to solve that, it’s up to us. Whether it’s “founding” a new ministry, entering into the work of one already established, or some combination thereof. Each of us through our Baptism & Confirmation are called to ministry of some kind and are given the gifts to do that ministry. It is up to us to say, “Yes” and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. For those of us in the pews too, it is our responsibility to pray for those in leadership to be open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and for their further conversion. WE all have areas in our life that are in need of conversion.

    While our lineage is full of people who perpetrated some horrific things – our current moment is rather ugly in this regard. We are also filled with people – once great sinners – who did beautiful things. We are full of women who called Popes to do the right thing, who are brave and holy responding to the call of the Jesus. Our most recent St. Teresa of Calcutta among these holy women, seeing the need and responding. I know she struggled very deeply.

    Caralyn wanting to give careful consideration to your words as they are a public witness to those in the throes of ED is a good and holy thing. I have the same consideration with my language as well publicly, privately, and internally. When I turned 40 the f-bomb became part of my vocabulary and it’s been hard to extricate it from said vocabulary. This is one way for me to be transformed through prayer and a conscious effort to allow the Holy Spirit to work at transforming my heart and mind.

    Thank you for your ministry through BBB for helping to clarify how we can respond to our sisters and brothers with eating disorders and body dysmorphia. This yes to healing is a journey.

    Teri

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    1. Hi Teri, wow what a powerful response. thank you so much for sharing your heart with me. let me start by saying that I would love to take one of your quilting classes!! And wow that sounds like an incredibly moving ministry that you and your husband were a part of. thank you for the incredible encouragement. There really is power in prayer, and power in the people in the pews! Yes, the priests are the “face” of the public church, but it is the people in the pews who are the body of Christ and make up the community of believers, and so therefore, we need to be His hands and feet. This was so moving, thank you. Hugs and love xox

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  13. I appreciate your honesty, and that you are taking the challenge of your special guy! As believers we should still do what we were called to do when any other president was sworn in: Pray for our leaders. I must admit I was on my knees when the pastors were praying, for what they were asking for God to do was straight out of scripture. That is what we as his people are called to do: Follow OUR king in love, in mercy, in forgiveness, in living justly and caring for our neighbor. Leaders will differ on what that looks like of course… and no one will ever have perfect policies that line up to every little detail of the kingdom of God. I also can’t help but think of Solomon.. in all his wisdom, and as great a leader as he was, seeking God for wisdom.. he still did some things God told them not to do (get horses, chariots, lots of women.. Deut 17:16-17).. and God still used him to lead his purpose forward. I am not one to say “this is God’s choice” ever in an election, mind you, so that is NOT what I’m saying here. But God can use anyone, and I will pray for them just like I did for our previous president. I know you will too, I’ve seen your heart in your writings. Blessings my sister!

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    1. Hi Tama! thank you so much for your kind words! yes! we are to PRAY for our leaders. I truly believe in the power of prayer! joining you! Hugs and love xox

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  14. Wow this is almost the exact process I’ve been going through these past few days/months. But have definitely been struggling with it! Glad to know I’m not the only one. So grateful that you shared this!

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    1. Thank you so much Georgia, I’m so glad this hit home with you! yes! we can give our worried hearts to God! Hugs and love xox

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  15. I feel your pain and anger, unfortunately. It’s because, even though I’ve been saying to many of the the guys in church, Government can’t save you, only Jesus. I seem to forget my own preaching. Lord forgive me! I am reading through the Sermon on the Mount recently, and it has been very helpful. God Bless you and remember…. Even when we don’t feel him, he’s working, even when we don’t see him, he’s working, he never stops working, he NEVER STOPS WORKING. ❤️

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    1. Thank you for sharing your heart on this. what a beautiful reminder – He never ever ever stops working! Hugs and love xox

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  16. I know the term is perhaps overused… but be a happy warrior (being miserable or negative doesn’t accomplish a whole lot – even though we all mire in it @ times, we are just humans). We all have our doubts but have faith in what you know is true long term. Faith Hope Love… the greatest of these is love… but sometimes we need to rely on the other two a bit more…

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    1. Thank you David for this wonderful response. you’re right – a happy warrior. Definitely calling on all three right about now!Hugs and love xoxo

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  18. Your BF is right. Watching from where we are in the world, fact checking and being careful not to use news with a bias, I can tell you that this administration seems 150% better than the previous with how it is going to look after those that have less. And that’s the first commandment, that we love one another and treat others as we would wish to be treated.
    I by far do not agree with all our PM, Jacinda Ardern, advocates for, but I am grateful for her calls to unity, compassion and generosity.
    Take care!

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    1. Thank you Paula! Yes – my bf is a good man! Very interesting to hear how his politics are being reported outside of the US! thanks for the insight! Hugs and love xox

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  19. I love your blogs, your honesty, and your perspective–probably because you say things in such a way–that I am struck by your eloquence in your truth telling!! I don’t know you–but I am so proud of you–so proud of your fearlessness and your faith!! Thank you, just Thank you!!

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    1. Hi Katie, thank you so much! oh my gosh, you’re so kind to say that. wow. I am so touched!!! love you dear friend! have a wonderful day! Hugs and love xox

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  21. I’m also anti-abortion/ fully pro-life (and vegan), and unaffiliated with any political party. Bottom line: President Biden is a decent, honorable man who will protect human and non-human animal lives in many ways, as well as protecting G-d’s natural creations on earth. He may back pro-choice laws, but his efforts will save millions of children and impoverished people already alive. Let’s give him a chance.

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    1. Hi friend, thank you for sharing your heart on this. I will definitely give him and chance and pray for his heart. Hugs and love xox

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  22. Glad I found this blog. Your story is inspiring. I truly LOVE hearing stories on how finding Jesus has saved so many lives!

    I also love this post because I am pretty “anti-government” in a way, on both parties. I really just think our government has been falling short (regardless of who the president is/was) for a long time now. Biden was not my first choice of president but (in my opinon) neither was Trump. I find that reminding myself every day who is truly King in my heart is the key to finding peace, love, and acceptance for the things happening in this world, with the intention of making a true difference.

    Thank you for affirming that Christ’s love is always the way to go!

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    1. Hi Frances! oh my gosh, thank you so much for your kind words! Yes! i owe my life to Jesus, and am grateful every single day for the second chance He’s given me! Yes – Christ’s love is definitely that! Hugs and love xox

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  23. I’m afraid Joe Biden is nothing but a mouthpiece for the far left that has taken over the Democrat party in this country. I’m not sure he even knows what state he is in at any given time but I feel it’s not his fault with what is happening in this country right now. Whatever your beliefs, whatever your politics, we as a nation are heading down a road that may lead to divisions not easily repaired due to the inadequacies of human nature. Step back for a moment and realize we will not always agree, not always find middle ground on which to stand, but let not those themes dispel what is the same with us all. We are Americans and we love our freedoms. Let not our disagreements hinder what was written in our founding documents that all men where created equal and liberty is the freedom to live ones life as we see fit as long as we don’t interfere with others. Common sense should rule the day not emotional outbursts that try to force differing beliefs upon those that disagree. Read the constitution without bias and you will see the adaptability to whatever time we live in and settle for an equal abhorrence for violence we should all strive for.

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    1. I am absolutely right there with you. Thank you for sharing your heart on this. Yes – our constitutional rights of equality and liberty and freedoms are what need to be central to our policies, and I pray that those foundational rights be protects. Hugs and love xox

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      1. I also would like to say how nice it is conversing with you again. You followed me in the past during a very difficult time in my life. Remember “Weird Guy With The Dog?’

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  24. This is a wonderful post. I am on the opposite end of the political spectrum as you – a Liberal – but I enjoy and follow your posts, because I find you fairly level-headed and tolerant. For true unity to happen, it really requires tolerance and empathy on all sides of the political spectrum and a willingness to see the other sides’ viewpoint. I feel that has been sorely missing the last few years. Let’s hope it’s a more positive way forward in the coming years. A little snark and venting does help too! 🤣

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    1. thank you so much Ab! I appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this, and for your willingness to “reach across the aisle!” It’s respect and a willingness to have an open mind that is going to heal this country, so thank you for leading the way in that!! Yes! I will definitely join you in that hope! Hugs and love xox

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  26. I’ve been preparing myself for the day Republicans would lose the White House since the day Trump got the party nomination in 2016. Simply because I knew there would be a time that all the hate conservatives received for supporting him would be flipped. Preparing for now, when I can make a choice on whether I want to spew that same level of hate back, or turn the other cheek. I know it’s so hard to do right now but this is our greatest challenge, to not greet Biden the way people have and continue to treat Trump. We are better than that. Hate the policy not the person. This is the time we can show love. Check out Proverbs 25:21-22, it should be familiar 😉

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    1. Hi Matthew, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. YOu’re so right – we need to take the high road and turn that other cheeck! Amen – just like how we are called to love the sinner, hate the sin! Hugs and love xox

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  27. “And therein lies the truth: We were not made for this world…we were made for heaven.” Though it was really kind of the Creator to share you with this fallen world, prior to assigning your tasks in His heavenly kingdom!
    Pax,
    jbt

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    1. Thank you JBT! yes! We are just passing through this life, on our way to our ultimate destination: Heaven! Hugs and love xox

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  28. This is a great post. I remember to do the same with the man who’s just left.

    If you think about what you’ve just written – and see the man – I was in exactly the same place.

    Except people were eager to look beyond the man and find him prophesied in the book.

    I left all social media in 2016 – except WordPress

    It was very difficult.

    By the end – I was actually playing for him – and the other half of the country.

    But it was difficult.

    I realised at the end that we have a lot to ask for from our Churches.

    Because we forgot about love.

    It is brave of you to talk of tolerance. Tolerance has become a flash word in Christian Identity Preaching.

    We are living in a mess.

    We have to see each other and give ourselves a chance.

    We have to live outside this world – and beyond who we are.

    We have to give being Christian – whatever Christian – a chance.

    And let Jesus lead.

    I appreciate this post.

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    1. Thank you so much Kreemer for this heartfelt response. You’re right- we have to let Jesus lead. That is great advice. Hugs and love xox

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  30. Judas was made by God as well. God has a history of using people filled with darkness and deception to glorify his will.
    Biden isn’t just dark. He’s disabled this making his phoney “presidency” truly frightening.

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  32. I’ve wrestled quite a bit about responding, hence my very late response. I’ve thought about how to respond and I keep coming back to my own heart. Am I “in love” as I speak what I think is the truth. It took days to find that place. The place where I am just saddened by the division, the bitterness, the anger and pain. And I guess that is my message we need to speak the truth in love, but love isn’t something we muster up, it’s not something we try and do. It’s a fruit of the Spirit. Trees don’t stand on a hill and try and push out apples, it’s a function of the sun they drink in above and the water and nutrients they soak in from the ground. I hear bitterness with a hope of being loving and that’s a great start, but to be “in love” we have to look at what is keeping us out of love. How am I taking this personally and why? How have I allowed something to grip my heart so strongly that I think someone other than God can take it away? When did I stop loving my enemy and started trying to beat them? What am I really afraid of? What wounds are activated in me? Why can’t I see my neighbor and be MOVED with compassion if I think they are living a lie? Life and death, governments, laws…they are nothing in the light of Christ. We can raise the dead and if we have not love it is meaningless. Pass all the laws we want, win all the elections that we want and if it is not “in love” it’s all a waste. Love is deeper than watching our words and smiling, it is a death to self and life in Christ.

    “4Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no account of wrongs. 6Love takes no pleasure in evil, but rejoices in the truth. 7It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.8Love never fails.”

    They are your neighbors…love bears ALL things, endures ALL things…

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    1. Hi Clifford, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. What powerful words. We need to be driven by love, that is for sure. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox

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  33. Boy, girl, You have it so right! Know that your thoughts are in unity with my thoughts. The HS along with you, points out how strong is my failure to love. What is my commitment to Life without a commitment to Love? Thanks, awesome sister, for using your talent for writing to remind me of that!
    With love, Gloryteller

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    1. Thank you friend! I’m so glad this resonated with you!! Gosh you’re kind to say that!! Sending hugs and love xox

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  34. If you read the book of Daniel, King Nebuchadnezzar was an evil king, yet God called his attention. As Christians, we are commanded to pray for our leaders regardless of party affiliation. God bless and be encouraged.

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    1. oh wow – that’s so encouraging! thank you! you’re right – prayer is powerful and that’s what we’re called to do! Hugs and love xox

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  35. God isn’t American – President Biden doesn’t represent God and he certainly doesn’t want Christ as ruler because he would never have run for office if he did.

    Christians are only Christians if they follow Christ. Negative thoughts about governments are natural. Being a person with faith in Russia is a challenge – many have been tried on crazy charges.

    The comment from Paul in Romans is Don’t be moulded by the system – change your thinking and become a Christian. He also said in the last days it will be hard to be a Christian.

    Don’t habour negative thoughts or feelings because in time this person will be history. Open your thinking to the Bible’s teaching and start adjusting to the promised Kingdom of God we all pray for because it certainly won’t be run by America, Russia, UK, or any other national group.

    Now’s there a challenge.

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    1. Thank you for this powerful response. That is very true – we mustn’t live for this world, but for Heaven. Hugs and love xox

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  37. Wow, extremely well said!! Amen!! You’ve done a great job of expressing what so many of us are feeling, yet we know that God’s word holds true…we are called to pray for our leaders, and looks like they really need it! Am praying for their salvation, for God to soften their hearts, for God to bring revival to our nation. As one of the earlier commenters noted, we need to look to Jesus, not to the circumstances or people we see–He is our King and will hold us in His care. If we keep our eyes on Him, we’ll know true peace!

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