Random Picture of Love

Those that know me, know that I live in a 'Glass House' and I am careful "not to throw rocks".  I'm also very aware that any position that we take will either attract or repel.

A friend of mine posted a picture to Facebook.  I refused to post it on this blog because it is offensive.  It was broken into four parts.  3 of them showed couples kissing (guy/girl; guy/guy; girl/girl)  Under each of those captions it said "this is love".   The fourth section had some people with picket signs that said "God Hates Fags" and the caption said "this isn't".   I almost posted directly on this photo but thought it would cause animosity since my position might not be popular for my friend's friends.

In situations like this it seems that our opinions should either be one way or the other...  Jump on the 'band wagon'...  or "left vs right".   These are the times were I feel like the square peg in the round hole.  Simply said..   I disagree with their picture on FB.

That a single picture of some 'homo-phobs" be used to represent God's positions on anything makes me nauseous.  Maybe more disturbing is that some would actually consider that they actually speak for God.   God has already spoken!!!  Today I'm glad that there isn't a dislike/disapprove button on FB since it may seems then I agree with 'gay-bashers'. 

On the other hand let me be clear;  None of the images above represent Love either.  The idea that love is defined by "a kiss"... is honestly SAD!!

Do we need a physical outward demonstration of Love?
If so try this one on...      "But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us."  (Romans 5:8)

Random Thought on Pain

"Pain is an unpleasant feeling often caused by intense or damaging stimuli..." is how the Wiki on pain begins.

I have noticed that the older I get my threshold for physical pain keeps decreasing. Stubbing my toe or splinter makes me scream for Jesus and my Mommy in that order.
All of this brought me to my Random Thought and few points to ponder:

Pain can be physical and/or  emotional.
Pain is an equal opportunity offender it does not discriminate
Pain never announces itself though sometimes you can see it coming

People do not feel the same intensity of hurt for the same stimuli of pain
Experience or Time does not make Pain hurt less but might make us withstand better.
Pain always hurts
Pain is always personal!

My wife says when it comes to people "if your not close enough to be hurt your not close enough to make a difference".

When experiencing a hurt or pain at times, and meaning well, we might be Spiritualize and quote Romans 8:28  "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." 

Really?!?  Could be the likely response from a person who does not know God nor trust Him.  Truth is we all have hurt, are hurting or will hurt.  There is no pain that is greater than another.  Each experience will be dependent on a previous experience, the time that has lapsed and the uniqueness of the person.  Needless to say the pain that hurts the most most is the current one we experiencing..   

Dealing with pain feels like an episode from the Twilight Zone.  That place right in the middle that confesses by faith "I know truth"; "I trust; "I believe I have received" but there is no natural manifestation and the more I pray the more it hurts. So I say to myself -- I really do know what I should believe and I even know what to say...  But I feel like running away!!  As if I can run away from my feelings..  I want to trust God but the voices in my head are driving insane!!

The time now comes to engage the mind.  To decipher and discern the Word.   The battle of my mind begins over Romans 8:28 --  Does it begin with definition and understanding?

So is the pain or situation for the Good of those that love him more than me?? 

 Do I love?? Am I called?

All questions that come up in the middle of the night when you can't sleep or when you wake....

There is no logic that can combat these thoughts..   Praying doesn't help as I feel like a spoil child throwing a tantrum..

Maybe it's simply my understanding of good?  What God perceives as good for me may not feel good to me.

So what am I to do??  I put my hand on the wound and squeeze..  Realizing that the pain I feel is a reminder that I am alive...    "What I feared has come upon me; what I dreaded has happened to me" (Job)

Only choice now is to get up and fight..  I stand up and stand..   Ensuring that I don't let my HURT hurt others while allowing others to carry my burden..  I lean not on my own understanding but recognize that GOD is God!!!

That makes A.W. Tozer's quote “It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until He has hurt him deeply.”   Have a fresh meaning.

Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
   and naked I will depart!