So. This, as most of my entries, will most likely be just a bunch of ramblings from a disgruntled follower of Jesus just trying to reflect on the nature of the Lord. Thought number one: The secular world seems to think we're crazy for believing in things unseen and in a reality that just doesn't seem plausible (if it did would it be worth pursuing?). If it were the case that we as Christians were wrong, well, the only thing I can think of is how depressing life would be. Sure, there are different theories as to how we came to be, but let's go with a fairly common one: the Big Bang. Now I will admit that this may have some feasibility to it as that may very well be what it seemed like when the Lord created. However, I choose to believe that there was a master behind all of it. Either way, something happened out of nothing. Either we can believe that it just happened, or that there is a creator behind it all. Both ways, ill admit, are nuts and beyond comprehension, but the latter at least offers hope. What can we hope in/for if we just happened for no reason? On the other hand, there is hope found in a Creator who designed each and every one of us with a specific purpose in mind to rule over all the earth.

Also, I have to believe that even the secularists wish that they believed in something higher than themselves. Like I said, it just appears to me (again, just an observation as I myself have been raised a Christian my whole life) that life without belief in some sort of higher power beyond our reality would just be meaningless and empty. I am not in any way trying to belittle my fellow brothers and sisters that share my belief. I only find myself entertaining the idea that if I myself did not believe in a master but instead that I just happened, I would constantly be questioning the meaning of life.

To be honest, I still, even as a believer in Christ entertain that thought. I mean, if someone were to walk up to me right now and say 'what is the meaning of life,' I'd have to take some time to seriously consider it before answering. if I had to come up with an answer right now, I suppose I'd say something along the lines of 'to live like `Jesus.' Of course, to our secular friends, that answer doesn't fly. That answer has a specidic purpose behind it. As I mentioned, I feel as though those that don't claim belief in a higher power would constantly be questioning their meaning. Therefore I have to wonder if their response to this question wouldn't be something like 'to find ones purpose.' Sure there would be different variations in there, such as 'to be successful' or something along those lines. But I have to believe that if people were really honest with themselves, they would start to realize the importance of pursuing purpose. After all, from my point of view as a believer, we were created for a purpose and therefore have a purpose. It is just being filled with the wrong things.

Anyway, its about that time. Hope this made sense. Goodnight cyber world. Thanks for listening!

Masks

Lately, especially in one of my classes in particular, we have been focusing on reflection and what it looks like to be a reflective Christian. It's been great so far, and I'm stoked to see where it goes.

In other news, a friend of mine just posted one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. I'll post it here... then reflect on it (though I doubt very seriously that it will be as thought-provoking given the late hour):

Writing too honestly could expose the death-riddled parts of our hearts and incur more death by the judgement passed by readers. Judgment may be too strong. I’ll use the word ‘critique’. Subtle, malignant analyses of the content of one’s writing. In humbling ourselves, in vulnerability we offer an open window to the soul. people can view the inner sanctuary of the house and come and commune. To create the life-breathing relationships it takes to make a house a home. Or vandals may enter to tear down the intricate design of the designer. Destroying and deeming worthless the beautiful paintings that may be in the process of being refurbished. They may not be as they once were, but that’s what the designer is there for... Bringing to attention what the artist intended originally. Restoring the integrity of the house.
To write honestly, is to unveil what may be incorrect, or what is in process of being established in that inner sanctuary. To write with vulnerability is to invite others to come and view our naked hearts. It is an opportunity for our thoughts to produce what we hope for them to. To read, is to watch something blossom or infect.

Ok so... mad props to my pal here. I'm just saying, if she were to write a book, I'd be the first one in line. Of course, that's certainly not what she's getting at or looking for; recognition. In a nutshell what the above thought says to me is 'Are you willing?' Willing to take a leap of faith and just hope and pray to God that someone out there is reflecting and wondering and maybe even doubting just as much as you are.

All I know is, I've already started this annoying yet captivating process of reflection and there is no turning back. So what are my thoughts exactly? And that's all they are- just thoughts.

Here's something: I'm tired of hiding whatsoever. This mask that I've worn for so long, that too many of us wear for our whole lives? I want nothing to do with it anymore. Not to be cheesy and quote Princess Diaries, but since it came to mind: "I'm taking it off and it's going in the dirt." But seriously. And that dirt is the dirt that friends have piled up on the grass from a hole they've been digging- my hole. They've taken the shovel and dug until there is no more room to dig.

That's where I want my mask to go.

I want it so there is literally nothing more to dig because everything has been poured out. I want to live with nothing hidden.

My question? Are we willing to be vulnerable against all odds, with the possibility of the hammer of judgment pounding it's ugly gavel all around us, in order that we might become a people with unveiled faces?

Oh how beautiful it could be.