#14: Strengths

It has been an awfully long time since I've posted something in the 30 things series. I have to admit, it was completely intentional... I was procrastinating. I really need to stop doing that.

I hate it when people ask me the "What are your biggest strengths?" question because I can never really answer right away. I always have to think about it. Sometimes I don't even ever get an answer. There's always default answers I give people, like in job interviews. Things like, "I'm a hard worker" and "I react well under pressure". Both of those are true, but the truth is, those are things that could be true with just about anyone.

So I realize that some of the following strengths probably will sound stupid, and you'll think... "Those are her strengths? Yeesh." But, do you know what? I don't care.

#14: Describe 5 strengths you have.

1) I'm passionate. This isn't something I came up with on my own. I went around and asked a few people what they thought my strengths were, and this one came up several times. I'm passionate about the things I do and the things I believe in. For example, I love Jesus Christ with every little ounce that's within me. I admit, like everyone, I have my doubts (not so much in Jesus himself, more with the way the western Church is, but that's another thing for another time) and my life doesn't always glorify Him, but one of my greatest desires in life is to love people the way that Jesus loves me. It's something I'm particularly passionate about. (There are other things I'm quite passionate about, although I think you'd probably be able to guess them.)

2) I'm a good driver. This is one of those stupid ones, right? I don't care. I think I'm a good driver. I've never gotten into an accident, never got a speeding ticket, haven't even got a parking ticket. (I did knick a deer in the legs this week, but it's so minor and totally not my fault. Cedarwood pre-season, stop laughing.)

3) I'm a thinker. I'm sure that everyone at some point in their life has taken a Myers-Briggs personality test? This is what I'm referencing. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that it's a weakness if you're a feeler. No, I'm not. For some people, that's actually a huge strength. But not for me. I make decisions rationally. I use my brain, not my heart/emotions. Personally, if I used my emotions and feelings to make my decisions in life (even the small ones), it would be catastrophic. My emotions are all over the place most of the time, that's why I don't put too much stock in them. I used to. Believe me, I used to. But I underwent a little bit of a personality change after I made a very stupid decision based on my emotions.

4) I'm a good listener. I think other people would agree with me on this one? People often come to me just to have someone listen, I've noticed. In my opinion, I often give terrible advice and I'm about as sympathetic as a brick, but I listen. I'm not the kind of person you should come to if you want someone to cry with you, but if you just wanna talk and rant, sure. That's all I've got for that one. (By the way, my advice isn't always bad.)

5) I'm a skeptic. The question "how can you be a skeptic and a Christian?" comes up sometimes. I was skeptical about Christianity at one point in my life, I admit. But I've come to realize that the world just wouldn't make any sense if God wasn't who the Bible teaches us He is. All the other theories in the world don't make sense and you'd be a fool to believe them. Take evolution for example... it's based entirely on assumptions and falsified evidence. Seriously, really look into it and you'll see. (So I guess I didn't really explain why or how I am skeptical, but I guess I don't think it needs any explanation. It's just the way I am.)

There it is. The post I've procrastinated for almost 2 months.

The Judgment Seat of Christ is Not Ours to Sit On

Just over a week ago, I posted a little snippet about being discontent in life and the kind of life I lead because of my discontentment. I promised during that post that the next one will contain the story of going to see the Watoto Children's Choir while I was out in Quebec. (And this post still will.) But as my time back home has progressed, the same thoughts I had during the concert have become even more bothersome than they were before. Out of nowhere, they started to connect to the things that I've been struggling with and the frustrations I've been having.

Instead of having a typical Sunday evening at Capernwray, everyone from the school piled into a bunch of vehicles and went to a nearby town to see the Watoto Children's Choir. I've seen them once before at my parent's church a couple years back. It was a good evening, filled with good company and good music. A few of the children shared about their life and what kind of background they had come from. All of the children in the choir came from a pretty terrible background. Many were orphans. Others were eye-witnesses to the horrific war scenes going on in Africa right now. But they all had one thing in common: they all loved Jesus.

It was amazing to hear about their love for Jesus. It's so pure, untainted, and simple. And their focus in life is entirely on Jesus and the things He's provided for them and nothing else.

I wish we had that attitude where I'm from.

(I'm not even sure if I should say this or not, but I'm going to anyway...) I'm sick of what Christianity has become in my town. It's become this thing that's no longer really about Jesus anymore. It's become religion. It's no longer about love, reaching out, and sharing the gospel with others. It's no longer about encouraging other Christians in their faith. It's become this church against church thing. I'm sick of hearing fellow Christians degrade another congregation in the community. I'm sick of hearing fellow Christians promote their congregation in such a way that lets the people know that they aren't "truly Christian" if they don't attend their services. I'm sick of being criticized for not going to the same church as my parents. I'm sick of being criticized because of the church my parents happen to attend. I'm sick of having to stand up for people that I care about and love very deeply because the churches are against them.

There are people all around the world that are dying of starvation, watching their family being killed, being kidnapped and forced to become child soldiers, and dying because of what they believe in. And what are we worrying about? Homosexuals forming support groups in our schools?

When did Christians stop being known for their love and compassion? Our love for each other and our love for other people is what the world is supposed to see when they look at us. But is that really what they're seeing? Are they seeing Christ? Or are they seeing a bunch of self-righteous holier-than-thou homophobes?

Now I don't want this to come out wrong, so let me clarify something. I don't believe that homosexuality is right. The Bible is very clear that that's not the way God intended for relationships to be. Lying, cheating, stealing, adultery, idolatry, pride, greed, and lust are all sins too. But do you see Christians hating on people that commit those sins as much as you do with homosexuality? No. In fact, I've witnessed many Christians themselves commit those sins. So what makes us Christians think we have merit to judge other people? Hate and judgment from Christians has never brought anyone closer to the saving knowledge of Christ. All it's done is push them farther away. We're trying to sell religion to the world, not introducing them to the person of Christ.

God is an awesome God, but many Christians don't portray that. It's sad.

Check out this previous blog post to fully understand what I mean: God Is Love