October 31, 2010
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Up for Grabs
It's happening again. Another friend is going through some type of crisis that's causing them to re-evaluate who they love, who they worship, and how they work. This analogy might be a little distasteful, but I think it's quite accurate to describe the person as being "Up For Grabs" like a football thrown for two players to struggle for:
The problem is, evil people are out there who could grab him. People who have no scruples, people who would gladly use my friend for entertainment, sex, or humor and then cast them aside. It's very tempting to see this as a complete disaster, and to hurriedly push my friend onto any solid ground I can find just so that he stops being so available, so likely to fall for anything. I can be very bad at being "led by the Spirit"; I'm all about rules and familiarity, way too often. Free agents are bad agents.
Sometimes I think that what most Xangans have in common is that they are going through transition periods in their lives. Xanga seems like a giant halfway house that people pass through on their way to something else. I know some are headed towards bigger and better things...but for others, I feel concern.
However, I am trying to be positive. Because the fact is, some people need to let go of old handcuffs and lies, and being up for grabs for a little while is how they will change to be something better. I wince when I see some of the dark shadows of receivers lunging at my friend, trying to pull him in. I definitely can tell some of those people and ideas play for the wrong team. But there are good shadows there too; better jobs, more mature girlfriends, and solid belief systems that bless, not punish. And my friends and I may yet "touchdown" in the right hands (I'm way too proud of myself for this analogy. Lame.)
It's just so hard to sit on the couch and get updates and try to push your friend in the right direction. But I'm trying to use my own moments of being "Up For Grabs" to help me, to be open to new ideas, to let good ideas come to me. Being in the air and bumped around by the searching hands of others is scary. But if you can keep a tight hold on what really matters and not compromise who you are and what you believe, I hope "Up For Grabs" instead turns into a pleasant episode of "Crowd-Surfing" until you once again land on your feet.
Comments (13)
Goodness, this post was just what I was in need of today. I've been tossing a similar situation around in my head constantly and this brought me a little peace of mind. Thanks, John!
@macphoto - Ditto.
I found a secure place to be here,so when I did go through changes it helped to know I had a place to share it.
Scary thoughts indeed. There is some truth to xanga being sort of like a
halfway house. At least it's easy to find several who could use a hand
or kind word.
i like this entry. there should be a "like" button on xanga,
I think it's a great analogy myself
Xanga seems like a giant halfway house that people pass through on their way to something else.
I haven't been around long enough to make that observation, but I could see how you could come to that conclusion. People lay themselves bare here sometimes. It's interesting. Great post!
Sometimes I think that what most Xangans have in common is that they are going through transition periods in their lives. Xanga seems like a giant halfway house that people pass through on their way to something else. I know some are headed towards bigger and better things...but for others, I feel concern.
This is interesting. I never would have put it that way, but I think it's true for many people here.
I also see people I'm concerned about here, and by God's grace I have been trying to put into practice what God has continued to hit me over the head with over the past few years: to pray for them, give them God's Word and commit them to Him. We can't make people change, but God's Holy Spirit can. What people need is to be captivated by the love of God in Christ, so they're seeking His face and finding their satisfaction and joy in Him. That's a supernatural thing. As that happens, they become less vulnerable and less likely to be up for grabs, though that still can and does happen, of course.
I really like this post. And I agree about xanga acting as a "halfway house"
Good words.
I like this.
But I've never been a fan of crowd surfing; I"m always afraid I'm going to lose a shoe or wallet or something.
crazy stuff!
This is full of so much truth that I needed to hear.
I havent been well at all these past few days.. I am for sure in a transitionary phase if there ever was one. How about yourself?
Love always
very insightful
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