November 24, 2012

• Spiritual Dare Via Ancient Scribe

  Via @Ancient_Scribe . I didn't do a great job of it, but I respect him and wanted to do it.

  What do you consider your first spiritual experience to be?
  When I was two years old, we had a relative in Boston. My mom had talked to her some and witnessed to her. One day I said "Alecka is ill" and my parents thought it was odd, so they called her up, and she was indeed very sick.

  What is the most religious thing you’ve ever worn in public?

  Various corny Christian t-shirts: I think I once participated in a Christian march in my hometown as well. 

  What is the kindest act you’ve ever done for someone?      

  I gave someone a rather large sum of money because I thought it was a serious enough situation that it was needed.                                                                                                            
  
  What is your favorite story from the Gospel or a religious movie? Probably when the Gentile woman talks Jesus into healing her daughter. I love all the parts where Jesus has interesting conversations with people.

  Have you ever prayed with someone from a different religion?                                                                                                                               Not quite, although I've talked to devout Mormons and Muslims a fair amount here and there.

  Have you ever prayed in a public place?
  Yes, as part of See You at the Pole. In college, this one fellow and I used to meet for outdoor prayer. It was incredible, honestly, strong feelings that God was right there with us. Eventually it stopped happening, and I kind of sadly wonder why we stopped. It was a very moving experience.

  Have you ever participated in a religious service other than your own?

  Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Baptist, I suppose, but those are just different varieties of the Christian faith.

  Have you ever gone outside your spiritual comfort zone in order to move closer to God?       

  Yes, I've tried to lower my tendency to rely on stone cold logic and my own biases to approach God in more emotional ways. It's not easy, but I've seen some rewards from it and am still trying to work on it. Prayer is still difficult, though.                                                         

  Are you in a good relationship with God right now? 

  It's been tough ever since I moved here. I feel like a lot of the positive influences in my life keep moving away, and this is the first time that I've not felt comfortable in any church that I attended. God is still around when I need him, but I feel like I've neglected him, to be honest.

  What do think God’s wish is for you?   
  To serve others and himself, and to be willing to go where he leads.

  Whose desires come first in your life: yours or God's?

  At the end of the day, I still find that my faith in God has a major effect on what I do. I'm still quite selfish, though.

  Do you struggle with selfishness? What helps you overcome this?

  Hugely. For me it more takes the form of self-pity. It's important for me to give of what I have and to invest in others. But it also helps when I feel I'm part of something greater than myself. And when I am working and truly accomplishing things that matter. I find that when I feel I am fulfilling God's purpose, I am more willing to give things up.
  

  Do you struggle with false or empty relationships that distract you from your relationship with God? What relationships help you stay close to God?

  Yes, I think relationships that promise quick intimacy, friendship or easy fulfillment without investment are a temptation. Loneliness often seems to be the only choice rather than bad relationships, which means a lot of inner tension. This is why I value Christian friends so much, and why a shortage of Christian friendship can be so destabilizing for a Christian. I also need some friendships where I'm allowed to be the "weak one" if you will. I also think it helps when I'm in a relationship with someone who values truth. Some of my atheist/agnostic friends are precious to me because although they do not share my ideals, they do have ideals: make sense?

  When you pray, what is your image of God? What do you think of?

  I think of clouds and blue sky. MOST BORING GOD IMAGE EVER. Ha, I'll be honest, I have real trouble visualizing God. I tend to see him as a perfect computer...which (NERD WARNING) is actually quite the compliment, but still creepy, I know. I never could connect with the happy wide-armed Jesus. Just not my thing, you know?

  What is on your “spiritual bucket list?”

  Increasing my discernment so I can know the present and future better, re-memorize some books of the Bible, become a skilled preacher (I can preach but it's so-so quality), and improve my counseling abilities.

  • 10:20 pm
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