Dear Grandma,
The one true God is not narrow, nor does SHE embrace a tiny point of view. :) We agree on that. I am glad you do understand and embrace the concept of this great Power far beyond our comprehension.
I think, in your comment, you are talking about religion or different people’s sets of beliefs. Religion and belief are very different than the personal faith in the Creator which I was speaking of in my blog post. True faith comes from a personal relationship and connection with the Creator and can never be destroyed.
Love, Me

The photo is to the credit of my creative sister Elizabeth. She was like, “Let’s not just stand here. Let’s do something interesting.” :)

Linda, I deeply appreciate this thoughtful and thought-provoking comment. I shared it with my mom, and she also appreciated your words. One thing that really struck me is your words about faith being a mystery. So true. I’ve often wondered why some believe and have this connection with God that no one can take from them, while others seem to have no comprehension or understanding or connection with God. For the one, no one gave them their faith and no one can steal it, and for the other, you cannot pound it into them, no matter how hard you try. I liked what you said about it not being the fault of the church; that some in prison have had absolutely no encouragement or support except from God Himself and have come out with faith stronger than ever. That is true. I have tended to blame other people or the church for those who fall away, but while others certainly have an influence, no one can manufacture or cause faith to grow in another. Nor can anyone kill it.

Blessings to you!

Gina, I was sure you used that term once, in a blog post about trust. Wonder where I heard it then?? :) I am praying for you and Ed and am inspired by your spirit of confident trust in God. I am sure it doesn’t always feel that way to you, and won’t always feel that way before this is over . . . but your deep faith which goes beyond just emotion is evident and is a witness of the Creator to your readers around the world.

Amen .

It would be interesting to be God for a minute (forgive me) and to be able to truly see into peoples hearts..to know those who truly love and fear the Lord (revere) and put their whole lives in his hands, trusting him through endless difficulties and then those who simply attend church, because that’s what they do; its their culture, their family, friends, aunts, uncles, grandparents attend etc…and if they didn’t do that, what else would they do, where would they go? I often ask people of faith – if it was just you and the Lord on a desert island, would he know you? Do you have a relationship?

A friend I know pretty much lost her faith once, when she was separated from her big church, her youth group, fellowship etc I could never understand that? Some people are imprisoned for years, with no visitors, no bible and yet they are released and the intimacy they share with the Lord is even stronger and their faith is through the roof. So faith really is not dependent upon what church you attend, how often or what theology your pastor believes/teaches. What matters is that you have a real faith in the living God and are intimate with Him – that you walk in His strength, that you seek His counsel in all things, that you know Him and His ways, that you fear Him, that prayer and soaking in His words delight and nourish you – that you enjoy the fellowship of other believers.

I believe faith to be quite mysterious and definitely a pearl of great price, that few will find and even fewer desire to commit to wholly. I believe intimacy with God is something developed over time (and nothing to do with programs lol), alone, through struggle, commitment and discipline…and the fruit is just so sweet. It’s something I find hard to explain to people. While yes, I can study the word of God with them, present the Lord to them, display him through my life, but in the end – few choose Him. Why? Basically, like I said its mysterious. People will choose science, reason, anything but this God, that requires our all. The world today is all about self. Sacrifice, surrender, submission and unconditional love are considered dirty words. Few will take up this cross and even fewer will carry it till the end.

Blessings to you – Linda

Many of my friends in the writing world are atheists or agnostics, but I’ll leave judgment to God. My job is to radiate Christ’s love.

Your photo is edgy – hilarious!

Therefore, before a faith completely ends, It erodes with this argument. MY way is the REAL way. The rest of you are pretenders. 10,000 brand of Christian faiths alone. Take your pick. Then never budge. Always certain that Your Program is God approved.

I cannot say there is no prime mover but I can say SHE is never going to embrace a tiny point of view.