In my faith walk I am here to be a BRIDGE, not a BORDER.
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I remember so vividly thinking I had to get special approval to gain entrance into a Christian tribe. I had to hide the things about myself that I thought weren't "good enough" and walked on eggshells around the church folk to make sure I didn't do anything they disapproved of.
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The visual I get is that of a child walking into a boarding school... unsure of what the new rules are... afraid of what the punishment/humiliation/rejection might ensue if she was to break one!
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Here is the TRUTH that I have come to know.
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God is not some sorcerer waiting to correct you like a drill sergeant to his platoon... He is a FATHER who loves you, regardless of how far you push Him away. He is concerned for your well-being the same way a great dad wants the best for his child... but He also knows you will fall short... and in those times will learn valuable lessons that will GROW YOU into the person you were created to be! He doesn't just want you to do as he says... He wants to have a RELATIONSHIP with YOU & be a part of your every day life! simple wedding outfits with lace
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I watch these people who lead with fear and hold signs about "Going to HELL if you aren't saved" and wonder... do they think they are helping anyone reconnect with their FATHER?
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I am here to SHOW YOU, by my example, how merciful God is... How He has taken a broken girl and helped her to become whole again... How He doesn't CALL the QUALIFIED, He QUALIFIES the CALLED. How accepting this community CAN be when you find the RIGHT tribe -- how you don't have to pretend to be perfect, in fact -- I'd rather you just be REAL so that you can HEAL!
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I am going to be a BRIDGE --- and some will choose to walk over, some won't -- but I am 100% SURE God, our FATHER, isn't requiring a special passport to come home! We are WELCOME HOME any time... just as we are!