Good God, BAAD Representation.

DEAR

     Anyone who has been hurt by religion:

         I'm sorry. As I've always said, "Good God, baaad representation." But I digress.

         You may have little trust in what men say about their religions. That makes sense, because we are fallible humans who have trouble understanding many things. We will never agree on everything; we will never have the same exact thoughts on things; this is because we are separate minds and collections of experience. I don't wish to argue with you, but I do wish to say that I hope you find peace in whatever you decide to believe.

       Humans commit atrocities. How people interpret what God wants and thinks is what has created so many different interpretations of it throughout the world and in history. Man has often skewed religion to support him in any way possible; even Hitler claimed so, and I'm pretty sure he went directly to the fiery depths after he kicked the bucket. “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thorn-bushes, or figs from thistles?" (Matthew 7:15-16) "I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them. For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive." (Paul, in his letter to the Romans 16:17-18).

       People who actually follow the Bible are few; it commands us to "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins." (1 Peter, in his letter to the exiles 4:8), because "There is only one lawgiver and judge, He who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?" (James, to the 12 tribes 4:12).

       I have questioned the Bible in places (and then remember that it was written by man and translated an absurdly high number of times, so how could it be completely perfect? Only God is perfect). I question verses and then do research of the time in which those lines were written; the different translations; and the group of people those writings were aimed toward. Most of my questions have been resolved through this process. The Bible was written to explain things; there is much good life advice in the Bible. I do believe in God, and because of that belief, I have discovered a hope beyond myself that I use in every step of my life. And truly, that's all I need. When I die, I'll know the real answers, but for now, He is enough for me.

         I know you've heard of "mind over matter". I believe in that, and belief in God gives me that helpful push sometimes.

       "Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR?" (Paul again, in his letter to the Romans 11:33-34). This was written as an answer to the very claim that God lets certain things happen, and we can't understand why or how. We try to, which is why the Bible was written, but we can't fully comprehend. The only one with all the answers is God, not man.

With Respect,

Joélle.

YOU'RE GONNA DIE IN SEVEN DAYS!

DEAR
     Worriers:
           Since the beginning of time, humanity has had an obsession with the future. We try to predict the future. We try to control the future. We worry.

            Worry is fear while it is still curious.

           Worry is simply some degree of insecurity about the future. Why is it we worry so much about things we can't control? Why is it we can't simply let go?

       'Since time immemorial humans have longed to learn that which the future holds for them. Thus, in ancient civilization, and even today with fortune telling as a true profession, humankind continues to be curious about its future, both out of sheer curiosity as well as out of the desire to better prepare for it..."

-Rabbi Ronald H. Isaacs

           God gives you next to nothing about your specific future in the Bible. In such an insecure world where there is so much hostility and war and famine and pain, why would God be so vague about our future? Why would God tell us so much about Jesus' future and not ours?

     'Therefore, I tell you the truth: do not worry. Who of you by worrying can add a single moment to your life?'

-Matthew 6:27 NIV

          I think the reason is because we will have trouble no matter what. We will go through difficult times no matter what. Do we really want to know about all of the terrible things to come? That will only make us worry more, and stop concentrating on the here and now, which is what matter most. We will walk through the shadow of the valley of death. I can't speak for anyone else, but I can say that I certainly don't want to know about the darkness in my future. I have a hard enough time dealing with life as it is.

            This is where I begin to come to a conclusion: the goal of this life is not to figure out the future- it is to love. It is to better the lives of those around us. And when you wake up in the night in a cold sweat and feel scared and alone, know that the creator of the universe holds your future in his very hands. He is with you in every moment.

The goal is not to figure everything out. The goal is to know that God will help us through everything.

            Try not to worry. It may not seem like it, but the universe is on your side.

With Hopefully Receding Pensiveness,

Joélle.