I love donkeys. And come on, elephants are just plain cool!
Can we just leave it at that? Can we stop there before you write me off because of my political leanings or I get upset with you for yours? In spite of all the naysayers and Chicken Littles in the media, I don’t really think we’re looking at the end of life as we know it as a result of the 2012 election (or any other election). But it’s okay; if you insist on continuing to needle me, go ahead. I doubt I’ll be dissolving into tears over it.
I c
an tell you I’m a Florida Gator fan, and you may instantly judge me – especially if you’re a Bulldog or a Seminole (or a fan of any other team in the SEC). For the sake of a friendly rivalry, I’m okay with that. Hey, I’ll break bread with a Gamecock or an Ibis any time, as long as our jabs across the table are all in good fun. No sniffles from me.
I can only imagine the implications of my telling you I like alternative rock music – particularly if you’re a classical music fan or committed exclusively to country. Well, it’s true: I choose to listen to the Black Keys and Muse and many others of their ilk on satellite radio in my car. The truth is I will gladly listen to Mozart and Mendelssohn, too. I grew up playing them on the piano and to this day find them magnificent. (Garth Brooks and I also have a long history. I admit it.) I won’t tear up if you ask me to turn the radio off.
And now this: I’m a Christian. Uh. Oh. Where does that leave us? I’ll be honest with you. I hold deep convictions about the divinity of Jesus Christ and what His death on the cross means for our ultimate destiny. These beliefs go all the way to the core of my being, which means they simply won’t be shaken. If you want to mock, have at it; I promise not to cry. But I should point out:
- Unlike politics, faith is not a man-made construct. It is a divinely-created relationship.
- Unlike sports, faith is not a whimsical allegiance. It is a life-altering covenant.
- Unlike music, faith is not a listening preference. It is an invitation to worship.
You can mock my views on politics, my choice of sports teams, and my musical preferences and it won’t hurt my feelings because in the end, they aren’t that important.
Yes, you can even mock my faith and I won’t be personally offended because my faith is based on much more than my own desires or conclusions.
But unlike politics, sports, and music, this topic is eternally important, so you’ll understand if, at the end of the day, I want more for you than a robust verbal sparring match, won’t you?
Is there anything you hold so dear that it can’t be shaken? Would you share in the comments?
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Great post, Diane!!!!!!!!
Besides your usual FANTASTIC writing, I learned something about you I never knew…..your music preference! Now I’ll need to key up Muse on my iPad this evening. ☺
Hope you’re doing well.
I send you hugs across cyber-space.
Marie
Thanks, Marie – yes, I know, the alt rock thing surprises more than a few people. What can I say? We’re all eclectic in our own way! Back at ya with the hugs ~
Great post – I feel as if we’re on the same path! Here’s what’s funny: I started responding to a wordpress daily prompt last week, which was basically “justify your favorite person, place, or thing.” My favorite person, place AND thing is God, so I started writing about that, but it went off in it’s own direction (as writing so often does) and ended up being it’s own beast. Now, you pose a question that brings me back to the original prompt that I meandered away from! So that’s my answer, same as yours: God. And here’s why:
http://melanielynngriffin.wordpress.com/2012/11/07/gods-work/
oops – horrors! Sorry about the misplaced apostrophe. My nightmare!
Oh, happy day! A fellow proofreader! We must be cut from the same cloth, Melanie~
I loved alternative rock. I don’t listen to it any longer but I still love it 😀 There are so many fabulous things about being a christian that I can not even imagine being shaken on any of it! Oh the great joy of being chosen for eternal salvation!!
What a wonderful way to put it – “the great joy of being chosen for eternal salvation!!” Thank you for that!
The thing I hold that can’t be shaken is my belief that it is really only the One who holds me who cannot be shaken. This means that even my believing is a “being held.” i like the feeling, the freedom, the joy this gives me! Great question!
Now that’s an excellent perspective – and SO true. Good thing it’s not up to us to insure our “being held”. We are blessed that even our belief is evidence that we are held. Yes, there’s freedom and joy in that. Thanks for your thoughts!
Wonderful post! My faith falters a bit but my love for my husband and son never falters. I think God understands.
Your love for your husband and son is surely a reflection of the Father’s presence to them . . . and in them. I’m pretty sure He understands your situation and applauds your honesty. Thanks for your comment.
Great question and I agree, my faith in Jesus will never waver 🙂
Warms my heart to hear your response! It’s always good to hear from a fellow sojourner.
His faithfulness and the fact that I can depend on Him no matter how the seasons change.
So well said! And I agree completely. He is the only constant, isnt’He?
Well, first of all it’s always nice to meet a fellow Gator!! Actually that’s what drew my attention to your post… hee hee… however, since I’m here not I’m glad I stopped by because I enjoy your writing Diane. It’s always interesting to watch other people and see what they truly value, on Monday… Tuesday… Wednesday… Thursday… Friday… Saturday, and SONday too 🙂
Yay! I wondered if I would hear from a fellow Gator – thank you for the “chomp”. Today is the last game of the season in the Swamp and I’m having to stream it on-line to watch it (which I’m doing right now…!) The quality of the reception is not great but the Gators are! Enjoy your Saturday (and your SONday, too!)
Acknowledging our faith is sometimes akin to ‘admitting’ to something, isn’t it? Why must we be apologetic about believing Jesus Christ is the son of God and came to earth to save us all?
BTW, He was a bit of a rebel, too -and dare I suggest He might have listened to alternative rock with us? (what would the Pharisees have said to that?) hee hee!
It does seem like when we confess our faith it can be a “deal breaker” for some people, doesn’t it? They write us off and that’s that. But you’re right, I’m thinking Jesus would have enjoyed alternative rock… and all the alternative rockers, too. And the Pharisees? They would have been scandalized. I love it.