((((Hallie))))
I experienced only a little of what you've been through, so you inspire me greatly because even under your burdens your faith remains so strong.
I know what it's like to be afraid of God. I'm trying to understand Christianity's God of love but I'm so used to fearing punishment from Him for things that, as it turns out, are not even my fault. I'm not even sure where my faith will end up at the end of this.
But we all learn joy by loving people. Your call to stop judging and start showing more kindness is something that we all need to be reminded of, no matter what our faith.
Happy New Year!
((((Battie))))
My heart really goes out to you here. I know those feelings all too well, and my faith gets messed with a lot because of it. I find that when I concern myself more with Christ and less with Christians, I can stand on my own spiritual feet...however, it can seem impossible to do. PM me if you ever need to, ok?
((((Hallie))))
You are an inspiration, sweetie.
Your strength and resilience are remarkable, and your loving spirit is an encouragement to all.
Praying that 2008 is a great year for you.
God bless you.
((((Criada))))
Your kindness and patience are outstanding, you know that? You are truly an amazing woman with a loving and giving heart. It doesn't go unnoticed - God sees it all. May He bless you richly.
WorldFriction,
I'm sorry you have had such a hard year; I hope 2008 is much better for us all. Thank you for the Christian love you share that appears to be so lacking on this forum.
((((Maren))))
Thank you! I appreciate your kindness here. I am trying my best.
Well, I hope 2008 is better for ya. In the mean while, have a mug of Big Red. *offers a big mug of Big Red*
Thanks, StarCannon!
*hugs you then grabs the Big Red and chugs it*
Sorry to hear you've had a bad year. :/ I really don't know what you've been through, and thoughts about suicide are never things someone wants to feel. Let's just hope '08 is better.
And, as usual, you bring up good points. In relation to what you said in the OP, it was the crazed people saying I'm going to hell or an abomination(my personal favorite

) is why I just don't choose a religion. Southern Baptist to agnostic is a pretty big switch, but somehow people managed to change that, though in a way I don't mind too much. It's always good to see the people on here show actual Christian love instead of being borderline hateful.
Anyway, here's to 2008!
((((Kitteh))))
I'm really sorry that's happened to you. I've been told I'm an abomination too, I know how it is...ya kind of don't know whether to laugh or cry, right? I'm glad to see you around the forums again - thanks for your kind words, and I hope you'll stick around.
Worldfriction - 2007 was a similar year for me too. You have my prayers. Let's change the world in '08.
My heart aches for you, Cabal. I'll keep you in mine as well. And changing the world this year sounds like a fabulous idea! *big hugs*
Hi, World!
I'm genuinely sorry that you have seen nothing but fire and brimstone from certain Christians on this board, who seem to forget that the most important commandment is to "Love thy neighbor as yourself".
I hope that the Christians among us who don't choose to make petty issues out of sexuality or idiocy such as "wars" on holidays will be a better example of Christ than those who are constantly talking about hellfire.
God is so much more than drop-kicking people into hell. It's a shame that people put God in such a box that He can only love people that are quote-unquote "perfect".
Happy New Year, my friend!
Ringo
((((Ringo))))
As always, very well said. Thank you for your level-headedness and reasonable nature, and your friendship as well. When I get the net back at home, we'll talk again, so sorry about that.
I agree with the OP--Couldn't have said it better myself--and wish all a happy and prosperous New Year
((((Speculative))))
Thank you! I have always enjoyed your posts here, too. Be well this year!
As others have said, thank you for the warmth and love that you've displayed in your post. It's easy for non-Christians - especially those of us also in the LGBT community - to be overwhelmed by very negative images of Christianity, but from what I understand of Jesus' teachings (as an undergraduate in Theology), you are a true example of Christian love, and I have only the greatest respect for you. If only more people, Christian and non-Christian alike, would follow your example.
Sometimes bad things befall those who least deserve them. I hope that this year is one of the best of your life so far, and the first of many wonderful years to come.
Wow, that...was beautiful. ((((Cantata)))) I really, really, really appreciate this. I hope you have an amazing new year as well. Your words are an inspiration to me.
Sidetrack (sorry).....
Sometimes bad things befall those others might imagine DO deserve them -- but guess what? Those kinds of things do not make a "bad" (or troubled, or troublesome) person any better. Matter of fact, it generally makes them worse. Gee, funny how that works, eh? Oh but we bes not allowed seeing that, saying that, knowing that, because that absolute stark TRUTH will put the total KIBOSH on all that toxic CRAP floating around out there attempting to program ppls into the contrary notion, into the stupid toxic assinine notion that if something bes causing someone to suffer it MUST be "good for" them somehow and therefore it must be from God and must be something we all ought to keep on doing or encourage having happen to them because surely it will "set them straight" right? Guess again genius.....
Anyway that little rant has NOTHING to do with Hallie (WorldFriction) who bes a FAB and FUN person and a nice friend and does not deserve to have crap happen to her anyway!! But hey Hallie it would not be a visitation of Moriah on your thread if it did not derail a little for its own nasty little rant, eh?
Love you girl. YOU at least accept this one for precisely what it bes at any given moment. That makes you a STAR.
Honestly, Moriah, you can rant in any of my threads any time. You are amazing. You are a guru. Whether you realize it or not, you've always been a guiding light in this spiritual journey. I love you, too.
((((Moriah))))
Hey WorldFriction (Hallie)
You are one of the people on this forum who I have the upmost time and respect for, because when I look at your posts and the attitude beneath them, they shine out with the love and acceptance of Jesus. An attitude which, although I try to emulate it, I all to often come short of. For anyone on here I've offended - I'm sorry, it wasn't intentional and I hope you'll forgive me. Let's use this New Year to start again between us, yeah?
WF - I'm sorry you've had a bad year. I hope that, in the newness of this year you can also find a new hope and a new encouragement. One thing I have managed to learn in my Christian walk is this: however dark the situation seems to be, however far from from hope we are and however down we are, Jesus is still there. He may not be audible and always ready to zap us out of situations like some people may claim. But He is there, He is still holding us and He is still the small, still voice that speaks into our fears and brings us peace, regardless of the circumstances. May you fall in love again with this voice, the voice of your most loyal Friend.
If you ever want to talk - my PM box is always open
May God bless you richly and here's to a stunning (and, God-willing, peaceful) 2008
David
Thank you! This post is incredible, full of wisdom and Light. I'm trying to follow your advice, it doesn't always work...but ya just gotta dust yourself off and try again when that happens, ya know? I do try. I really do.
((((David)))) Thank you so much!
That's nuts. Christians the biggest threat to the world? I'd say it's human greed and lust and the rampant power of sin and death and strife. I won't say Christians are immune or perfect, but to make that claim is nuts. Even when legalistic or brimstone and hellfire like, it's not as if they are alone in their battle. Though one thing is right, we need Christ, and we always have. And I'm glad he'll help us out, as imperfect as we are. Have a blessed new year, miss. It's been quite the year for me as well, but my dark times were almost gone when I joined up here..
That wasn't what I said at all. I'm sorry if I upset you - my point was rather the opposite. I wish you a blessed new year as well - may the darkness fade with 2007.
((((Ishida))))
Young man....you are an inspiration....I agree with every single word you said....and I believe every word you said....there are others in the world who believe as you do....I am one of them....the greatest lie that (many) Christians believe is that they are better than anyone else. We never see ourselves as others see us....you are very close to Jesus and you will influence many others....go forth into the world young man...and preach the TRUE word of Christ....LOVE....
((((Annie))))
I can't tell you how much I appreciate your words to me. For future reference, I am a woman, but I really appreciate reading what you've written here. Be well!
Dear WorldFriction. I wish to join you in saying that you are right, those fire and brimstone Christians are wrong. Our Lord and Leader Jesus Christ has given us 2 Commandments, which contain all 10 Commandments God gave us. 1) Love God with all your hearts, with all your souls, and with all your minds. 2) Love each other, as you love yourselves. Or in other words, " treat your fellow - men and fellow - women, as you would like to be treated, or have your loved ones treated." Jesus told us to tell the GOOD NEWS, to build each other up, to help carry the burdens, as well as share the Joy, I have given you. Keep on reminding all how very much God loves us, and wants us back again. Jesus will lead us, and we follow Him as God`s son and daughters. I say this humbly and with love, WorldFriction, and send greetings. Emmy, your sister in Christ. P.S. There is also Hellfire and Brimstone, but it is reserved for Satan and his followers, his offspring and minions. Let us keep up the good work, for our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.
Thank you, Emmy. I have always appreciated your thoughtful, compassionate posts here. Be well this new year, friend. *big hugs*
Regarding world friction: that was touching.
You maam are one of the few people who are turning christianity into a beuatiful flower working for good.
I congradulate you; and fully endorse your plans, have a good new year.
Thank you, and welcome to CF! I appreciate your post and hope you stick around. Happy new year!