I had an interesting experience recently and I have been mulling it over, trying to put it in perspective. My husband is a musician and he and a "buddy" have formed a duo. They are working up toward playing some gigs locally and were asked to perform at a Fall Festival at a local church. (Pay was a pumpkin but that isn't the point.) Readers of my blog have by now learned I was raised Roman Catholic, dabbled very lightly in Buddhism, was a practicing Episcopalian, and as my former pastor and friend says, returned to my Jewish roots. I have met some incredible people of all faiths and I have met some fools. Anyway, I digress.
The lady in charge of the event and her husband are active members of their church. The husband has a disability (visually impaired but not blind). I mention this because it does have some bearing on the tale. When we first arrived and the guys were setting up I could see this was not going to be a super successful event. The "husband" came up to me and said, "I am recruiting all the ladies with big boobs to go to the road and flash cars so we can get more people in." Mind you this is only the second time I've been around the man. We are not old friends. I sort of brushed off as a tasteless comment. But it made me uncomfortable enough that I mentioned it to my husband in the man's presence so there should be no misunderstanding. (My husband is very mellow and apparently proud of my endowments. I think he exaggerates) This guy also had a fifth of whiskey which he shared with a couple of people. My problem? This event was geared toward families and there were children around. Seems to me that a church event, sponsored by the church youth ought to be handled with a bit more discretion.
Which brings me to the nagging thought on my mind. I have encountered some people recently who claim to be "Christians" but whose behavior is not in line with what I was taught Christ preached. Now it may seem bold of me to say that, having converted and all, but I don't reject Jesus teachings, just his divinity. (That's an entirely different matter so let's not go there.) Granted this man did share his booze. But what about people who constantly find fault with others, whose envy makes them vengeful? What about the professed Christians who cheat (just a little), lie (only little white ones), and sit in judgment on their fellows?
I am having a hard time with Bible thumpers who can quote Scripture and bend it to fit their actions. How can we judge another person's worthiness in G-d's eyes??? We can judge their behaviors but we can't know what G-d thinks. Yes, we have Commandments to follow (a lot more than 10) but paramount are worshipping the one true G-d and loving our neighbors.
Sorry guys. I had to vent. Comment if you like. I am not in an argumentative mood. Just very sad.
7 comments:
Woman I feel your pain. Very recently a friend of mine was approached by someone she knew (this man claims to be Christian) and he told her that he did not approve of the beautiful white blouse she was wearing. She inquired of his reasoning and his response was that she was "tainted" and therefore should not wear white. Also during this offensive conversation he mentioned that she was "less Christian" than he was. I was not aware that one believer could be more or less so that another believer. Got any comments on this one?
I completely understand, I am sorry that this is waying so heavily on your mind. My papa was a fine Christian man who invited you to church but never forced it on you. He did everything he could to help people in need and never spoke an ill word of those I certainly do. So, I am angered quite often by those who are bible thumpers and believe that they are always right when it comes to religion and refuse to open their minds to other peoples beliefs. You of course have a friend like this, the name I won't mention, but he knows who he is. The color of ones shirt or how they choose to believe in something greater is their own business but if you claim to be holier than though, like many Christians do, then the last thing you should do is treat a respectable woman like yourself with such disrespect. You do have large boobs but they are for you and your husband to enjoy now that your children no longer need them, so just remember that and next time you encounter such a thing just tell them they are not appreciated. I love you and your boobs so there.
Anonymous, it's so unfortunate that people waste valuable time judging others. We ALL need to look in the mirror and deal with our own faults. It seems he should be less concerned with her attire and a little more concerned with his behavior. Faith is in the heart and can't be weighed by another person. Like you I wonder what "less Christian " means. The whole thing about wearing white is just plain weird. Tell your friend her faith is between her and G-d. Man does not have the right to judge. I know Jesus said something about casting stones ... And on a more contemporary basis, "People who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stnes". Her Christian friend ought to think about that.
And Sam I Am, thanks for your support (wink)
I love your boobs too! Oh, and thanks for the blog warning...seriously yours and Sams are the only ones I have ever read, but they do become addicting very quickly. Its a sad life I lead :)
Hey Joanna, You know you are hooked when you have to have your OWN blog. I eagerly await the day you succumb to the temptation. I'll be there to post a comment!
I do believe the Bible is of God. I also believe since we have been given free will it is our responsibillity to use it wisely and within the alighnment of God. It is not to be used to put people down or judge them. And some things are left better off by not saying them. Drinking of alcohol at a Christian event is never acceptable. But then if I do not do it, I have no worries about and am free to leave the scene. God will judge us all in the end so we should all live accordingly. Do not know anything about your boobs but it seems they are liked by your friends.
Friend you have a fine sense of humor. We actually did leave immediately following my husbands performance, not even stopping to pick up his pumpkin pay. And I do agree that it is up to G-d to judge us all. I think I can fairly say I was just upset by the behavior exhibited because it seemed disrespectful to the church members, to my husband, to me. The man who was drinking was quite up front about not letting one of the deacons (or whatever the proper name is in that denomintaion) know that he had a bottle. So that seems like disonesty as well. It was as though he knew he was doing something objectionable and didn't care enough about the feelings of the church members to tailor his behavior to be acceptable to the time and place. Does G-d care if he knocks back a few? I have no idea. But I do know someone at the church did care or he wouldn't have taken such pains to hide it (and laugh about it!!) Please remember also, this is a man in his mid to late 50's! As to my boobs, those comments are from my daughter-in-law and her sister who obviously are very sweet because at 52 I am nothing to brag about.
I must also point out I don't know everything there is to know about this man. He may be very generous, have a good heart, and do many good things for others. I just think his behavior was questionable in this situation. And I have run into this before.
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