Comments on: Jane and Lizzie and “The Unlikely Disciple” http://pandoration.com/2009/03/jane-and-lizzie-and-the-unlikely-disciple/ n. the habitual, feminine act of opening up boxes full of trouble. Implies the adoration of all that goes along with trouble-making, mischievous box-opening. The contrary and perverse lack of desire (as opposed to inability) to leave the damned lid tightly screwed on the above-mentioned Box… Wed, 03 Aug 2011 14:38:27 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 By: em. http://pandoration.com/2009/03/jane-and-lizzie-and-the-unlikely-disciple/comment-page-1/#comment-153 em. Fri, 22 May 2009 14:02:05 +0000 http://pandoration.com/?p=950#comment-153 As someone who grew up 30 miles from the university featured in this article, I can say that there is a fine line in Lynchburg between spewing hate and "evangelism," which I got to experience regularly courtesy of the "Jerry's Kids." While the original intent of evangelism may be pure, the end game is often notsomuch. Coincidently, this publisher is also in Lynchburg: http://www.amazon.com/Vigilantes-Christendom-Richard-Kelly-Hoskins/dp/1881867056 Just saying... As someone who grew up 30 miles from the university featured in this article, I can say that there is a fine line in Lynchburg between spewing hate and “evangelism,” which I got to experience regularly courtesy of the “Jerry’s Kids.” While the original intent of evangelism may be pure, the end game is often notsomuch. Coincidently, this publisher is also in Lynchburg: http://www.amazon.com/Vigilantes-Christendom-Richard-Kelly-Hoskins/dp/1881867056

Just saying…

]]> By: Debbie http://pandoration.com/2009/03/jane-and-lizzie-and-the-unlikely-disciple/comment-page-1/#comment-96 Debbie Mon, 23 Mar 2009 15:49:28 +0000 http://pandoration.com/?p=950#comment-96 If we posed the question every [single] day, 'where am I heading?' we might take more seriously [and with more awareness] that we're on the path to somewhere. (That said, some might argue there is a path to nowhere) Unless we're told by the likes of a doctor that we're dying, we tend to live in denial. And yet we are - dying. It's not as awful as it sounds. It's a fact of life. Don't you think it's partly fear that makes the conversation about heaven and hell so uncomfortable? Fear and judgment. If the person in front of me in line at the store asked me to go to the park with them I'd hesitate (quickly process the strangeness of the invitation - and my safety) and politely decline. I'd likely judge their invitation as inappropriate to ask me, a stranger, to join them in the park. Is it so strange that I'd react the same (or more strongly) if they asked me to join them in heaven? (Or react defensively to their proclamation that I'm headed for hell?) The Bible commands/encourages us to love our neighbor as ourselves. There's no such thing as a 'stranger' in God's family. But let's face it, in the store, we're all strangers. So, when do we become comfortable/confident enough to ask the question even to our closest of friends (not to mention ourselves)? Fear again. And if that's overcome and the discussion ensues, often the agreement to disagree is agreed upon. No further discussion about 'where we're headed' - let's just be happy for the here and now. The person that's 'sure they're going to heaven' secretly and quietly worries over the salvation of their friend. And the other, either secretly and quietly (or rather boldly!) thinks their friend is a little crazy, or judgmental, or they drop the subject altogether - and maybe even the friendship. (That is - until the doctor informs them that they're dying.) Somehow I don't think it's as much about tomorrow's destination (heaven, hell - or nowhere) as it is about today's friendships/relationships. And wrestling with that fear to discuss both. As I live in an awareness that I'm also dying, I remind myself that tomorrow will worry about itself. And pray for the confidence and courage to say to my neighbor today, 'Hey, there's someone I've met; he's the best friend you can imagine. He knows us really well. Would you like to meet him?' Hmmmm ... courageous or crazy? Loving or judgmental? (We won't know until tomorrow. And tomorrow will ultimately come in the form of death.) If we posed the question every [single] day, ‘where am I heading?’ we might take more seriously [and with more awareness] that we’re on the path to somewhere. (That said, some might argue there is a path to nowhere) Unless we’re told by the likes of a doctor that we’re dying, we tend to live in denial. And yet we are – dying. It’s not as awful as it sounds. It’s a fact of life. Don’t you think it’s partly fear that makes the conversation about heaven and hell so uncomfortable? Fear and judgment. If the person in front of me in line at the store asked me to go to the park with them I’d hesitate (quickly process the strangeness of the invitation – and my safety) and politely decline. I’d likely judge their invitation as inappropriate to ask me, a stranger, to join them in the park. Is it so strange that I’d react the same (or more strongly) if they asked me to join them in heaven? (Or react defensively to their proclamation that I’m headed for hell?) The Bible commands/encourages us to love our neighbor as ourselves. There’s no such thing as a ’stranger’ in God’s family. But let’s face it, in the store, we’re all strangers. So, when do we become comfortable/confident enough to ask the question even to our closest of friends (not to mention ourselves)? Fear again. And if that’s overcome and the discussion ensues, often the agreement to disagree is agreed upon. No further discussion about ‘where we’re headed’ – let’s just be happy for the here and now. The person that’s ’sure they’re going to heaven’ secretly and quietly worries over the salvation of their friend. And the other, either secretly and quietly (or rather boldly!) thinks their friend is a little crazy, or judgmental, or they drop the subject altogether – and maybe even the friendship. (That is – until the doctor informs them that they’re dying.) Somehow I don’t think it’s as much about tomorrow’s destination (heaven, hell – or nowhere) as it is about today’s friendships/relationships. And wrestling with that fear to discuss both. As I live in an awareness that I’m also dying, I remind myself that tomorrow will worry about itself. And pray for the confidence and courage to say to my neighbor today, ‘Hey, there’s someone I’ve met; he’s the best friend you can imagine. He knows us really well. Would you like to meet him?’ Hmmmm … courageous or crazy? Loving or judgmental? (We won’t know until tomorrow. And tomorrow will ultimately come in the form of death.)

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