Easter Sunday Churchiness

First of all, let me start by saying Happy Easter, and thank all those who sent mass texts wishing me the same. I was touched that you went the extra mile to add my number to the list of 25 people you were messaging that extremely personal sentiment to. While I'm here, I also wanted to tell you that I was moved to the point of tears when I received your "Merry Christmas" version. You truly were the anti-grinch(which I guess is just Santa?)that day, and to follow up with today's text, well, it just overwhelms me with feelings of importance.

Alright, let's get to the meat of this bad boy shall we? Actually, this may just end up being a random exlosion of different thoughts, but you'll get your protein either way... It's really sad to see a culture losing respect for Christianity, and more specifically, discarding the meanings of Holidays that have their roots in the Gospel. I made a Santa Claus reference earlier in jest, but there are definitely those who don't acknowledge any religious ties to the holiday even though it has "Christ" directed planted in the name! It's been said that its symbolic of society to write "X-mas" so they can X Christ right out of Christmas. It sounds a little baptist-sermon-corny, sure, but what part of that can you really disagree with if you're a believer living in these days? It may have not been a conscious effort, but it's still a glaring symbol that sin is natural in this man's humble opinion.

My church is a really special place, there's no doubt about it. That's why this paragraph is about the "in between a rock and a hard place" position I'm in with it. The worship is awesome, the congregation is filled with the spirit (many of the people have played an indescribably gigantic role in my life), and the preaching is normally tremendous. I have been a member of Living Word Community Church on 17th street my whole life, and when I'm walking with the Lord, I feel truly blessed every Sunday I'm in attendance. Now on to the complicated part...

Since I'm the child of a church leader, I feel like I'm under the microscope. Truth-be-told, I'm not worried about anyones judgment on me, because Christians shouldn't be judging or interpreting other people's lives to begin with. God delivers the justice, not man, although some church folk forget this on occasion. But anyways, as I was saying it's not about feeling overly scrutinized. It's just the feeling of having eyes on me regarding such a personal issue (faith). I feel like I'm showering in public once and awhile at my church, at it impedes my ability to focus on the big guy upstairs, which is the entire reason I abandoned hours of sleep to come to a service. It wasn't to daydream, it was to worship and to get spritual nourishment. Ok, so that's one thing.

The other problem is the frustrating lack of people my age in the congregation. There are a handful of people, but not enough to build a group around. It's so important to have people who hold you accountable, and ideally you'd like those people to be in your regular place of fellowship. Also, it would be nice to have close friendships with believers who aren't stereotypical church people. Any christian is familiar with the people that turn Church into a cult, making a relationship with the Lord feel like an episode of Dawson's Creek-Jesus Version. People bring unnecessary drama to Salvation. There's enough spiritual drama in day-to-day life, with the forces of light and darkness constantly in an unseen war over souls. Yet people feel the need to bring extraneous drama, and over-the-top, emotion-centered spirtituality to liven things up. It's overkill, and its a serious issue within the Christian community that people don't talk about often. Sorry, I think I deviated from my point as I usually do but I'm getting back. I need real brothers in faith that are my age, not strangers asking me intimate questions like "How's your walk?" Well person-I've-talked-to-2-times-in-my-life, I have a bit of an outstep, that's how my walk is haha. And hey, I'm far from in a place to get serious with a girl, but it wouldn't hurt to be around more women of faith that could potentially, down the road, be longterm options.

I apologize if this sounded like I was harping on the negative. It's just so annoying to me because I love my church. This is why it's such a passionate issue, and it's going to be a difficult decision ultimately on staying or going.

Compleeeeeetely unrelated, what's the protocol for saying "God Bless You" to someone? (well not completely unrelated I guess since God is cited in the sentence)The girl near me has been having random spurts of sneezes, and I've been wondering for awhile what the proper amount of post-sneeze wishes you give someone without being excessive. Do you stop after the second sneeze? What if there are 30 minutes in between sneezing-fits? Does the person have to say "thank you" after every "gazoontite" you give? These are the big life-questions that need answering, the awkward situations in everyday life so plentiful that a book could and should be written concerning them.

Happy Resurrection Day people, I hope it was a blessed one!