Troubled, encouraged, trusting the Lord.

I had this amazing converstation with a co-worker the other night. I thought it was amazing, anyway. We were chatting on break and the conversation turned into a "religious" conversation.

She talked about how she'd been burned before by what sounded legalists mostly. Pharisees. Law-keepers.

Here is the email I sent to my pastor. Edited to take my friend's name out.



"I had an amazing talk with my friend at work tonight about Jesus. She has been burned many times by what sounds like religious fanatics, who were friends and family. I think our conversation was making good progress, and I invited her to church some time. She said "There is one determining factor about whether or not I will attend your church. Do you believe that you are supposed to love God, your husband and children, in that order?" I said "Yes." She then brings up something she had seen online about a preacher who had said this was the order to love in. And then he said "For example, if my house was on fire, I would make sure that my wife was safe outside, and then go back in to save my children." I think that's a little extreme, I mean c'mon, who wouldnt go for their kids first, right? Well, this thought has influenced her so much... She doesnt understand how you could love someone more than their own kids.

I told her that God gave up his only son for us, to save us, and that's how much he loves us. And out of that we should love our Lord God with all our heart, and soul and mind. But that doesnt mean let your kids burn while you're saving your wife. Wake the lady up and tell her to help you, for crying out loud. Anyway... I'm praying hard for her. I think she's on the edge of wanting to know more, but all these bad experiences are keeping her away."

I find myself almost offended that She would judge me based on something this weirdo said. Does she honestly think I'd opt to save my husband before my child? Seriously?

Anyway. My pastor says it's hard to speak truth into people's lives, when they arent believers or are basing their faith or opinions on emotions. Even the bible says to be careful there.

She and I havent talked anymore about church or God. But I will keep praying for her, that her ears would be opened to the whisper of God, calling her. That her feelings about her past would ebb, and make room for new things. I hope in God's plan for her.