A letter to the christians in S&R...

Dear friends,

I've been thinking about a lot of things I've seen here at A2K from those proclaiming to be followers of Christ. Some of it good, some of it disturbing. I'm not writing this to put anyone down or to make them feel bad about who they are or what they say. I'm writing this because I care about everyone here and I care about the image we portray sometimes of what it means to be "christian". I actually hope that somehow, some will find this to be and encouragement.

It is easy to sit in a high seat and look down on others when you've never sat in a low seat and been looked at from the "higher" perspective.

It's is easy to say words that are hurtful when someone is hurting you.

It is easy to get caught up in trying to outwit someone when they make you feel like what you believe is stupid.

It is easy to be judgemental and critical when it seems no one agree's with what you are saying.

It is easy to claim good intentions in doing these things but just because your intentions are good that doesn't justify your actions. It is a matter of motive above intentions. If your motive is right your actions will follow. That's what I believe at least.

It has been said to me by people here that they've felt at times I was trying to "sneak" into the other "camp" by not defining specifically which side I was on. I've wondered how many have thought that. I want it to be known though I was never on either side, nor will I ever be. I've lived on both sides of this so called "fence". First not believing in God and justifying why. Then believing in God and feeling so self-righteous about my beliefs I felt it was my "duty" to shove it down other's throats.

What brought me to where I am today was the realization that I don't know everything and never will. Realizing that when I suppose myself to be an end all authority on something more often than not my actions are hurting others and not helping as I would intend them to. Realizing that I am not any less capable of doing wrong just because of my belief in God. If anything I'm to live by a higher standard of behavior because of what I believe. And finally, understanding that who I am is ok no matter what anyone else thinks or says about me. It is nice to have kudo's from people, but I guarantee they won't be there sometimes when you need them. It hurts sometimes when people say rude things, but that doesn't change who I am on the inside. These are my personal convictions that drive the conscience I try to live by every day.

I don't want to hurt you by the things I have said, I only want you to consider what you do before you do it. No matter what you say or do, you are representing something to others. I needed to share this because it's been bugging me, and I just needed to speak my mind. Take care ya'll. I'll be thinking of you.