The J Word

From time to time here on Resourceful Mommy I blog about my faith. I tried to start a site called Living Font, where bloggers who are Christians but are not “Christian bloggers” could come to write about their personal journeys, but like lots of my enthusiastic ideas, it never got off the ground.  It turns out that all bloggers – despite their religion – are busy, and one more thing to do is still one more thing to do.  So instead I began blogging Living Font posts right here, often on Sundays.  The truth is that if it didn’t feel phenomenally rude, I would live blog right there from the pew on Sunday morning because I am blessed enough to have found a pastor whose sermons move me to reflect and engage with the Word and want to share those thoughts with the world.  As it is, I wait until I get home, and sometimes those reflections make it to this site.  Sometimes they get lost in a load of laundry, never to return.

But the times that I have written about my faith, you may have noticed that I have not focused on someone in particular.

Jesus.

He is there in the posts.  I checked.  He’s talking to Simon.  He’s visiting Mary and Martha.  But in many of my posts He’s overshadowed by God or even sometimes the third branch of the Trinity, the Holy Ghost.  Avoiding the J word allows everyone in the room to be a bit more comfortable because as a society we have allowed Him to represent exclusivity, judgement, and hate when in reality and in my life He instead embodies…

Love and Grace without exception.

Here is the truth.  I believe that Jesus is the Lord my Savior.  I believe that He died on the cross and that He rose again.  I believe that it is only through His grace and suffering that I am saved and will have eternal life.

I don’t know the logistics.  I don’t care to know them, nor do I think they are for me to know.  I choose instead to have faith, to love all people, to rely not on myself but on the power of prayer, to try to live the life intended for me, to fail often because I am fallible, and to continue on each time…

…confident that I will fail again.

Convinced that I will get back up and keep trying anyway.

Loving.

Giving.

Believing.

Today I learned that in May I will be joining Compassion International – who has been a part of my family’s lives for a couple of years now – on a trip to Tanzania.  This blog is where I write about the products that make my life easier, the trips that make my life more enjoyable, the giveaways that make my life exciting, but it is also where I write about me.  The good, the bad, the secular, the religious – all of it.  I will be going to Tanzania  – as Compassion’s tagline says – in Jesus’ name.

I hope that you will join me with open minds and hearts as I blog about my experiences there and the work that Compassion is doing to change lives.  We might all be a little uncomfortable.  But I’ve shared so much of my life with you already, I want you there, as well.

“Whoever receives a child in My name, receives Me.”  Matthew 18:5

 

 

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25 Comments

  • Shannon

    What a blessing, Amy! Can’t wait to read about your trip!

  • I am very proud of you, Amy. For the work you’ll be doing and for documenting it along the way. I’ve steered clear of writing about religion mainly because the one time I *did* write about it, I was called out for not being a “real” Christian and it stung so badly that I never wrote about it again. Maybe I should have just kept writing and let people be a little uncomfortable with it.

    I am excited to read about your journey!

    • I’ve gotten that, too, Ashley. Often. Thankfully the people who have said that are not in charge of my eternity 🙂

  • So, so excited for you! He will do BIG things. BIG.

    • Thank you, Amy! And thank you for your support in coming to this place.

  • You aren’t alone. My beliefs align with yours. Just lettin’ you know.

  • As the nice Jewish girl, I will be cheering you on for following what you believe. My religious beliefs may be different from yours, but helping others is what matters most. I look forward to reading about your adventure and all that you do in Tanzania.

  • Awesome. Just this morning I put on my cross recognizing that I was going to a company tomorrow that wouldn’t mind me showing my belief in Jesus and it felt so good.

  • Love this Amy and so incredibly excited for you!!!!!

  • I feel the strength of your faith. I’m very happy that you have this opportunity and know that you’ll take compassion and love there with you to share and leave and bring something extraordinary back within you.

  • I often find it very difficult to real religious infused blog posts, mostly because I’m not a religious or even spiritual person myself. I was at one time but certain struggles made it difficult me to have faith in anything, let alone someone/something I can’t see, touch, etc. That said, I did read your blog post and it left me feeling peaceful. I suppose that’s a good start.

    • Cat, that is incredible to hear. Thank you for sharing that.

  • You will be a great representative for Compassion and I am sure you will be challenged and changed in many ways. Can’t wait to follow along on the journey with you {and you know I love me some Jesus, so we are good on that front too ;-}

  • It’s so polarizing, isn’t it? The J word. I feel you on that. It’s obvious that you are called to love, above all. So proud of your bravery & your willingness to do good work. It will bless you & change you with abundance… but you probably already know it. xo

  • OH HOW AWESOME!!!!! I can’t WAIT to read about it!! How long will you be in Tanzania?!

    I am super excited for you!!!

  • Great post! Good luck on your trip!

  • Love this, my friend! And woo-hoo on the confirmation of your trip! I canNOT wait to hear all about it (and I admit to being a bit jealous 😉

    -Amy (N)

  • YOU GO GIRL!!!!! WOOOOHOOOO!!

  • Janet

    You’re going to have a wonderful time in Tanzania, Amy. I can’t wait to read about your trip. 🙂

  • Amanda

    I am so proud of you and proud to call you my friend. As you know, I used to be a “Christian blogger” and rebranded – not because I love Jesus anymore but because it seems readers and bloggers are hardest on those who proudly proclaim His love. Love you.

  • I already loved your blog, your twitter parties, your numerous convenient resources, & your ever delightful personality that shines through your tweets; But as a Christian woman, this one post spoke volumes to me above all else. I think it’s fantastic that you are going to share with us your journey & feelings. I look forward to being further inspired. God bless =)

  • You will LOVE Tanzania. I went there 9 years ago to climb Kili and have longed to return ever since. It is stunningly beautiful and the people I met were so kind and open-hearted. What part of the country are you visiting?