Stranger Things...

About two weeks ago, I had 4 separate encounters with a stranger. So what, you may ask?? We all often encounter strangers daily. But these were unusual encounters, in that all of them involved lengthy conversations about Christianity. I was so impacted by these conversations that I had to write about them. Before I do, I want to state that this is not a post that is aimed at bashing Christians. On the contrary, it is intended to remind & encourage us to always try to live by the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ & to admonish us to do better, if we find ourselves acting in ways that can turn people away from God, rather than toward Him. So on that note.......

Forsaken by God??

The following is the result of some reflection, as I've been dealing with lots of stuff lately. It is my hope that whether or not someone shares my beliefs or agrees with my words, that what I am sharing here will at least provide some food for thought.

Glass Is Half Full

***This post has been edited for clarification, after reader feedback. Please see edit at the bottom of this post.***

"Why hello there! Fine day isn't it?"

"How are you today?"

"How may I help you?"

"C'mon, turn that frown upside down!"
"Do you want fries with that?"

Do you ever feel irritated when you wake up on the wrong side of bed & just aren't ready to greet the day, & you come across someone who is just SO PERKY  & FULL OF ENERGY? Uggh!! Often times, these people will be wearing a smile on their face that looks like it was painted on because they have no facial lines that go in the opposite direction. They may say hello, give the customary "how are you", & then if you say you're tired or that you wish it was Friday already, they chastise you & say "cheer up....it's a beautiful day...the day has just begun....your day will be what you make it!". They may be wondering who poured vinegar in your corn flakes, all while you may be thinking of ways to shove those corn flakes up their nose! Perky people can be so annoying, right?

Calling All Christians: On Hypocrisy

Google the words "why do Christians always", & you will be met with links to websites where people are asking "why are Christians always so judgmental?", or "why do Christians always try to convert atheists?", or "why do Christians always try to shove their beliefs down my throat?". The list goes on. I would venture to guess that the title of this post will grab the attention of not just Christians, but of non-Christians alike. This may be due to the simple fact that there is a high likelihood that someone out there may have been hurt to the point of bitterness, by someone claiming to be a follower of Jesus Christ. The title of this post serves to remind all Christians, myself included, that as followers of Christ, we should conduct ourselves in such a way as to bring honor to Jesus, not turn people away from Him. It also is intended to pique the curiosity of non-Christians, who may be wondering just what admonishment this Christian has for her fellow believers.