surprise

so why can it be so hard to believe something that is so straightforward?

...the Lord lets us know that we will have difficulty with how the world percieves us and treats us because of our relationship with him....and he tells us not to be surprised even if the world hates us. (1 John 3:13)

I by no means think that the people around me here in Phoenix hate me for my beliefs...but I do believe there is a good deal of dislike, dis-trust (is that a word), doubt, and disrespect because of my relationship with the Lord.

Of course this is not intended to be a generalization of everyone...but of a few. regardless it is really difficult...and if i'm honest...i wasn't prepared...i was in fact surprised.

generalizations drive me crazy...i'm not saying that i never generalize or judge...but i am saying that i think that it's absolutely ridiculous when people take one peice of the puzzle and think they know what the final picture will be.

i have always been so fortunate to have really amazing people surrounding me...to compensate for any negative that i had to deal with...and all that being said....i don't know that i've ever been so regularly, negatively judged for my relationship with the Lord.

anywho, i'm looking to the Lord...he's loving and teaching me.

i suppose now my struggle is...do i stay...know that it's normal...or do i walk away and wipe the dust from my feet and set out on a journey to a new town ?

not too long ago i got the opportunity to go to a YL leadership...where we disucussed Luke 9: 1-5 or Matthew 10...when Jesus sends his disciples out two by two into villages with nothing...to spread the word that the kingdom of Heaven is near...and Jesus tells his disciples to go into homes, leave their peace if the home will take it...but if the home doesn't welcome you to leave and dust off your feet before traveling onto their next town.

we talked about how the passage pertains to YL...that leaders should travel together doing contact work...for strength and encouragement...and to have a little peace. also that it is good to go to one place for some time...so it's good to love on and build a relatioship with a community (so that going deep rather than wife...or along with wide is good)...we also discussed that not everyone will recieve you well...and after coming into a town for some time and not being welcomed or listened to....that is is ok...and good...to move on (whether for a season or for good) wipe the dust from your feet and move on....meaning that it is good to not carry the burden, rejection, etc that is felt into the next stage...or else you will be burdened down by that which isn't necessary for one to deal with on thier own.

so now...i'm just wondering...does this pertain to life outside of direct ministry?

my brain runs all over.

i'm thankful for my friends,my family, and my life.