Heartfelt

My expression has not been politically correct or comfortable for a VERY long time, but it is always heartfelt. I don't post to please anyone.  My goal has always been to be true and real and help others by presenting a real life in struggles and joys.  That has made me be rejected by both major political parties, ruffled the feathers of religions and atheists, and has lost me friends, acquaintances and more.  But, one thing that should not be said of me that I ever intentionally lie.  That runs contrary to my nature.  I would rather be judged by the world than be false or to fail to help someone in need.  And, I often AM judged by the world for speaking my thoughts that challenge groups of status quo or accepted philosophies.

When I was in high school, I hated English.  I was so tired of sentence diagrams and grammar rules.  Then, I got to the Renaissance period of literature, and my soul lit fire.  I found in the pure emotional expression of the period a home.  It was not just a period for literature but for lives that were learning to experience and learn from life, not instruction.  Later, this would be called and condemned by the religious as "humanism" and "liberal arts".. two labels I would welcome about myself.  I DO stand for humans being human.  I do stand for the conflict of ideals and free expression of thought.  I think that is the only way we grow.  I know that is the only way that I GROW... for sure.  Why would I limit my contacts to those that agree with me and expect to grow beyond myself?

So, when I say something, I have not just put my mind into it but my heart into it.  I don't just decide to do something, I choose to do something.  I believe it was John Wesley that said that there was a counterfeit for faith that existed in the church in his day.  He said that it was "mental assent" ... which said that he would believe something so long as it made sense and if it did not would be rejected.  While there is a value to putting your mind to use for what it was given to you to use, there are things of the heart that cannot be quantified or explained.  

We are entering in the period leading up to Christmas, right now.  On many of the Santa movies that are out there, there is the theme that faith is not seeing to believe but believing to see.  It is about believing that there is some good in the world, whether or not we are seeing it.  It is about BEING good in the world, even when that is not being returned to you.  It is about living HEARTFELT, and that is my personality and my curse, because I can do no other.

So, I would challenge you in this time that you would believe in good, go good, love, and be hopeful for the future, even if there is no reason to do so.  Carry forward the good memories of the past, whether they are still present.  And, care for others.  If you can improve the life of ONE PERSON this season, you would be the world to that person and give your life meaning and their life blessing.  And, that heartfelt way of living and loving is... in my opionion.. the greatest truth that God deemed for man to be.