Posted in devotional thoughts

Have you ever wondered what others see when they look at you?  I do.  I think often, in recent months especially, about how I am viewed by those who I come in contact with while living my life. 

One of the most recent events in my life is grieving the loss of a young girl who lived in Edson, AB with her family.  Her mother has been an online friend of mine for a number of years and Emily had become a good friend of my daughter's after her family visited with our family a few years ago on one of their vacations.  There have been many news reports of the situation and many comments by the public at large as well.  Most of those comments are ones of support, comfort, and encouragement.  However, some are ones of skepticism by people who don't have the same system of faith. 

These statements, often made in an insensitive manner, can come across to those of us with a similar faith experience in a hurtful way.  We may think of them as rude and ignorant, unfeeling and intolerant.  They can cut us to the very core of who we are and make our hackles rise up in defense.  Sometimes equally offensive statements are the result.  After all, those who hurt often end up hurting those around them. 

In this particular instance, what has prompted these thoughts is reading through the comments under one of the news articles about our young friend's funeral.  This isn't the first time bickering regarding the existence of God has taken place online and I'm sure it won't be the last.  It's too bad that it comes in response to such a sensitive situation with the potential to cause hurt but that's how these things can steamroller. 

As I read through the statements below the article it really struck me how we are active participants in the situation if we think only of ourselves and our feelings in the matter.  I have been grieving this week and although I'm not near as close with the family, or even Emily's mom herself, as many people I know are, some of the comments could really get me feeling angry if I had the energy to feel it right now.  However, as I began to think of the pain caused to those of us who are "people of faith" and struggling, I realized that these statements are being made without the source of strength that we have.  They also don't have the same understanding that we have of spiritual matters of Christianity.  A few don't even believe in God at all.  They are possibly struggling to make sense of the situation but without hope.  These comments actually give us a view of how we are seen by others. 

I believe that Emily's parents, family, friends, and neighbours could be hurt by these statements.  I also believe that, in time, they will be able to forgive those who would rail at our beliefs.  I am sure they will pray for them to have understanding and to find Peace in their life.  How hard it can be...  unless in possession of an authentic faith and true knowledge of Jesus. 

What would we want others to see when they look at us?  I don't know about you but I want to be seen to be understanding and caring of the situations of others, regardless of whether their beliefs match mine or not.  I need to bite my tongue, not living by my feelings only, sharing those with Jesus who knows my pain, until I'm able to pray for those that would seem my enemy... and I need to continue to strive to walk the walk of my Lord and Saviour, in all my imperfection.  I can be grateful for these comments showing me where my walk might be lacking. 

Dee..