Compassion

Today has been really odd for me. I hung out with Matt Bryan today. Remember him? I cannot believe he's been a youth minister at multiple churches. Last night; however, he explained to me that he was no longer interested in working in a church. "Love Jesus. Not church politics." I highly agree, but it was a shock to hear it come from his mouth.

We got onto the subject of FCC today. Mostly the bad was discussed. I was being associated with all the "hoodlums" I invited to youth group. But isn't that who we need to be reaching out to the most? Those kids weren't treated as they should have been. They were outcasted even when they did show up. It was ridiculous, really.

As if this all didn't make the day odd enough, James Hauser started talking to me on Facebook tonight. It was nice. He was the first youth minister I ever connected with. I decided at 15 that he would do my wedding :) Unfortunately, I don't think that's really much of an option if it doesn't happen to be to a male. And I understand that. James is not close-minded at all. And I truly respect his beliefs. He does not judge. And he does more than tolerate. He speaks out of love and compassion at all times. I really needed the talk we had.

James

"Raven I hope you know I love you and I do not want to come across as a close minded whatever. I believe I am open minded, so much that I will not tell you to get out of your relationship. What I will tell you is get to know Jesus of the Bible. Not the one you hear people in your circles talk about, but the Jesus of scripture. If you do this God will shape your heart. I believe that.

.....

Screaming, shouting, making people feel worthless, not wanted, excluded, doomed or whatever is not going to draw people to Jesus. But kindness and grace will."