tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.comments2023-05-12T05:59:32.386-05:00faith from the fieldSheri Ellwoodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comBlogger380125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-78497704319726259722015-02-06T22:52:16.917-06:002015-02-06T22:52:16.917-06:00Yeah, Laurie, criticizing evangelism would probabl...Yeah, Laurie, criticizing evangelism would probably not go over well. Though I will say because something has sometimes produced positive results does not necessarily mean it is good but that is another topic for another day. I hope I am not a crabby or crazy person in my preaching. The things I say in this blog are different from what I say from the pulpit because the purpose of this blog is different from the purpose of preaching. In my preaching, I am always mindful of saying what someone who is hurting would need to hear (this blog is more about saying something interesting, something different, sparking thought and conversation and such). The tricky thing is sometimes what is controversial to one person is exactly what another person needs to hear. For example, avoiding an issue like homosexuality would avoid angering some people but it might also fail to communicate God's love and acceptance to others. Sometimes this can have heartbreaking or even lethal results. I could probably stand to think a bit more about not being controversial all the time. It is kind of hard for me because the controversial things often tend to be justice issues which to me are sooo important. Thanks for the obviously thought provoking comment!Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-19070464977890657952015-02-06T19:38:12.736-06:002015-02-06T19:38:12.736-06:00I think the most important thing is to be non-cont...I think the most important thing is to be non-contoversial most of the time. If you are always swimming up stream, you lose your credibility. You become just a crabby or crazy person. I also think it is good to state things as opinion, when that is the case. Another thing to remember is that it is difficult to change someone's point of view if you start off by telling them they are wrong. Example: if you attack evangelism, most Christians are going to immediately tune you out. We all know someone whose life was radically improved after someone spoke to them about Christ. How can that be bad? It seems a better approach would be to focus on the positives things we could be doing, than to lambast people for trying to do something good. <br />Hope I didn't lose my audience. Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04204762201074075228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-58395159868419751882015-02-05T15:46:06.100-06:002015-02-05T15:46:06.100-06:00Thanks, Rachel. I think humility is an important ...Thanks, Rachel. I think humility is an important part. Your comment makes me feel better about my preaching because I have stated in various ways how much I struggle, doubt, and only share my thoughts so they can make up their own minds. <br />It is nice to hear someone would be interested in hearing me speak. Surprising, but nice. The closest I have come to a speaking engagement is being invited to speak about my disappointment in the church. Which I really enjoyed doing since I have just a few things to say on that topic:) Stirred up some lively conversation which was also fun! Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-16949534665835955462015-02-05T13:03:03.462-06:002015-02-05T13:03:03.462-06:00I think you make a wonderful point here. We are a...I think you make a wonderful point here. We are all more likely to listen to someone who approaches a topic with humility and respect for other views than one who comes across as self righteous. I know I find it easier to hear someone and evaluate my own beliefs if they let me know that they struggle sometimes too, and that they don't believe they have all the answers. <br />Side note: A friend of mine today referenced your blog and asked if you ever did speaking engagements. She said she would love to listen to you sometime.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07677556518110667259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-9438755770682804182015-01-10T10:53:31.021-06:002015-01-10T10:53:31.021-06:00I hear you, Rachel. And it is not like offending ...I hear you, Rachel. And it is not like offending someone is something I am always afraid of but it shuts down conversation or gets you labeled a heretic and dismissed. And even beyond offending or not I find it difficult to make myself understood. Many of my neighbors don't seem to be able to imagine why a Christian wouldn't love Kirk Cameron movies or think it is wonderful when we pray at public non church related meetings or....I could go on and on. It is like I am speaking a different language.Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-40927090118297236262015-01-10T09:14:18.490-06:002015-01-10T09:14:18.490-06:00This really resonates with me! I often struggle wi...This really resonates with me! I often struggle with this identity crisis and wonder not just what to call myself, but how to act. Growing up in the church has provided a set of traditions to follow which can be rooted in some pretty meaningful stuff, but can also be empty and even harmful at times. Sifting through it all without offending is pretty hard.Rachelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07677556518110667259noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-85916096140192454512014-10-24T09:04:08.106-05:002014-10-24T09:04:08.106-05:00I hear you, Phil Yandel (and thank you for the com...I hear you, Phil Yandel (and thank you for the comment) though I do wonder how much Christianity has changed and how much it is the media's tendency to report the extremes of every issue. Us mainliners are so boring. But, it is hard for me to tell from here in Kansas where it seems the 700 Club folk have taken over our religion much as the Koch brothers have taken over our politics. Not that I am bitter or anything:)Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-22398974777910507852014-10-23T18:44:15.695-05:002014-10-23T18:44:15.695-05:00I was one of the lucky born again Christians that ...I was one of the lucky born again Christians that learned to properly interpret the bible when applying it in my life. Ultimately, I still lost my faith, but today's Christianity is puzzling to me.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14741445541021839449noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-65789755914296536872014-09-26T11:57:56.476-05:002014-09-26T11:57:56.476-05:00Thanks, Laurie. I agree about being exposed to di...Thanks, Laurie. I agree about being exposed to different backgrounds. That is part of what gives me hope for future generations since they are being exposed to more diversity earlier than we were.Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-45571074306861494562014-09-25T17:22:28.324-05:002014-09-25T17:22:28.324-05:00I sooo agree there is no sound biblical or otherwi...I sooo agree there is no sound biblical or otherwise reasoning for that part of the "proofs", Charlene. There really are many Christians who have given that up and of course way too many who haven't. I understand why anti-theists might continue focusing on those who are anti-gay etc. as long as the generalized American/civil religion (if you know what I mean) continues to be that way. However, it has occurred to me lately the judgments we pass on people based on their beliefs may be a bit elitist as we seem to assume people have time, energy, education level etc. to think much about such issues. Does that make sense? Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-18681450517547116412014-09-25T12:58:19.872-05:002014-09-25T12:58:19.872-05:00So the faulty term in both of those "proofs&q...So the faulty term in both of those "proofs" (or equations) is, of course, the "Christians = anti-abortion, anti-gay,etc." There's no sound Biblical (or otherwise) reasoning for it. If we got rid of that assertion it would help matters tremendously. But until Christians themselves give it up, its going to be hard for the anti-theists to do so, because all the evidence they're seeing (how Christians act) points that direction.Charlenenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-75994188548023507102014-09-20T10:00:26.833-05:002014-09-20T10:00:26.833-05:00I agree with you on this one. I also think that th...I agree with you on this one. I also think that the more we are exposed to others in different circumstances and with different backgrounds, the more we see that reality is based on these things. I think it is helpful to try to imagine what it would feel like in another person's shoes (or lack thereof). Lauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04204762201074075228noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-81021753049604593192014-08-28T21:12:43.670-05:002014-08-28T21:12:43.670-05:00Thanks for sharing your story and your wisdom. Yo...Thanks for sharing your story and your wisdom. You have given me a lot to think about. I posted a longer response on facebook but wanted to thank you again here!Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-67255147446786632522014-08-28T20:22:55.187-05:002014-08-28T20:22:55.187-05:00I too have thought a lot about the events unfoldin...I too have thought a lot about the events unfolding in Ferguson. I also hesitate to say anything that would be considered too controversial...but for me this issue hits close to home on many levels and find myself unable to not speak out. I have a vested interest in finding justice for and hoping to end racism. <br /><br />I have two beautiful boys who are half white and half black. I also no longer have a father in my life because he is a racist. He disowned me before he ever met my significant other and he has never met my children. I'm not sure how we even begin to address the hurt this has caused me and my family. So I truly have an understanding of how closed minded people are and how deeply those beliefs lie. <br /><br />On the other side of this issue, I watch very closely to how things play out because it sets the tone for how the next case is handled. My boys are going to grow up and they will be judged by their skin color first. This has been proven again and again...it's not fair nor is it easy to swallow. I fear the day they are teenagers, I wonder if I'll ever sleep at night, knowing that they may be profiled and targeted while shopping, hanging out with friends may be seen as being in a gang, or worse shot for jay walking or walking home in a hoodie... There are no words to express how scary it is. <br /><br />As for going to Ferguson...I think in these situations you have to follow your heart. It's hard to know if your presence will help, but if you don't go you will never know. I doubt you would hurt the situation. I've been tempted myself, it seems like a worthy cause. <br /><br />As I mature, I have decided that I want to be known as a person who lives by her own convictions. I want to follow my instincts and when I lay my head down at night, I want to feel good about what I've said and done. <br /><br />It seems for me, the best way I can fight racism, is to live my life and expose people to my lovely family. I will raise my kids to be respectful, honest, with a healthy respect for authority, but I will also arm them with knowledge so they will have the sense to leave situations before they become dangerous.Chellelaine85https://www.blogger.com/profile/18220157400979505355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-20602857288066917392014-08-15T07:51:00.943-05:002014-08-15T07:51:00.943-05:00Anonymous, I certainly don't want to quit on a...Anonymous, I certainly don't want to quit on anyone. I'm sorry what I wrote didn't connect with you. I hope I didn't say anything which would make anyone feel like a fool. I realize my experience was fairly mild compared to many. I only meant to share my experience because we need to talk about this in order to remove the shaming which happens. I would welcome any words you could offer to help us all understand. I'm sorry you have to deal with this.Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-20438933089901558102014-08-14T23:29:22.718-05:002014-08-14T23:29:22.718-05:00To quit hmmmm . Please don't quit on those who...To quit hmmmm . Please don't quit on those who are trying to hang on . We are condemned . Talked about and treated like we are fools. Thank you for trying but I live in the real world . I am glad that you are better . I wish someday all who suffer with this will at least be understood ..Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-52647780245888552712014-07-28T19:17:09.956-05:002014-07-28T19:17:09.956-05:00Thanks, Grandma Carolee! I agree the anti-abortio...Thanks, Grandma Carolee! I agree the anti-abortion movement does not seem very concerned about reducing the number of abortions, only outlawing them. Strange. Thanks for the comment.Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-33463380016435896392014-07-28T12:14:31.259-05:002014-07-28T12:14:31.259-05:00Thank you for this post. I cannot understand why ...Thank you for this post. I cannot understand why people who are so against abortion are also against making sure that people have easy access to free birth control. I include men, because I'd like to see every man who doesn't want any more children to support & care for, but still wants sex, to get a free vasectomy. No wife should have to fear getting pregnant every time her husband wants sex. I think that the only way to stop unwanted pregnancies & abortion is with freely available birth control.Grandma Caroleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08909623276839968039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-18838431535816282792014-07-27T21:59:16.088-05:002014-07-27T21:59:16.088-05:00Valuable suggestion for those wanting to comfort t...Valuable suggestion for those wanting to comfort those who are grieving instead of adding to their pain. Thanks, Sheri. Cristinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-59766267363008566062014-06-03T16:04:09.688-05:002014-06-03T16:04:09.688-05:00Thanks, Grandma Carolee!Thanks, Grandma Carolee!Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-52226366665454807672014-06-03T11:09:20.412-05:002014-06-03T11:09:20.412-05:00I share with you the same passionate feelings that...I share with you the same passionate feelings that you have written about in the last two posts. Thank you for putting into words so well what I am thinking too.Grandma Caroleehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08909623276839968039noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-89617817565335320422014-04-17T09:57:59.872-05:002014-04-17T09:57:59.872-05:00Exactly. Love that song. ....a medley or liturgy...Exactly. Love that song. ....a medley or liturgy including that song and Now a Green Blade Rises...now that would be something. Thanks, Charlene.Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-17795125899714704262014-04-17T08:54:21.065-05:002014-04-17T08:54:21.065-05:00"It's a cold and it's a broken hallel..."It's a cold and it's a broken hallelujah" --Leonard CohenCharlenenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-58330133999720762292014-04-11T21:30:57.942-05:002014-04-11T21:30:57.942-05:00I am saying I hope very much in something like hea...I am saying I hope very much in something like heaven (though whatever we think heaven might be is so very limited by our human understanding) and am trying to express why I hold onto that hope despite the lack of direct evidence. I just think acknowledging the possibility we might be wrong makes more sense than pretending that possibility doesn't exist. If that makes sense. Thanks for the question, Laurie! What do you think?<br />Sheri Ellwoodhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12521018942479639251noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5083638296820168853.post-38261677356207993292014-04-11T16:32:42.036-05:002014-04-11T16:32:42.036-05:00Are you saying you don'tbelieve in heaven?Are you saying you don'tbelieve in heaven?Laurienoreply@blogger.com