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November 23, 2005
Gotta be me
While chatting with another engineer about dSLRs (digital SLR cameras), another co-worker invited himself into the conversation and offered his opinionated feedback in a rather condescending way. My co-worker (who's much older, has children, and is a very nice guy) shifted the conversation to the XBox 360.
At this point, the 3rd co-worker caustically commented: "I don't care about the xbox. Games are for kids."
It seems that I've been encountering a number of people who refuse to accept or understand people with a different lifestyle from their own. While hanging out with some Christians, I hinted at some past experiences... to which one of the guys responded almost mockingly towards.
I didn't get offended... but it indicated that this particular person wasn't ready to handle me sharing more explicit experiences or details. Sadly, it's this kind of attitude that encourages many "Sunday Christians" to keep up a front of "everything is A-OK, God is great, and so is my life!"
This and the video game "incident" reaffirmed that I have to stay true to myself (as dorky/geeky as that may be!) and my beliefs, and not change that simply to conform to the "mainstream." Or as far as dating is concerned, not "settling" for someone who doesn't share the same spiritual convictions. Something which has become increasingly tempting lately!
All I know is: all these things require lots of prayer over...
I've been processing many insights and issues lately - involving family, myself and past experiences, my faith and role in God's kingdom. God blesses (or curses, depending on your viewpoint) us with certain experiences for a specific purpose - whether it be learning more about ourselves, God, and/or how to bless others through our own experiences.
I experienced depression, suicide, family problems, unsafe sex, among a host of other things... by God's grace, I'm better able to understand and encourage those who struggle with these issues, and perhaps avoid making the same mistakes.
I'm not saying I regret anything - everything, bad or good, is an experience to learn and grow from. I know there are others out there who have suffered so much more than I have, but view their own lives as a living hell or as abandoned by God. But when I read/hear about their lives, I see a life that is so vibrant and powerful - a life that can be used powerfully by God.
Posted by stevelee at November 23, 2005 12:27 AM
Comments
I hear ya Steve-o, I hear ya. It is those differences, whether they small or big, that set people apart from the rest. Perspectives and experiences are different, so are the levels of patience and humility. As you stand strong, open-minded, and full of conviction - it truly isn't what you testify but how you do so!
Posted by: mare at November 23, 2005 10:17 AM
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