Comments on: It’s Ok if You’re Scared http://www.lookingforfaith.org/blog/2007/its-ok-if-youre-scared Religion and spirituality from a Unitarian Universalist perspective Fri, 21 Nov 2008 13:47:15 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.3.3 By: Shelby http://www.lookingforfaith.org/blog/2007/its-ok-if-youre-scared#comment-2923 Shelby Fri, 17 Aug 2007 20:20:07 +0000 http://www.lookingforfaith.org/blog/2007/its-ok-if-youre-scared#comment-2923 Dawn, Unfortunately the temptation to blame people for the bad things that happen to them seems to be a part of human nature. I think it comes out of fear, because it is scary to admit that bad things can happen, even to people who have faith and a strong prayer life. It is very painful to be on the receiving end of this kind of blame from others, and even more painful when we blame ourselves. I do believe that God loves each person, and that the more in touch with that love we are, the more we can appreciate ourselves, and others. I think that God wants our religious communities to be places where we can truly get to know one another and support one another. This means sharing our fears and disappointments as well as our joys and triumphs. Dawn,

Unfortunately the temptation to blame people for the bad things that happen to them seems to be a part of human nature. I think it comes out of fear, because it is scary to admit that bad things can happen, even to people who have faith and a strong prayer life. It is very painful to be on the receiving end of this kind of blame from others, and even more painful when we blame ourselves.

I do believe that God loves each person, and that the more in touch with that love we are, the more we can appreciate ourselves, and others. I think that God wants our religious communities to be places where we can truly get to know one another and support one another. This means sharing our fears and disappointments as well as our joys and triumphs.

]]> By: Dawn http://www.lookingforfaith.org/blog/2007/its-ok-if-youre-scared#comment-2921 Dawn Fri, 17 Aug 2007 15:32:38 +0000 http://www.lookingforfaith.org/blog/2007/its-ok-if-youre-scared#comment-2921 Shelby, This is definitely a fear I find myself struggling with-but on a different level; not only is there push to be positive in spite of everything falling down around you, but for me there is the residual mind set left over from a fire and brimstone Southern Baptist culture. It wasn't just in church, it was the everyday culture; if something went wrong in your life, it was either a) your fault from being a sinner, or b) your fault because you weren't strong enough in your faith and prayers to make a difference. I think that is why I am restless and searching faith, and why I love your insights to something more open and loving. Shelby, This is definitely a fear I find myself struggling with-but on a different level; not only is there push to be positive in spite of everything falling down around you, but for me there is the residual mind set left over from a fire and brimstone Southern Baptist culture. It wasn’t just in church, it was the everyday culture; if something went wrong in your life, it was either a) your fault from being a sinner, or b) your fault because you weren’t strong enough in your faith and prayers to make a difference. I think that is why I am restless and searching faith, and why I love your insights to something more open and loving.

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