tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21596966.post114745029381079689..comments2023-10-30T05:19:21.668-05:00Comments on GoteeMan: Freedom Time, Anyone?GoteeManhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01747967100881479615noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21596966.post-1147619303179908122006-05-14T10:08:00.000-05:002006-05-14T10:08:00.000-05:00David - Yep, I understand completely. Right now, ...David - <BR/>Yep, I understand completely. Right now, we are honestly not a part of any systems. The draw can sometimes seem appealing to "be a part of something", but we have realized that most of the "somethings" are counterfeits for real relationships. <BR/><BR/>In the "one-on-ones" can can occur between us and the folks we cross paths with daily, more specifically, those God brings into ourlives, is where I believe real relationship and fellowship occurs. In real, safe relationships, where there is not a need to correct or fix each other, it is an amazing opportunity to grow and be who we are made to be. <BR/><BR/>There is a couple here that we get together with often. It's never formal, but we have that kind of relationship, and just getting together has incredible impact. We have alot of fun together, and there really aren't any subjects that are of limits. We just hang out. Sometimes, it's a completely God centered conversation, and sometimes we just cut up with each other, and sometimes it's both. All of the time, we really enjoy each others' company, and we have the freedom (and are even challenged) to be real, open and honest with ourselves and each other. <BR/><BR/>The "systems" claim to be a place of identity, covering and accountability, but interestingly enough, when we were there (in the traditional or evangelical or post modern circles, it really didn't matter - just a different flavor of religious culture, with its own smattering of "Jesus junk"), what we were being told about ourselves and God did not agree with what He was telling us about who we are and who He is. We were also taught that to be blessed and "covered", we needed to be under the authority of a local church, and under the headship of a local pastor - well, we were there for most of the first 35 years of our lives, and well, to be honest, we had our share of "attacks", problems and issues. In fact, life is much simpler since we left, and the sky didn't fall in on us, nor did the jugement of God. As far as accountability goes, the system never gave us that either, because the pastor and staff are too busy trying to move the corporate agenda ahead (you know, building a building, starting a new program, finding the right new youth minister, worship leader, etc.) to really be personally involved in people's lives. I mean, we were there for many years going through hell in our own lives and Kim's health, and we made it known - to our Sunday School teachers, church leaders, etc. - and you know how many visits and phone calls we got in 3 years? Yep, you guessed it - ZERO. So for accountability, I have never found it there. I only fount true accountability and relationship in those who stayed with us through the difficult times and did not feel a need to judge or reject or fix us. They simply came and sat with us for a while, and then came back again and again, and became part of our family and lives.<BR/><BR/>My wife made an interesting comment the other day. She said that anyone we are truly friends with, and close to, we know their family, and we are also involved in the lives of their whole family. Their moms, dads, kids, etc. What happened to days of sitting on the front porch visiting with the neighbors and knowing all those who lived within a mile or two? We have begun to move back into that, at least with the ones who are not too busy to be available, and it has been awesome. We have become involved in each others' lives, but without becoming entangled in the issues and judgements, and it has opened some amazing dialogue. For instance, a neighbor was over talking to us one day, and we mentioned something about hearing God. She stopped us and said, "You hear God? I don't know if I've ever heard God. How do you hear Him." A really cool conversation developed from there, but if we were still in the system, we would have probably been too busy to be involved in each others' lives.<BR/><BR/>Thanks, David, for your response. I pray that you and Melissa are doing well. God bless you both.<BR/><BR/>JeffGoteeManhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01747967100881479615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21596966.post-1147453333072757352006-05-12T12:02:00.000-05:002006-05-12T12:02:00.000-05:00Yep, pondering. Cool song.Is it just me, are do w...Yep, pondering. Cool song.<BR/><BR/>Is it just me, are do we all feel almost irresistible attraction to "systems", being drawn from one to another? The question for me at the moment is to find out how to just be real without joining any system. Y'know?kingsjoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14963675912030520930noreply@blogger.com