A couple days ago, I watched this music video by Casting Crowns. It literally made me cry. It's called "Does Anybody Hear Her" . . . and I felt like "Her" was me, about a year ago. Take a minute to watch it:
She's shunned at home, by her father. She's looking everywhere else, for that lack of fulfillment. She hurts herself in the process, as she's finding love in all the wrong places. When she goes to church, weak and defeated, she's met with "lofty glances from lofty people." No one reached out to her. The whispers all around her seem so hypocritical, as she's only looking for help, and she's heard that it is the place to find rest.
The description above fit me perfectly.
I was shunned at home, by my father. I looked everywhere else, for that lack of fulfillment. I hurt myself in the process, because I found love in all the wrong places. When I went to church, weak and defeated, I was met with "lofty glances from lofty people." No one reached out to me. The whispers all around me seemed so hypocritical, because I was looking for help, and I heard that church was the place to find rest.
If I could speak, and be heard, by the modern american church . . . I would say this.
Christianity is not about the institution.
It's about the heart.
The entire Bible testifies to this, but specifically, the book of 1 John. I've been taking time to really study chapters 3 and 4, which focus on the heart of Christianity - God's love.
1 John 3:16 - By this we know love, because he laid down his life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.
All those who profess to be Christians know of the sacrifice made for our sins. A perfect and holy God loves us enough to send his son to die in our place. Christ experienced God's wrath so we wouldn't have to. This is love! So, to the modern church . . . Is it that hard to reach out to those who are suffering? It's not like you're being asked to die on a cross or anything. Don't you realize the love you've been given? The same love that you preach about, every Sunday?
It's safe to say that all of us fail to walk the talk. We're all hypocrites in some sense, if we're being perfectly honest with ourselves. But to preach love, and yet - not show love, is shaking a fist in the face of our Father above.
1 John 3:18 - My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth.
It's really tough to be judged. It really hurts, too. Because I've been there, I can say that. Sometimes, I don't even think we realize how judgemental we are of others until we feel judged ourselves. When we hear the pastor preach on love, and then walk through the church to hear whispers and see cold looks . . . Something's terribly wrong.
1 John 4: 7-8 - Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows god. He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.
I guess I just don't understand. When one loves Christ, really really loves Him, there should be an overflowing gratitude and passion to love others. Am I wrong for wondering what the problem is? How can those who refuse to walk in love, really walk with God? The Bible says it's not possible.
I will probably get in trouble with the church for writing this post. However, I don't write this in arrogance . . . I do write it in love, in high hopes that they will change their ways, for the sake of their fellow believers. I plead with the church not to take this the wrong way, as they did in my last one. I love the body of Christ. I hope the expression of my bleeding heart will be met in humility.
~Lauren Lee
P.S. . . . Here's a scary verse, I think all believers need to remember this!
Matthew 27: 41-45:
Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels: 42for I was hungry, and ye did not give me to eat; I was thirsty, and ye gave me no drink; 43I was a stranger, and ye took me not in; naked, and ye clothed me not; sick, and in prison, and ye visited me not. 44Then shall they also answer, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, or athirst, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not minister unto thee? 45Then shall he answer them, saying, Verily I say unto you, as ye did it not unto one of the least of these, ye did it not unto me.
4 comments:
I know that feels awful, but God is always there for you.
With writing this post, and putting that video, you really made my heart soften. Thank you for reminding me, becuz I sometimes judge people who are are just hurting. Thank you so much.
Sweet Lauren, I love your heart! Thank you for sharing this well written entry. It is a great reminder to all of us who are believers to get off the couch and serve. To taste the salt in someone else's tears, to weep with those who weep and rejoice with those who rejoice. We are commanded to put on compassion. You have a Daddy that is rich in mercy, full of comapssion and will never leave you nor forsake you. He has carried you through these months that have been so painful for you. I have seen you grow and have seen your mourning turn into laughter. I have seen you trust and cling to God's promises. God has put your backs against the wall so you can see His hands lovingly perform before your eyes...it's nothing you can do...it's all HIM!!!! I thank God that we have had the privilege of watching His handy work in your family's life. You have no clue how much we have learned so much from you all. And I know that because of all you have been through you will have the gift of mercy...you will be ministering to women and loving them through their trials. We love you girls and we will not leave you...you're stuck with us. I am sending you many hugs right now...praying for you sister! Love Mr. and Mrs. Limon
Laure.... i luv this post :) I feel the same way....
~tay
I love this music video! I watch it over and over and share it with friends over and over. Thanks for sharin!
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