Escaping the Religious Bubble – Oh what’s a fellowship

“Has anyone been in a perfect church?” asked a friend, in a small Bible study group.  I simply chuckled; however, someone did raise his hand.  “I did,” Bob said facetiously. I knew where he was coming from because I have been to one too.

The people, of the Bishop’s church, were friendly.  Though, I could get into small talks, the conversations rarely ever went deep.  I don’t recall the sharing of personal struggles and the offering of prayers.  I was left with the impression of “Everyone else seems to have it, together.  What is wrong with me?”  Truth is, it was a façade. Continue reading

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What am I missing?

This is not a rhetorical question; rather I am serious.  I am recently contacted by a woman, who wants my article, “Escaping the Bubble” published by the Sounding Board.  My initial thought is “Great!”  There is just one problem.  The Sounding Board would like me to not be so religious.

The Sounding Board is a non profit and volunteer operated magazine for the National Federation f/t Blind.  They do publish some stories with a light touch of spirituality.  I am acquainted with the NFB.  If my friends thought I was adamant about independent living and doing the same things, as others then they’d be in for a surprise with these guys.

The National Federation for the Blind do have the right idea about what the blinds can do.  Our difference is, I prefer the soft approach compared to them.  Don’t worry, they’re not all militants. :)   The goal is to reach the larger blind and visually impaired community and empower them to pursue a robust lifestyle that includes  professional careers, sports and everyday inclusion in society.  “Escaping the Bubble” is likely to be a natural hit with them.

One question I have is this.  What of the spiritual component?  What about faith in God, the Father and Jesus?  What is the spiritual inclination for the blind  community?  Would they want to come into a charismatic church?  What of an evangelical church or a Catholic church?

Why am I so interested?  For one thing, I would love for this community read stories like “Escaping the Bubble” and I am not sure of how to get my stuff into their hands.  I share and appreciate my friend’s enthusiasm; however the question remains “What am I missing?”

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Escaping the Religious Bubble – The Leadership

Thanks to Pastor Stewart for teaching the correct role of a pastor.  Thanks need to go to other pastors for illustrating Pastor Stewart message.  I can still hear Pastor Stewart saying, “I am just the under shepherd!  There is only One Shepherd and his name is Jesus! He’s the head of the Church, not me!”  Warren was likely alluding to 1 Peter 5:3-5.  Peter gives strong warnings against lording and they will held accountable to the Chief Shepherd. Continue reading

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Escaping the Religious Bublle – The Dress Culture

I was brought up as a nominal Catholic and did read the Scripture. Despite this, I had only knowledge of God.  It was not until 1990 when I came to know Jesus, as my Lord and Savior.  About 5 years later, I came to Bishop Loring’s church as a new Christian.

I could see by the suits and dresses there did not appear to be a poor man amongst them.  As a Catholic, I was taught to dress well because it is God’s House.  However, I was living on fixed income and had only one suit.  Being in a dessert and not able to drive, it is not always a good idea to wear a full suit. Continue reading

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Escaping the Religious Bubble – Intro

“Compare to you, the Catholics are students of grace!”  I was very frustrated with the members of Bishop’s church.   From their expressions, they did not like what I said.  The bishop ran a full gospel Pentecostal church and it reeked of religion and not the freedom that comes from Christ Jesus. Continue reading

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I am not a label!

On Tuesday, I stopped by Robin’s blog,  Chirping On The Nest.  She has written a post called “Cripples” and “Gimps”.  It was in response to Ruby Cantu’s  “Name it, claim it & then reclaim it if you have to~~”.

Ruby wrote her post in response to a conversation she has with someone. It seems the person was upset she used the word “cripple” to describe herself.  It is a situation that’s quite familiar to me.  I could identify with what’s Ruby is saying. Continue reading

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Digging Deeper

When I was watching The Glenn Beck show, I heard Glenn say “Don’t just take my words for what you’re hearing, today.  Take the time and look at the source materials, referenced on today’s show.” He was encouraging the viewers to do more than just passively listen.  Glenn was asking them, to dig deeper into our nation’s history and not settle for hearsays.

On this point, I would agree with Glenn.  We should dig deeper into what we hear, see or read.  Let’s not settle for hearsays.  The question is, how does one dig deeper and discern the truth.  Funny thing is, the Scripture says something similar and provides some guidance. Continue reading

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Escaping the Bubble

When working at Arizona Industries f/t Blind, in 1995, I had a conversation with a woman named Dorothy.  This woman is in her 50s and is rather direct and to the point.  “Barry, you really need to stop talking about computers,” says Dorothy.  “Why?” I asked. “You’re agitating people here,” she explained.  It seems I was threatening “the Bubble”.

What is this mysterious bubble?  Is it a spatial anomaly encompassing the place?  Is it just a local phenomenon?  Better yet, how does one escape this bubble?  First, it’s neither a spatial anomaly nor mysterious local phenomenon.  The bubble is a place of safety one flees to when hurting.  We think ourselves “safe” inside this bubble; however it is not so. Continue reading

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The Diligent Hand

Recently, I have been reminded of an old proverb:

4Poor is he who works with a negligent hand,
But the (A)hand of the diligent makes rich.  [Proverbs 10:4 NASB]

Some time ago, I had visited the site run by a woman with the handle, TimeThief.  From Time’s OneCoolsitebloggingtips site, one could gain some very helpful guidance for building and maintaining a great blog site.  Almost everyday, Time would update her site with some solid insights on blogging wisely.  Yet, this story isn’t about Time; rather it’s about one who is diligent in the work before them.

I wish that I could say the same for myself; however it is first part of the proverb that I must take.  I have not been diligent in my writings and the up keeping of this blog. As such, my writings and the blog has suffered.  Not only this, others have suffered too.  Our negligence will often snowball and impact others and not just the initial person. Continue reading

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Stop Running!

By Barry Brindisi

Stop running and Come to Me!
Stop running and Come to Me!
Stop running, Stop running!

Don’t you know His burden is light?
Don’t you know of His abounding love?
Don’t you know of His love for you? Continue reading

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