As you wander around outside the box I hope you’ll encounter into other people in a similar situation, who got out of the box because they found they couldn’t follow Jesus very well inside it.

In the widest sense, I think you’re right, that you haven’t left unless you go lock yourself in a closet and never talk (or e-mail, or write blog post to) to any other human beings.

According to the Bible (Matthew 18:20), Jesus said whenever two or three are gathered together in my name, I’m there too. Maybe he just meant formal gatherings where people pray and say “In Jesus’ name”. But I suspect he probably would count the times two boxless people run into each other, have a brief interaction and each leave a bit more affirmed and hopeful because they don’t feel quite so alone.

(Not that I would really know - when I write things about Jesus I mostly make them up; I don’t even know what I believe about Jesus.)

“But I suspect he probably would count the times two boxless people run into each other, have a brief interaction and each leave a bit more affirmed and hopeful because they don’t feel quite so alone.”

That’s a very accurate way to put it.

What I really wanted to say in my last line was “maybe I never really left”. I didn’t realize that’s what I meant until I read your comment. I’m going to edit that.

Thanks for commenting.

I love this line. Love it!

I wonder if there is a possibilty for the church to be like the wind. I am reminded at the day of pentecost, which many cite as the foundational event for the church, that one of the spiritual phenomena was “the sound of a violent wind.”

Thanks for submitting your letter!

Thanks for this letter, in fact, I registered just to let you know. I’m going through a time right now in my life where some of those things just really “match up” with what I’m trying to say. I’m going to have to give “The Church is like a box; God is like wind.” a big thumbs up too, beautiful quote. I like the observation about gossip in prayer requests, sometimes they also seem to be a vessel for showing people your accomplishments. It’s weird. Anyways, props on a compassionate letter where it’s so easy to be angry and attacking. I enjoyed it.

Thanks,
Stefan

I agree that prayer requests are manipulated in many ways, not just as gossip. Good observation. It really is an interesting phenomenon.

I was angry, bitter and hurt for a season. I’m not perfect, nowhere near it, but I have come a long way in healing. In this process of leaving church, God has been nothing but gracious and kind and patient with me. As hard as it may be, I realize He would like me to extend that same grace towards people whom I disagree with about matters of faith. I’m still learning, but that’s my desire.

Thanks again. Lily.

I like what you said about trying to “capture the wind by closing the windows”. Good point!

“most every church I have been to seems to believe they have contained God.”

To me it is so incredibly beyond words that it takes all of eternity to know God…any less and God wouldn’t be God. Religion is so small.

“I have yet to find any one church that allows the freedom my faith needs to breathe.”

Me neither, although God has brought a handfull of families living the kingdom of god and so excited about it they desire to share what they are experiencing and realizing…no agenda, no services, no programs…just life, freedom and love boundlessly shared.

“I thoroughly trust in His forgiveness for the shortcomings of my humanity. Beyond that, I don’t claim to know much, and that’s OK with me.”

Beautiful.

Rick

I love what you said about it taking all of eternity to know God. Wow. That’s what I’m talking about.

I’m glad you have found something like this that works for you. I’m jealous. I would hope I could find or create something similar someday.

Thanks for commenting!