PURE

I am currently reading Rob Bell's book, Velvet Elvis. I have to admit that i started reading it as a desperate plea to become more "Christian" but it has been so refreshing to read such raw emotions from a self proclaimed quote un-quote SuperPastor. Rob talks about how successful his church was quickly (in terms of raw number) but as it became bigger and bigger he hurt more and more. With more worldly success just comes more stress and hurt and does not even begin to make things better.

I thought i would share a few of the things that really hit home so far

• I'm not defined by what I'm not. - Yes, we all sin, but NO we do not have to be defined as sinners. we are not defined by our faults, failures, sins and letdowns. We can choose to be defined by the Grace that covers us and helps us in our rebuilding, forgiveness and mercy towards others, but more importantly for ourselves.

• I'm loved just because I exist. - Pretty powerful in itself huh? God loves us just because he made us, not because of anything we do, did or will did. that's it. period.
  
  
  


• Jesus, the Rabbi, ACTUALLY thinks we can be like Him. This was something i didn't know much about, but it was really interesting to learn about the Jewish faith and how only the best of the best made it to be Rabbi's instead of learning the family trade. And when a Rabbi saw someone with absolute potential he may ask him to "come, follow me." and that is exactly what Jesus did with His disciples and exactly what He did with each of us. He really thinks we CAN be like Him.
  
  


• We need to live up to what we've already attained. -God has given us such ability, we already have it, it is IN us, we just have to use it.
  


• The thought has stuck with me the most so far is just the ability to 'long to be comfortable in my own skin' It is something we probably don't think about, but really, how many people are completely comfortable with who they are? We often care for others, mentor others, heal others, pray for OTHERS because we are afraid to face our own pain.