Dagwood, Unplugged

[Dagwood]

As my title states, I'm going unplugged for a few moments. No worries. I'm not gonna chew anyone out or tear anyone down. Just plain 'ole good-hearted open dialogue with fellow people of faith.

A majority of you fellow Forum friends have never met me, nor have I ever met you. God knows whether or not we will; things change and people move all the time. I discovered this forum a few months ago but didn't actually become a member 'til last month. I can honestly say it's been quite an adventure "meeting" and learning about some of you. I've either laughed at, laughed with, agreed with, or disagreed with some of the things I've read. After all, we're a diverse community of faith and have the experiences to prove it. So, at the end of the day, nothing's worth getting all bent out of shape over, especially from anything I see on here.

Eleven years on my mission of searching for truth, now, conitunally seeking God, has taken me down a path all my own. I've experienced awesome moves of God in ways some that I could never find enough time to describe them. I've also experienced some heartache and pain that I'd just assume never happened. But, I wouldnt have the testimony I have today had it not been for God bringing me through the hard times, and certainly the good. I once heard one of my favorite gospel artists say in a joking manner, "You know, I'm a drug addict of a different kind. I was drug from church, to church, to church, to church." Of course, in the context of the joke, it was funny and the crowd laughed. I would have, too, and still do today when I hear it. But, in reality, that joke is actually true for me. For whatever reason, as a child and even into my teen years, I didn't have a solild faith foundation. I went to church where ever my family went. Certainly no disrespect to them; their choices were their choices. Unforunately, though, I missed out on several years of getting a start on finding my place in God's work and kingdom. As a result, I've been doing my own searching. God found me at my absolute lowest point in life. No one would have even come close to understanding at the time. At least I didn't think they would and never gave it a chance. So, in essence, I guess I can't really say for sure whether they would have understood since I didn't take the risk. Nevertheless, I was still in need of being rescued. And God did just that in January of 2000. I've often said that if I could go back and do some things over, I'd do it over again with the same people but with different choices. Would my family situation (dad, mom, brother, and grandmother) still be what it is today, unstable? God only knows. And God's the only one who can sort through it and heal the wounds; after all, it came to a point where I had to walk away from the situation since the pendullum of confusion constantly swung back and forth more than necessary, which was wearing and tearing on my wife and me, nearly causing her to split from me a number of times. Could I have reacted differently on several occasions? Of course. Believe me, there's PLENTY I could go back and, after analyzing, could have done things differently. Above and beyond all of that, I wouldn't trade my wife and daughters for anything, and I certainly wouldn't venture off the path of faith I've been on little over a decade now. I've made some changes over the last few years, including some that a few friends have quietly disagreed with by not maintaining contact as much. Sure, I've got fences of protection. My fences, though, are a safe distance out from me on all sides, enough to allow room for grace should I fall. At least if/when I do fall, I'm still within the fenced area. One of my other favorite gospel choirs sings a song whose lyrics are, "No matter what comes my way, stil I can stand and say 'hallelujia anyhow.'" God has been good to me, and I know there are other people all around me who can say the same. I also know there is a world of people near me who have never experienced God like I have. So, it's my missional responsibility to reach out to them, one at a time or otherwise, and let God's will be done. I'm not going to overreach my boundaries and instigate a feeling of conviction on them or anyone. Again, it's God's will to be done and He'll be the one to change someone according to His grace and mercy.

I suppose I've been unplugged long enough for this thread. Anyone wanna plug me back in? Hahaha! In the meantime, I'll keep on fellowshipping with y'all as I'm privileged to. We all have a testimony of some kind. Speak it wisely and in charity; someone needs to hear it. Y'all have just heard mine.

To God be the glory 'til His work is done...