Money

This morning I listened to WGTS, a Christian radio station, and an interview they had with Michelle Singletary. If you read the Washington Post, you probably know her. She's got a column about money and I've read it many times. I was surprised to hear her on WGTS because I had never known she was a Christian and after hearing her interview this morning, I was pleasantly surprised. She's a bold lady, which I like and respect, and I found it really interesting how she talked about the numerous criticisms she got for writing about her trust in God in the beginning of her new book about financial freedom. In her column, she said she has to hold back her beliefs because she works in the secular world, but in this book she wanted to let people know who she believes in.  Not surprisingly and unfortunately, she mentioned that if you look on Amazon, a number of people commented things like "too bad she talks about God" and criticize her book and her for talking about her faith.  Similarly, I remember reading the Owl City blog post when Adam whats his name made his own rendition of "In Christ Alone" and professed his Christian faith on his blog.  It was first time he had done this and people criticized him. The Christians praised him, but those who listen to him regularly and love his songs, yet aren't Christians wrote things like "just don't include any more God stuff in any other of your songs", which is sad. They love his music, and liked who he was up until he said that God meant a lot to him.  Now I am no famous person but do you ever feel like persecuted or criticized for trying to follow God?  I understand why nonChristians sometimes despise Christians, sometimes I think it's just a conflict with their own beliefs, which I guess makes sense, but especially among people who grew up in the church, I often feel like it is taboo really to talk about God too much.  And if we bring up what God wants and how it conflicts with what we actually are doing in our lives, I feel like I get a big slap on the face and are treated as if I am trying to be too "holy".  This is not to say that I don't know people who really are gungho about God, but sometimes it feels like the majority of young church goers, want nice friends, but don't care about the Bible much.  Maybe that is why church can often be so boring. Because we aren't real with ourselves and we won't admit what we really believe.

I am fully convinced that half of the young adult population that goes to church isn't always completely honest about why they are at church. Sure they are searching for something, but I have a feeling that a lot of times if they have friends and people to be around, they could care less about God. Why do I say that? Well, it's taboo to talk too much about God. And I think in this area, people are much more consumed with hanging out, going out, buying new things and nice things, and just being...can I say it? A bit entitled and rich.  If you aren't educated, don't dress that well, and aren't outgoing, you probably won't fit in.  I don't feel like this area is very conducive to reflection, solitude, silence, and in turn, few people take the time to think through where they are at with God. It really takes a lot of intentionality and I agree, I have issues with this too sometimes.   I would rather shop online or at TJ Maxx then read the bible and journal or memorize verses.  It's a struggle.   I think that's why I completely respect people who in the midst of all this materialism, just live a simple life and are okay with that. While my dad is no youngin, I think he would fit in that category, as would my grandma, haha, and Kevin actually.  One thing I love about where I went to college (Houghton) is that I met many people who could eat a $5 meal and it wasn't considered crummy or bad quality.    It was more about hanging out with friends and less about the actual activity. I think those are the type of people who survived at Houghton. The mall was an hour and a half away and Subway was the closest "restaurant" and there were really only 3 to choose from in the nearby area without having to travel 40 minutes to go to Applebee's.  Good conversations and just hanging out with friends whether in the trails or in the dorms or in the dining room. You almost had to enjoy that or else you wouldn't make it there. 

This morning's broadcast really did make me think about my money and what I want to do with my life. Money really can do many things and if I want to be able to make a difference, I think my money has to get involved somehow. Sometimes I look at Kev and my condo and the stuff that we have. We have so much clothes, we have an extra room, we have such a nice place and all these nice kitchen utensils and a nice sofa and everything and I wonder, there's got to be more we can do with all this and the money that we have.  I really admired Michelle Singletary's boldness, honesty, and focus as she talked about how we should live our lives.  Okay, well time to get on with Saturday!   Just some of the million of thoughts going on in my head. More next time and maybe some pictures too.=)