I first wanted to take a photo (somehow) of my feelings of bitterness towards the church (in general) for being so legalistic. But the more I thought about it, the deeper I dug a hole. If I take a picture of a church building, that's just a building. It has nothing to do with the people who congregate there. I could stand outside of a church on Sunday morning and snap some shots of the people leaving. But they're not necessarily the people I have issue with. I could dig up some old photos of the people I do have issues with--but that doesn't seem quite right.
Then I thought I'd go to the store and take some pictures of vinegar and baking chocolate.
Then I thought, I'll just skip it, because I know what the truth is and I'd rather hide it.
In the same vein as my Bad Attitude post, here it is.
Me.
I am bitter.
I am the one who holds on to the hurt, who constantly rehashes it. I can't get it over it.
You can search my blog over and find posts about what the church has and it's people have done to me. It started when I was a small child and my Catholic church wronged me over and over. Then I was atheist. Then Independent Baptist. Then nothing--and in that nothing is when God did His best and most amazing work. Then Southern Baptist.
Now? Yeah, now I'm bitter.
I should be nothing again.
Because if I am nothing, then doesn't that give God something to work with?
* * *
Next week's word is: FUNNY
You have from now until next Monday to take your photo, post it and you'll be able to link it next Monday. I can't wait to see what you come up with!
* * *
Words coming soon:
Week #17--Excessive
* * *
Words coming soon:
Week #17--Excessive
Week #18--Content
Week #19--Powerful
Week #20--Joyful
pop⋅in⋅jay--noun--a person given to vain, pretentious displays and empty chatter.
In other words, blogging. ;)
Isn't that what this personal blogging is all about? Me. Me. Me. For this photo challenge, that's perfect. We're going to dig inside of ourselves and do some "concept photography."
I'm going to give you a word and you're going to take a photo of something that describes the concept of the word.
- You CANNOT take pictures of your kids or your pets for this challenge. Or anyone else's kids or pets. I know they're precious, but they make your creative bone lazy. Let's get outside of the box. Let's be challenged.
Please leave the link to your post (not the link to your website or blog.) For example:
Right: http://michellependergrass.com/week1_photo
Wrong: http://michellependergrass.com
So--Let's see your photos for BITTER.
Link up and don't forget to visit the other participants!
7 comments:
>Because if I am nothing, then doesn't that give God something to work with?
Or perhaps God is giving you the nothing, as a place to rest from the other things that have been given to you to work with?
At least you don't totally give up on God. Most people would. Who cares about religion, it's stupid anyway. You just need Jesus, and good friends, there's your church :)
funny that the word verification is Mello. ha!
I, too have experienced some devastating and painful events related to church. I have chosen at this time to try and rise above and be all GOD created me to be. I do NOT want to allow those who hurt me to continue to steal my joy! I could not control their actions, but I have come to realize I can control mine. I can choose to enjoy life with GOD and ignore the ignorance of those who "don't get it!" Yes, there are days I still struggle, but this is what I try to live by.
Hugs and lots of prayers,
andrea
Love you Mich. I appreciate your honesty so much.
I should have a photo for this one. Working on it...
It makes me sad to think about how many people have feelings of bitterness toward the church or toward Christians, but there are many. Most of the time it's the church's fault or that person's fault, but they don't always reach out to make it right either. That's the big that saddens me - what does that say about them that they leave people left bitter instead of making amends?
You don't need that heavy burden on your back, though. Why don't you throw that off and let God have it? He'll keep it for you. =)
YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU. HUGS!! =)
P.S. I was already going to write what I wrote for Popinjay, before I came here and read yours. Then I almost didn't. Then I decided I should. Then after reading yours I was convinced I should. So.
OOPS, looks like Mr. Linky is hiding stuff from me again. I didn't see the spring iris part at the end (leftover from last wednesday's WW.) Oh well.
Hi Michelle, love the popinjay project. Great Idea. My name is Pete, I'm writing on behalf of Shelterwood--a licensed residential teen treatment facility with two locations in Missouri. Would you be interested in including a link to Shelterwood.org as a resource on your site? We would be open to a link exchange as well if that is something you might be interested in.
We are located on the web at http://www.shelterwood.org. Look forward to hearing from you.
Regards,
Pete - shelterwood.doulos@gmail.com
Post a Comment