One thing that I have wanted to incorporate into the “new” Truncation, is more posts about my faith.
And before I say anything else… for those of you who are not Christians, don’t worry. I’ll be sharing from time to time, but these types of posts are not going to become the main focus of my blog.
BUT, I do feel like there are certain topics in which I have hit a wall because in order to further explain why I feel the way I do, I need to bring faith into it.
I hope that makes sense. I want to be sensitive to my readers (since you started reading before I started talking about faith), but I also want to be authentic to who I am and what I believe.
Okay. Disclaimer done.
Before I start sharing more of my faith, today I wanted to give a brief explanation of what “type” of Christian I am.
That might sound weird to you, but there is a gamut of Christians in our culture today and it seems that only one type of Christian is being portrayed in the media. Let me assure you… there are a lot of Christians that cringe just as much at the “crazy uncles” (as my favorite podcast likes to call them), as the rest of you do.
Okay… that blurb was for all of the non religious friends reading my blog. The next blurb is for my Christian readers…
The problem is that, for a lot of Christians, there is a faulty assumption that the only way God can work in this culture is through political reform… that the only way we’re going to see people come to Christ is to re instill (via Washington D.C.) Christian values in the culture.
And while I think you should always be informed on politics and vote for your convictions, I think we’ve put God in an elephant shaped box (yes, I went there).
A lot of us have forgotten that it’s possible for God to work just as effectively in a society that is post Christian, and that fighting so hard to retain politically enforced values at the cost of isolating anyone who isn’t a Christian…
may not be the best way to do things.
I often hear white Christians complain about the culture… how they wish they could go back to the “good old days” (a statement that is actually quite offensive due to the experiences of the time period being referred to for non white people).
But what I think those Christians are failing to understand is that, just as every single biblical character was placed by God into their time and their culture, we are here for a reason.
I firmly believe that many Christians are wasting their precious time on earth with complaining and sorrow over a culture that used to be, and will never be again.
We have a choice to make: we can either complain (and stomp our feet), or we can meet our culture where it’s at.
and we have a good example to guide us: for Jesus didn’t come and complain about the culture until it bended to His political will.
He affected change by meeting people where they were at, and showing them through relationship what His purposes were.
And there are a lot of well informed (to the best of their ability), politically active (but not necessarily republican), compassionate, slow to speak, quick to listen, eager to extend grace (and accept it) types of Christians out there… they just don’t make good headlines.
So going forward, as I write about my faith, I want it to be clear that my faith does not lead me to make hateful assumptions about our culture and the people in it. It does not lead me to turn my back on immigrant families or gay people, or people of color. In fact, it does the opposite. My faith leads me towards compassion for those who are suffering… it’s what urges me to form relationships with people who are not like me so that I can learn and grow from them. It is why I am able to see other people. It doesn’t make me perfect, nor does it make me always right… but it has given me hope, and joy, and peace and that is the catalyst for all I do here at Truncation.
I hope that makes sense. This was a slightly scary post to write as my fear of being misunderstood threatened my desire to post it, but I feel like I need to put this out there before I can share more about my personal faith.
As always, thanks for reading.
Until next time,
Karin
Outfit Details:
Skirt: Vintage. Similar
Kit’s dress: I made it! Fabric used and Pattern Used
Barrette: Thrifted. Similar
Amen, and so well said.
Thank you. Yes. Thank you. I have watched you change over the past years and the peace (yet still the passion) your posts exude now are lovely.
Thank you for talking about this. I have cautiously incorporated my faith into writing for the last few years, but it’s always one of those things where I want to tread lightly so that people know I’m not “forcing an agenda.” It can be hard to distinguish the faith I practice – one that has led me toward greater empathy – from the version of it most often portrayed, where so called Christians further marginalize the people who most need care. But it’s also important, because we need to see a version of Christianity, and preach a version of Christ, that gets to the Gospel’s underlying message of revolutionary love.
Your welcome Leah. I brought it up because I think a lot of people feel exactly as you do. I hope we can all start having more thoughtful discussions about these topics.
People like you are the reason I haven’t totally written off Christianity all together. Thank you for this post!
Thank you Rebecca. That really means a lot to me.
This was a lovely post, Karin. Thanks for being brave.
Thank you Helena
Well said! I’m loving your new direction and personal writing — keep it coming!
Thanks friend!
As a lifestyle blogger it has to be increasingly difficult, I’d imagine, to leave out what is a defining force in your lifestyle. All well said. Love what you’ve got going on in this space.
Thank you Beth!
Well said, and lovey photos. Best to you in this new direction.
Thank you Tammy!
I love what you said about being placed in this time for a reason! So encouraging and challenging!!
Thanks Lauren!
As a fellow Christian, I agree with this post and I’m proud of you for putting your faith out there. Yes there are many “Christian” people out in the world and media that express themselves in poor taste and offense… It does no good for the goodness and reputation of Christ. Even if we don’t agree with someone or understand what someone’s struggle is, we can meet them where they are at and be kind. And that can make a big difference. I hope that made sense! Anyhoo, thank you for posting, well said, Karin.
Completely agree Sarah!
I’m so glad I found your photo on Pinterest with the simple words under the photo, “What type of Christian I am.” I have been struggling in this political climate of “mean and angry” all of the time. I had pretty much decided to give up on Facebook because of how a discussion can end up in name-calling and well….insanity! I’m a Progressive Christian and I believe you’re right: God’s profound love for us is what we’re called to share with others. Thank you!
So glad you found encouragement!
Thank you for posting this. Such positive words. It’s so nice to hear more of us out there.
Your welcome Gwyn!
Thanks for sharing. ? It has become harder for me to share about my faith because of those exact stereotypes, but you have done it beautifully.
Leah at Hope and Style
I feel the same way. I think it’s more important than ever to share our faith so that those stereotypes don’t win.