Not your typical Christmas offering, and yet I feel called on this, the Solstice, the longest night of the year, to think about different paths. I’ve spent the day reflecting on what Jesus means to me, as I await his birth again in my heart with the calm and preparedness of a midwife. But this season excludes many, and counting agnostics and atheists in my circle of friends, I figured I’d offer up some food for thought!
The Atheist and Me, the Lay Minister
Try to explain to a fellow Christian
why atheism is acceptable
Try to explain to a deaf man
why the radio’s undetectable
One man’s meat is another man’s candy
One woman’s faith does not fit all
Every journey has pitfalls and triumphs
There is not one true, right call
I know my call is to Jesus, to God
My soul is filled to the brim
But if my friend thinks otherwise
That’s his right – up to him.
If he doesn’t believe in the Bible
and God’s not his only light
Yet he does good things in this bleak world
I won’t shove God down his throat tight
I’m called to be the best Christian I can
so I will not presume to oppress
my friend disillusioned, let down by his church
’cause he’s going from pants to a dress
© 2010 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Sharp Little Pencil 
booguloo
My favorite hymn, “And they’ll know we are Christians by our Love..”
Sharp Little Pencil
Yeah, right. And they’ll know we are hypocrites when we give somebody the finger in the mall parking lot! Sorry, I couldn’t resist. All readers, please excuse me, but sometimes I get a big discouraged by the actions of folks who sit quietly in the pews and then tramp around the other six days misbehaving… 🙂 Amy
Mehreen
Hey Amy, Wordless Wednesday is up for this week 🙂
Hope to see you there soon!
*smiles*
Sharp Little Pencil
Mehreen, just bopped over. That wrought-iron four-poster bed is luxurious! And I love all the pics on the walls – reminds me of my workspace, which is absolutely covered with postcards, mementos, and comics sent by friends!
Sherry Blue Sky
Oh wonderful, Amy!!! I love it! You would love a group of women singers I heard sing one time. They’re called The Wyrd Sisters and they totally rock – their lyrics are amazing, and they did one song about a church during segregation where an African American wasnt welcome. You would so love that song. Hmmmm……I should burn you a copy and mail it to you, you’d love it. Their album is my all time favorite. Same sort of sentiments as you write about. Inclusion, not exclusion.
Sharp Little Pencil
I’ll send you an email separately re: the song. But thanks for your comments. Yes, it’s about getting past “tolerance” (a word I can’t stand), through “acceptence,” and finally to “embrace.” We are meant to embrace each other not in spite of our differences, but because of our humanity.
Can I get an “AMEN”???? 😉 Amy
Debbie
You did a bravo job of this, Amy! You have such a gift, such a diverse life, it makes it possible for you to reach out to so many, in plain respectful Jesus love. No shoving needed to do that, is there? Merry Christmas reflective one!
Sharp Little Pencil
Oh, Debbie, this means a lot coming from you. NOT because I think you are anything other than “on board” with unconditional love, but because so few Christians I meet really understand that there can be diversity in the world and still call it God’s world. Outreach was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry, but he always pointed UP, toward God, and said we should love everyone. So yes, my friend, I thank you so much for your message. Love and Merry Christmas, Amy
Buddah Moskowitz
This was great! Right on! God is big enough to include all His children.
Much love and Happy Christmas!
Moskowitz
Sharp Little Pencil
Yeah, God has big shoulders, not in the human sense… but in the sense that whether it’s praying, raving about injustice, or just plain talking, God is there to listen, no matter what. And I know atheists who are living in the spirit of unconditional love better than a lot of folks I know!
Merry Christmas, and may some unexpected blessings come your way, my brother. Love, Ameleh
leesis
hey Amy…just wanted to say as a reject of christians who happens to try to live to Jesus’ teachings, it is wonderful to know not all Christians reject all those who dont meet the ‘christian’ criteria for acceptance. Well written! xx
Sharp Little Pencil
Leesa, we are all “wonderfully, fearfully made,” according to Psalm 148, and I believe it is true, Old Testament or not. So many (quotes emphasized) “non-believers” are living better lives, day to day, more accountably and more lovingly than some “pew potatoes” who sit there and take it like a vaccination. This week, we will see what a Rev. I know calls the “Chreasters” (Christmas and Easter churchgoers), who will put a buck in the pot like it’s a “get out of Hell free” card.
I believe Hell is here on earth, and there’s plenty to go around… will post my poem on that another time. But for now, yes, please know there are plenty of Christians (especially in the United Church of Christ, formerly Congregational) who know what unconditional love is about. We’re about one step to the right of Universalists, and we love it! Amy
Gemma@Greyscale
Your poem is quietly thoughtful until the last line line suddenly slams with dramatic impact! Beautiful!
And totally agree with your comment afterwards that: “We are meant to embrace each other not in spite of our differences, but because of our humanity.”
Sharp Little Pencil
Thank you for this, Gemma. Glad the rhythm and order worked for an effective read. And thanks for “getting” my thoughts at the end. Will travel your way now… Peace, Amy
The Friday Forgotten
Thank you for visiting The Friday Forgotten and linking your post. Your imagination and creativity should never lie dusty in a dark corner of your blog. We are happy to help clear away the cobwebs.
Oh the controversy you could spark with this writing is splendid. I enjoyed it very much and agree strongly. If you only knew my life. Thanks for your stirring words.
Sharp Little Pencil
Ah, I would love to know more about your life! Perhaps, through poetry, we shall learn more about each other. And thank you for creating the Friday Forgotten, since it’s a unique opportunity to re-hang an old poem for a new view, a new audience. Much appreciated! Peace, Amy BL
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