Voice of the Introverts

A subject that has baffled mankind for our entire existence – what will heaven be like? It is something that we can only conjecture about. John was given the privilege of seeing it with his own eyes for the sole purpose of being able to describe it to us, just so we could have a glimpse of what Christians have to look forward to in our future. He gave some few little tidbits in Revelation chapters four and twenty-two of streets of gold, crystal river, the tree of life, jasper, gold, a sea of glass like crystal – but he then admitted that there were no words that he knew of that could even come close to describing the splendor of all that was there.

As far back as I can remember, we, as people have constantly been enticed into buying things because of advertising. Some executive in some big office building comes up with a one-liner and it makes us run out and buy something we possibly need (or think we do). The minute we get said item home, it starts to lose its value. No matter what it is! If it is food, we eat it, and then it’s gone. If it is a product, from the time you get it out of the box, it begins the process of wearing out (if it works at all).

I do not know about you, but as Christians, we should, as much as is possible, be full of the joy that is in Jesus Christ. If you know that you have eternal life, and that you will soon be moving into your permanent home in Heaven – you should not be letting the trials of this temporary housing situation get you down. With this in mind, what is it that gets us into pits of depression, anxiety, and just general blaah? Could it be that you and I have unconfessed sins? Isn’t that the blockage that interrupts our communications with God?

“For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.”

“For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.”      – Romans 8:14-15

It is my understanding that when the Bible says Abba, it is similar in meaning to when we as children familiarly call our fathers “daddy.” Daddy is an informal word we use for our fathers mostly when we are younger. It is a word that we use that connotates closeness, we use it when we are young and vulnerable, getting as close to “daddy” as we possibly can. Some of us continue to use that word even when we are older – thinking of our daddies makes us feel like we did when we were small, depending on them for all our needs.

I sometimes shake my head in amazement that what we, as a society, as a country, have gotten ourselves into. For years now, since I was very young, I have been hearing the expression that we need to learn from history, but it seems as if the only thing we have learned from history is “how to” repeat it.

I know you other introverts out there are as frustrated with society as I am. Ya’ll would have to be (yes, I am from the south)! I am sure my writing has shown my frustration pretty much every installment. When the powers that be have no more common sense than a goldfish, it is pretty much time to smack your forehead and just say, “Lord, come quickly! Get us out of this pronto!”

15 For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I.

16 If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good.

17 Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.

18 For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not.

“Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”

“And the peace of God, which surpasseth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”        Philippians 4:6-7

Feminism probably started out as a generally good idea. Women in this country were one time almost ignored – treated as property (this was not a Biblical idea). So, women formed groups to finally after years of protests and demonstrations (I do not recall anyone looting or setting things on fire in the history books), women were given the right to vote. The same thing occurred with women trying to get equal pay for doing the same work as men (something that never should have been different – if the same amount of work was being done). 

I’ve noticed an uncanny amount of friends and Christian women following this creed. “Take time for self-care.” And I think I know why they say it. They have worked themselves half to death at some point while trying to work a job, care for others, or possible even ministering at church. I want to be careful in writing this because at one time I have been that burnt-out, young, hurting Christian. In wanting to be of service I took on too many duties. I am not going to make a list of all the activities I was involved in because that is irrelevant. Too many duties is going to be different for everyone. Some people seem to have limitless boundless energy. They can sleep three hours per night and keep going. I am not one of them. I have physical limitations that cannot be ignored.