Katie Nelson

Sometimes, I get super discouraged… does anyone love God? I mean, I know that so many do, but I meet many people who used to go to church, who are adamantly appalled by Christianity, and at the same time- I’m sometimes disappointed at Christians’ responses to culture- or their lack of a response altogether – including my own. All of this makes me sound like I think I’m one of the few who has it together, right? Like I have all the answers then… I don’t. More than anything, it just makes me sad.

Sad that we, including myself, so often don’t care what God thinks or feels at all… like He should have no say in our culture, our schools, our country… our world?

No, no – He can have a say…like over His things… like Sunday morning church and Christmas and Easter and funerals. He’s great at those things. We definitely need Him there– and oh yeah – we definitely need Him when we’re sick and when we need a job, or money is just really tight. And ya know, some people need Him to feel good about themselves sometimes. He can show up then too. That’s quite a few places we need Him. Don’t be so general.

Wait… but really… that’s messed up.

The Creator of the world, we (the creation) are telling to just take a seat and make sure He raises His hand AND is called upon before He speaks? Because we got it from here.

No, no – I’m not asking God to take a seat- I’m saying He doesn’t exist at all. Praying to God, asking His opinion, that’s like talking to a wall… it’s useless, ridiculous, stupid…

“On the seventh day, they got up at daybreak and marched around the city seven times in the same manner, except that on that day they circled the city seven times. The seventh time around, when the priests sounded the trumpet blast, Joshua commanded the army, “Shout! For the Lord has given you the city!…When the trumpets sounded, the army shouted, and at the sound of the trumpet, when the men gave a loud shout, the wall collapsed; so everyone charged straight in, and they took the city.” – Battle of Jericho, Joshua 6:15-16,20

So it worked one time, what are you trying to say? C’mon let’s work this out intellectually– there’s gotta be a way.

What I’m starting to understand, though, is that humility is key. Don’t get me wrong, I admire your hard work and respect your PhD, but even then- can you fathom that your life began in the dark where no one could see you and you couldn’t feed you- you were helpless, but your body was hand-crafted and the Maker sewed you together with gladness?

Now you might be a big deal, but at one time you were literally a tiny speck- and when you speak-  the wind and the waves still sprawl and howl and throw a temper tantrum, but according to history there’s One who can handle them or stand on them- whatever He chooses.

But who wants to be told they’re not King or Queen? The world is not at their fingertips and the air they breathe is a gift they’ve received and can never repay? Yeah, me either at times because that means I’m not self-made, but Jesus’ love is non-negotiable and doesn’t live on our terms – it exists indefinitely and it’s open to all who will set their

self

beliefs | unbeliefs

at the foot of the cross.

I know it sounds crazy, but did you hear that big bang? That’s the alternative

and it’s blinding

and deafening

and soul killing

if it keeps you from kneeling before

Jesus the King.

Because God first loved us, I love you too much to keep quiet- honestly, sometimes I want to. You can be scary and I can be cowardly, but with grace as our glue I hope we can stick together and seek the Triune.

Let me know if you have questions, I’ll answer them to the best of my ability, but let’s keep the convo going- filled with gentleness and truth.

Love,

Katie

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My friend Yia wrote an awesome follow up post- “Correction: Does anyone know God’s love?” I hope you’ll check it out, continue asking great questions, and seeking Truth.