This writer sounds perplexed, which is why I am as well

I saw this poem posted on Facebook by a couple of acquaintances this morning:

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not shouting, 'I’ve been saved!'
I’m whispering, 'I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way'

When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide

When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on

When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt

When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught

When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it

When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name

When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved"

Okay, is it just me who finds this poem a bit perplexing? I'll go through the poem by stanza.

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not shouting, 'I’ve been saved!'
I’m whispering, 'I get lost sometimes
That’s why I chose this way'"

A person chooses to be Christian because they're lost, and even after this choice is made, still gets lost? So what did this decision ultimately do when it comes to finding a sense of direction? Might I recommend a compass or a GPS system...

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I don’t speak with human pride
I’m confessing that I stumble -
needing God to be my guide"

We all stumble, but why "need" an invisible super-human to be our guide? Why not look within ourselves? Look back to what our parents taught us? What we learned in school or through work (or other) experiences? Walking straight would help as well.

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not trying to be strong
I’m professing that I’m weak
and pray for strength to carry on"

So, to be Christian is to be weak? Interesting... This stanza makes the writer appear half-suicidal. P90X workouts could be of significant aid in the strength department, and some meds couldn't hurt either.

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not bragging of success
I’m admitting that I’ve failed
and cannot ever pay the debt"

Being a Christian is sounding more and more depressing. Lost? Weak? Failure? Where do I sign?

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I don’t think I know it all
I submit to my confusion
asking humbly to be taught"

Add confused to the list. Well, I could have said that without reading this stanza. Actually, I kind of insinuated just as much before my dissection of the poem. By the way, nobody knows all. Education can help, as can work experience, traveling, reading books, etc. Asking an invisible superpower for help in that area, however, may not be the most productive of options.

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I’m not claiming to be perfect
My flaws are far too visible
but God believes I’m worth it"

Well, that's good that someone she'll never see, hear, or talk to loves her. That's even a step below long-distance Internet dating right there!

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I still feel the sting of pain
I have my share of heartache
which is why I seek God’s name"

I think somebody needs a hug - a real one. She could try hugging God, pretending he's a pillow or something, but I highly doubt that will be nearly as satisfying.

"When I say, 'I am a Christian'
I do not wish to judge
I have no authority
I only know I’m loved"

Well, whatever makes one feel better, I suppose. But personally, I'd rather feel a sense of strength, choice, and direction than a complete dependency on an invisible being. This writer sounds perplexed, which is perhaps why I was so perplexed upon reading the poem. It's funny how that works.

Now, I think it's time to take a walk and enjoy this beautiful fall-like day - not because I asked God for guidance, but because I just feel like it! ...and also because my dog is begging me to take her.

http://carolwimmer.com/when-i-say-i-am-a-christian

Boycotting jukeboxes because of TouchTunes

I love music and enjoy hitting the bar(s) over the weekend, so naturally, when the mood strikes me, I've never been coy about playing some songs on the jukebox. This past Thursday, a friend of mine turned 50, so several friends of her's, including myself, all met up to celebrate the occasion. At around 9:30, a friend of mine and I both chipped in $5 to play some songs on the jukebox. Four hours and 231 skips later, we gave up on hearing the songs we had selected, and went home knowing we had just wasted $5. This wasn't the first time such a thing had happened to me (and many others), and due to that, I'll be boycotting jukeboxes. Why? The scam known as TouchTunes. You see, here's how the plot typically breaks down. A person (or group of people) downloads the TouchTunes app on his/her phone, consumes one too many adult beverages, and due to this, has less care for spending extra money to hear the songs of their choosing right NOW. That's the thing with TouchTun

The difference between "looking" and "checking out"

I may be way off with these numbers, but it's my approximation that at least 75% of individuals whom are involved in a serious relationship feel it's perfectly acceptable to "check out" members of the opposite sex they're not involved with. Meanwhile, approximately 25% either don't feel this is acceptable or aren't sure about the matter. I hadn't thought about this matter for a while, but since I've been dating a woman for about 8 months, the topic has been pondered about some. When reading or hearing others discuss this very issue, I often times hear comments similar to the following: "It's human nature to look." "There's nothing wrong with checking others out. I'm sure he/she does it too!" "It's fine to do it. Just don't tell your boyfriend/girlfriend about it or do it in front of them!" "It's natural to find people attractive." When observing the array of comments, I i

The verdict is in. To no one's surprise, Jonathan Hoenig has been found guilty of being an idiot.

Just recently, when discussing the Michael Brown shooting and whether or not race had anything to do with it, Fox News contributor Jonathan Hoenig said, "You know who talks about race? Racists." One moment while I provide Mr. Hoenig with the well deserved slow-clap. :: slow-claps for two seconds :: So, that was quite the line by Mr. Hoenig, wasn't it? "You know who talks about race? Racists." Well, wasn't he just talking about race? So, by his own words, I guess that makes him a racist. Also, if he wants to be consistent, does this mean that people whom talk about gender are sexists and people whom talk about sexual orientation are homophobes? With that line of thinking, Hoenig would engage in the following back-and-forths: Hoenig: "So, who are you voting for?" A woman: "The Democratic candidate, because he's been adamant about his support for equal rights for women." Hoenig: "You sexist feminist nazi!"

The Kind-Hearted Smart Aleck

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