... at least some of them, the early ones, were not really asking for that suffering. They had it imposed on them by persecuting governments.
The later ones? Used that example to boost morale of people who knew they would be hurt for their stances, too. So, again, not something they would choose if the outside conditions & restrictions were not what they were.
What Jesus did is said to be *exception*, aka the self sacrifice is not meant to be the rule.
The life in his example, is what is to be followed.
Life, not death.
If encountered with something asking suffering/sacrifice of you, still check the agenda.
Just because it is historical agenda and bollocks entrenched in faith does not make it an agenda less.
I am in agreement in that I think there is a knee jerk reaction where someone is suffering and people just day well now you're closer to Jesus. I mean in a sense this is true but Jesus suffered for sins and if I have cancer what does that have to do with me being Christian? Was the cancer persecution for being a Christian?
I believe God is with us in our suffering and my faith is the reason I'm still here but not every suffering can be understood.
Persecutions happen for all types of reasons that have nothing to do with religion but everything can fall under thr penumbra of good vs. evil.
I suck at evaluating a person's character especially those I "think" I know.
Have to learn to handle betrayal as it is becoming a very common picture in my life.
Vulnerability is bullshit.
Doing what I do best, turn inward and turn off the outside shit before the explosion happens.
Cull the crap from my life and move on and do it ALONE.
I think sometimes this is the way it is. For me its been my MO for most of my life. I have an encyclopedia-full of people who have betrayed my trust. You are not completely alone but there may be only one or two people you can completely trust (or like me none at all). I don't know if you believe in God but as a Christian I've found that God always provides me the resources I need.
Books are great because the author has no agenda, at least not in particular to you. And you can talk back like I do with notes in the margins!
Also this forum is helpful and I believe there are people that want to help here and want to be helped.
Okay give things
1. This Epstein sex trafficking trial is interesting. A lot of people want heads to roll but lets not forget the children who need support and resources. I hope and pray they get the help they need and their voices are heard.
2. When there's so much noise how do we know what is true?
3. Ask not what (insert here) can do for you but what you can do for (insert here).
4. The Virigin Mary cares more about me than my mother ever did.
5. My heavenly father cares more about me than my human father ever did.
