Wednesday, June 11, 2008

My last lesson on angels and then I am done (I promise)

First off let me say that I am not at all offended that some people are not agreeing with me and I am glad that I can say that most everyone who has disagreed has at least done so in a respectful way. Thank you. It is actually through these conversations that people decide what they believe and I think that is cool. I may not agree with you but I do respect your right to have a mind of your own.

It seems to me that angels are something that are easy for people to believe in. They do good and provide comfort without the commitment. They make no demands. It is easy. I am not here to belittle anyone or to take anything away that provides you comfort. The reason I am pushing this issue is that in the last three years I have seen so many people putting all of their faith and trust in angels and that energy should be going into the ONLY one who can provide comfort, God. God is the one who sends the angels to comfort us. I guess I just don't want people mistaking the comfort that angels bring for the glory of God. Angels are in fact God's creation. It is my belief that it is inappropriate to allow the world to define what angels are and are not, the answer lies in the Bible. Yes my perspective comes from a Biblical view as someone stated, but that is where my truth comes from. I believe the Bible to be truth and because I believe truth to be universal, that is, what is true for me is true for everyone, I want to be sure I am clear on this. (you can argue with me all you want on that one but Jesus didn't just die for those who believe, he died for ALL of us so it is the truth for everyone)

In my mind when we put so much emphasis on angels and how wonderful they are we are taking the focus off of God. Our trust should always be in God, not angels. My goal here is not to take anyone's comfort away from them, it is merely to direct those who are hurting to a more solid rock on which to stand. The Great Comforter.

This quote comes from one of my favorite books written by a mom who lost two of her children to genetic disease, Nancy Guthrie in the One Year Book of Hope

"In a culture that considers talking about Jesus a little pushy and worshipping him, a bit extreme, an interest in angels is acceptable and even fashionable. Angels seem like a safe form of spirituality. People who want a spiritual placebo, are quick to bring their search for God to a dead end and search for angels instead. But what a tragedy if we worship the created instead of worshipping the Creator. Don't settle for sentimental and shallow spirituality of angel worship and miss out on the Glory of God."

She sums it up perfectly. I knew when I posted this that people would disagree. I had debated for a long time whether or not to do so, but then I realized that this is MY blog and MY story. I do hope to minister to those who are hurting and because of that I do not want them to rely on false comforts when there is something so much greater.

I believe in God with my whole heart and my whole soul. I believe HIS word to be the one and only truth, the only thing that matters. It is God who provides my comfort and it is God who brings the right people to me at the right times to comfort me. I have seen Him working in my life so clearly and it amazes me. I am still hurt and broken but knowing that God is omnipresent with his mighty arm gives me so much hope. I will worship Him with every breath I have in me and I will not bend the truth because it makes others feel good. This life is not about us. It is about Him. He deserves all of the glory. If you believe this to be truth you do not get to pick and choose which parts of the Bible are true and which are not. Truth is truth. I believe that Jesus died on that cross not only for my sins, but for the sins of every human on this earth! I believe that he desperately wants us to be in a relationship with him and receive all of the gifts he has to offer. My heart is literally on fire as I write these words. I have such a passion for Jesus and I just want those who are out there experiencing loss of any kind to know that our help comes not from angels, but from the one who created each of us and the angels. When you look to God for comfort, you WILL be comforted.

My views may not be what are popular, but I am excited that Jesus is at work in my life and in my heart and I will not allow this world to distract me from his truths. I invite each of you today to step outside of the box, let people think you are a "Jesus Freak", what the world thinks doesn't matter I assure you when you stand up for truth God will be pleased. Search for the answers yourself, don't just believe what culture accepts to be good and true. God will direct your path if you let him! He can provide a peace and a comfort for even the deepest hurt that surpasses all understanding. He can wash away our sins, he CAN make us whole again.

In short, Jesus ROCKS! He is the ultimate superhero, put your faith in him and don't be distracted by other things and he will accomplish mighty things in and through you!

22 comments:

Laura said...

Just got caught up on your blog! Keep being brave and talking about how you feel. Thanks for being so real. This is hard...there are no easy answers. I am so proud of you. Sending you love...

karen said...

I agree with all that you have said and I feel like it's your story and your blog so people shouldn't read this if they don't like it. And they definately don't need to comment if they feel so negative. I did notice that one of the other moms who will be attending the gathering referred to all the babies as angel babies including yours, on her blog today she said there will be 7 moms representing 8 angel babies. I just wondered if you would say anything to her if she refers to them as angel babies during the gathering or how you would handle that. I'm in awe of your strength and ability to express your opinions and your feelings. I struggle so much in my own life with being able to tell people how I feel. I pray to have more strength for this everyday.
Have a wonderful trip, can't wait to hear the details.
karen

Anonymous said...

Amen Sister! I admire how respectful to everyone you have been.

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!!!

Love claire

Sheryl said...

Amen, sister! The truth is the truth, there's no getting around it. Your words will prompt others to find out the truth for themselves.

Love ya,
Sheryl

JennyWho said...

Kristy,

I just have to thank you for these posts about angels etc. and what they are/are not! I have NEVER been comfortable with our society's focus on angels, but I never really thought about why I felt this way until I read this last post - the human, almost "secular" characterization of angels seems sappy to me, and it does take a person's focus away from God and Jesus. Why spend energy praying to the angels when you can have a relationship with, and talk directly with, God Himself? So thanks for putting down your thoughts about this topic, it has been very cool to read and inspirational/educational as well. I would rather think of Isaac and Asher just as they are anyway - beautiful baby boys! - instead of picturing them as those irritating, sappy cherubs with the wings.

Still blessed by your blog,
J. in OH

Denise said...

I whole-heartedly agree, but regardless of whether I agree or not, I enjoy your blog and hope you continue to share with us your journey to become what God wants.

Anonymous said...

I 100% agree and know what you mean when you say you are on FIRE for Jesus! He is amazing isn't he!! Please continue to share your journey with us. You are truly an inspiration and make me do some deep thinking on my own beliefs, which is wonderful!!

Bobbie said...

Aha I came up with a new title. Dancing with Jesus for the prayer list I was telling you about on my wordpress blog.

The VW's said...

AMEN!!! And, THANK YOU!!!

Corie said...

You explained this so well and I know that God is honored by it. In the end, people will not be saying.."Well done good and faithful servent,", but a holy, loving and just God will. Keep being faithful, keep following Christ, keep pressing on. Praying for you so much my dear friend. Would love to sit down face to face someday and just chat. Have a good day. Praying for you to continue to be strong in your faith. We know it is by His Grace alone for our strength at all.

Anonymous said...

I am really quite disappointed in many of you, "ARGUING" over the religious aspect of the definition of "angel". Not really a very christian thing to do. Let's think about it!

Gram said...

oh, my...arguing? maybe discussing....debating? anonymous, we welcome your comments and pray for your understanding of God's truth. but not acting Christian? well, that is what being a Christian is all about. trying SO HARD and falling short but receiving forgiveness and His grace over and over. think about it. :) j

MammaMayMiller said...

Amen sister!!
I am absolutely blown away by your boldness in writing what you write, and sense God's intense pleasure and delight in you, because you are being faithful to Him and to His word. May He bless you abundantly for standing up for Him, who IS the Truth...
I have always had a real problem with people referring to loved ones who have left this life as 'angels', especially little ones. People make such a big deal of that, and rely on this fairytale-belief for comfort when they have lost a precious one. It makes me sad, because they are totally missing the point, and their vision is obscured by an erroneous belief in angels, so they can't really see the One, the only One, who can bring them true comfort.
Just wanted to say well done you, and also send you enormous cyber-hugs through the blogosphere; you have gone through so much and as a fellow-sufferer in this whole 'bereavement' thing, I want to say I completely and utterly understand and relate to how you're feeling, day-in, day-out...
I have been so blessed in reading your 'angel-posts'! Isn't it amazing how we grow and mature so much more through suffering?! I am certainly struck here by your amazing maturity and wisdom... :o)I have found that through my various losses, God has been so faithful, and my faith in Him is ever stronger, however painful the grief is. So press on, sister, you are doing so so well! And you are much loved.
Rachel (Mrs Wibbs)

Chris and Emily said...

Hey Kristy - I think you've done a great job in your Biblical explanation of angels. I loev that you are si willing to speak truth even if it's not the popular thing to do.
I attended a funeral this week for a 10 year old little girl and the pastor spoke of this - how Lauren didn't go to heaven to be an angel - that that wasn't theologically correct - he "jokingly" said there may have been some confusion when she got there but that Jesus stepped in and said "no, she's not an angel - she's my child that has come home to me -she belongs ot me." Now, that's truth( that we're children of God and belong to Him) - an really more comforting anyway. :)

Jenn's Blog said...

Hi! I have been following your precious family for months now and praying for you all. I've never posted a comment but I felt I had to now. I LOVE that you are following your heart with wanting a big family. I truley believe that is sent from God. My husband and I have always wanted a big family. I think God gives people the yearning for that. Children are such a blessing and I only hope that if I were to ever have to go through what you have that I would be faithful enough and strong enough to follow God's will for the rest of my family. I love your heart, it leaps from the pages. Your three boys are beautiful and I know you will be blessed in so many ways for following God and not "man's ways".
You already have!!:)

Michelle said...

I was thinking of you and praying for you this morning! Your family's story touches me. I have talked a lot with the Lord about your trip with the other mommies and I am excited for you! Covering your trip in prayer!

Michelle

Kenzie said...

Kristy-

This is absolutely beautiful and I agree with everything you have said... the focus should ultimately be on the one who created us... the Creator Himself. I love you and can't wait to see you soon!

Love,
Kenzie

The Pittsburgh Hites said...

I hope you are having a GREAT vacation and are enjoying the ocean! Thinking of all of you and hoping you get to relax!
Love, Ging

Amy said...

I have been reading your blog for a couple of months and am finally posting a comment. I just wanted to say, "thanks" for sharing your heart.

Kirsten said...

Just wanted to let you know you and your family are in my prayers.

God bless you today,
Kirsten

Anonymous said...

Kristy- Just letting you know, I am praying for you and your family. Hoping all is well, missing your posts.