Aftermath

I had a family over for dinner last Saturday. She used to be in my cell group back when I was part of a church plant. She had decided to marry an atheist and my pastor insisted that I tell her that was wrong, even though she already knew that, because it was my duty as cell group leader. Another person in my cell group told me same saying that she'll feel bad if she did not say something to warn her sister and then something bad happened later. So I did. She cried. I felt bad. I wasn't invited to the wedding.

But now that I'm a Universalist, everything is new again. I sent her an email to check out the wikipedia article and I had them over. They have 2 beautiful daughters and he is going to church with the family and reading a lot. Ever the skeptic, he gravitates towards literature that is fringe like Gnosticism, in the belief that they probably have more truth than the mainstream publications. I told him I prefer the inclusiveness of mainstream Christianity to the elitism of Gnosticism. We had a great time. I feel much better about what happened so long ago. 'Sides, the Christian man she married before while on missions was kind of a weirdo and a creep.

As for my former pastor, he is leaning towards Universalism as well. His cousin died young and suddenly. His aunt collapsed in grief. They are a Christian family but his cousin was not a believer. As his aunt wept, the Holy Spirit spoke through my pastor, asking, can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion for the child she has borne? Even if she does, I will not forget you. My pastor  said it was a very holy moment.

Now if only I can find the girl I was trying to evangelize at some church winter camp eons ago. She tearfully told me she could not accept because then she would have to believe that her brother is in hell. I lamely told her that she can not know if he called out to Jesus just before he died.

Believing what I believe now, I  have truly good news for her.

Comments

[Michael Burke]

I didn't know you had a blog Caroline (and in fact, I'm not real sure I understand exactly what a blog is--if I can post this, it's maybe not that different from a Discussion Board?)

I hope you do get a chance to share your Good News with that sister who's brother died an unbeliever, and you did a great job re-writting that article.

Thank you (and God Bless.)

[Caroline]

Hi Michael;

A blog is more like a monologue whereas a discussion board contains many conversations. Thanks for dropping by.

Blessings,

Caroline