Feelin' Blue

   Sometimes life is not what you dreamed it would be,some of us strive for greatness,some for wealth,others just exist. I have been thinking about my existence and I always seem to beat myself up because I'm not as "religious" as others or as pristine (vain) as some or ambitious (greedy). I am Priscilla Irene Holt Ortiz with all the rough edges and raggedy seams and I am proud of the fact I had a Dad and Mom that were less than perfect but raised us to be proud of whatever we contributed as long as we did the best we could. I have been reminded of late by people that have placed themselves on a very high pedestal because of their "religious" status and I am saddened that they disregard the hurting and needy people right in front of them while they are "fighting the good fight" to save the world,when family and friends are hurting and in need. I realize they chalk this distress up to the fact that these people were not raised in the sheltered "Church" environment and are never going to be on the same level as they are due to this enlightened upbringing.  This is where they are wrong. Your good works are not going to get you anywhere as long as you are turning your back on your own. God expects you to lift them up and not judge anyone because of how they were or were not raised. They have souls and feelings and deserve to be ministered to as well as any lost soul you are allegedly seeking to bring to salvation.
   I was raised in a church background and heard the gospel preached by many a good man,as with all religions backed by man, they are going to fail in some way.  Funny thing is,God speaks to all of us if we are listening...Don't become too busy analyzing faults People fail,they are imperfect and a church and a religious practice are not going to change that. Become more sensitive to others that struggle,some church folk think you shouldn't be struggling if your living right.NOT TRUE! We all struggle,it is part of God's plan to make us stronger.If your not struggling you are not living! My struggles come from the cold hearted people that stand back and watch someone drowning and don't reach out to them because they have determined them to be beneath them "spiritually". Quote your Bible scriptures all you want,it means nothing if you cannot reach out to someone and understand their pain and pray for them ,not at them.
   I have people in my life that I respect and admire for their stand with God. They have overcome many adversities and been an inspiration to me and my family.I do not condemn them for their beliefs. I believe they care for me and my family regardless of their "religious standing", Their prayers would be enough but some are of the "self-righteous" generation and cannot view life from a real prospective.We are sinners in their eyes and all they can do is shake their heads and be sorry for us because we did not get on the Jesus bus when they did. How sad. Being called of God does not mean you turn your back on anyone that is in need of spiritual direction..God does not judge us by the amount of religious time we spend in church.I am afraid he is very disappointed by the ones that hide behind the church because they have no compassion for the lost.Some people were not sheltered in a religious upbringing and have had to face life head on.Count your blessings and be more tolerant,that's what God would want you to do.