I’m finally at peace with these three questions. It has been a journey up to this point and it will be a journey for the rest of my days here. My relationship will continue to grow in each of these three categories. I was at dinner last night with two beautiful people and had a discussion on these three questions. This couple was married one a Christian, one a Buddhist and it was the first time I communicated my beliefs out loud. All three of us shared our views from a loving place which made it safe to let loose. We shared our backgrounds, how we were raised, which establishes that something in us that one may go deeper to find their own meaning. Here is what I shared with them.
For me it has been life experiences that have brought me to God. On my hands and knees asking desperately for help. When that help was answered, I became a believer within seconds and had a feeling I’m part of a much bigger plan – God’s plan. We all are. I made God my best friend, our relationship became a priority. The church, men of church or people who quote scripture didn’t bring me to God, the Bible or sacred texts didn’t bring me to God. God brought God to me and I’m forever grateful God didn’t give up on me. Since that day 22 years ago, I have been humbled and waiting to serve God in the way I was created. The blood in my veins is the same blood that flowed through Jesus, Buddha, you and everyone else that has walked on this beautiful planet. God for me is quite simply – The Creator of All. The Master Artist. We all have a significant role, however it is up to us to play that role. I’m just as much a Son of God as Jesus was and so are you. We are all sons and daughters of God, God doesn’t play favorites. God is waiting for each one of us individually to have this friendship with Him, Her, God, Universe whatever feels right to you is right. God is Love, God is waiting. Now let’s get to my main man JC.
We are all sons and daughters of God, God doesn’t play favorites. God is waiting for each one of us individually to have this friendship with Him, Her, God, Universe whatever feels right to you is right.
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I have studied Jesus as a Man. In my late 20’s when I couldn’t find the right male mentor in my life, I tapped on Jesus. Jesus has been my role model ever since and we continue to grow our relationship. I feel very comfortable that He is the only male mentor I will need throughout my lifetime here. This is what I know about JC. Jesus days on earth show me how much God’s love is the real deal. I don’t believe much of that Love has changed over 2,000 years ago. What I think has changed is our lack of faith and thinking we are not worthy as the same Love as Jesus received from God. That is bullshit! God loves me just as much as Jesus and same with you. It has been up to me to believe it, work on it and ultimately surrender to it if I want to have an inner peace on this subject. My relationship with Jesus is Man talking with Man. We talk about everything that I’m dealing with from being a single parent, father of three, finding my way in career, etc. He is my best Male friend on the planet and has been the perfect mentor for me.
A big question when it comes to Jesus is did he rise from the dead – The Resurrection. This is where for me Spirituality comes in. Our spirituality is our belief system that is unique to us while at the same time without judgment respecting one other’s point of view, their individual spiritual journey. Many people believe Jesus was a prophet and the Resurrection didn’t happen. Ok. What’s important is that one believes in the Love of God and that we are all God’s children. We are on gigantic family all connected.
Does this make me a Christian? In truth I don’t know and in truth I don’t know how important that really is as I walk the rest of my days here.
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I’ll end by stating that do I believe the Creator who built this wonderful planet has the power to raise anyone from the dead after three days, including me or you? My answer is Yes. God’s plan was that he chose to do it with a guy named Jesus. Plus, it makes a wonderful story. Does this make me a Christian? In truth I don’t know and in truth I don’t know how important that really is as I walk the rest of my days here. What is important to me is that:
- God is my best friend, continue to make this relationship the priority in my life.
- JC my main man, continue to make this relationship the priority in my life. My mentor and my best male friend that I could talk to about anything anytime, including this piece that I didn’t want to write- I simply heard Chris this isn’t about You.
- My spirituality- make this a priority, this is ever changing and growing. Aka Spiritual Fitness.
How would you answer the questions – Who is God? Who is Jesus? Who am I?
Live Brave,
Chris
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I always enjoy reading your articles Chris. I love the fact that you love God and have no problems sharing your love of Him. Good timing on your part in that this falls in line with a witness that I’m to resent to a mens retreat group. GRHP (Christ Renews His Parish) is a retreat that’s pout on by men for men. And although it’s faith based, we’ve had people from different denominations attend. It encompasses men who are in various stages of their spiritual journey. My witness this year happens to be “New Life in Christ” and the three… Read more »