WEDNESDAY Lights. Camera. Church.
June 7th, 2007Okay, cut the talk. Time to go to church. Wednesday isn’t a full service, it’s just dinner and some singing. But it’s still church. I don’t know if my brother is more nervous about it or I am. We haven’t been to service together since we were ten years old.
The one good thing about Northridge Church is that it’s huge (900 members). So I can pretty much get lost in it. In fact, I spot not one but two other people walking around with video cameras. Before I know it Joey has me handing out audio advice, and we’re negotiating for prime tripod spots.
I’m not sure if it’s a Christian or Southern thing, but everyone is strangely nice. People smile, say hello, hug each other. Some people are hugging me. I feel like an impostor being within these walls but not believing what they believe. In fact, I’m not exactly sure what they believe. The pastor says, “You won’t find a more conservative guy than me,” but one of his followers to my right has decidedly non-conservative ear studs, and another to my left has a pony tail growing from his chin. The music kicks in–file under Contemporary Christian–and people dance in the aisles in a style that evokes the Summer of Love.
Being surrounded by people whirling and twirling, possessed in their love for Jesus, I feel like the conservative one. I look around for some reassurance from my brother, but I can’t find him. After some searching, I see him in the front and center. He’s singing along with a rocking hymn, raising his arms in what looks like a deep spiritual moment. From my spot in the balcony, I don’t think we could be further apart in this room, but I find myself strangely proud of him for going for what he believes.
June 7th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
Linked from pop- I have no sound because I am at the library not studying, but the content and feel looks great. Story (and site in general) kept an undergraduate duly distracted for 15 mins.
More stories from everyone!
June 8th, 2007 at 2:58 am
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky