Revisiting "Why Do I Keep Doing This?" (Updated from 1/16/2015)

“Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you."

-- Matthew 7:1-2

While transcribing a verse from my Bible, today, I was reminded of one of the reasons I continue doing what I do, on this blog, week after week.  I cherish this Bible as much as I cherish the positive e-mails, comments, gratitude for renewed faith, and so much more which I have been graced with, since I started this blog, 10 years ago.

When I wrote the previous post, "Why Do I Keep Doing This?", I completely forgot to include any mention of my Bible.  Many of you might ask what is so special about mentioning it, as reading the Bible drives many to search for a special "calling"... out on the fairway, heading for the 19th hole.  

I'm not a big advocate of Holy Scripture, as many of you who read my blog already know. I have issues with so many aspects of it.  But, it remains the only book of faith Christians have, even with all the questions concerning its origin, contradictions, the gospels not included, and the message it so desperately tries to impart.  All are still valid, if they are interpreted correctly.  

So, what makes my Bible so special?  A pink piece of paper, and a receipt, I found inside of it.  Let me explain.

As I began posting an article to the blog, I found myself in need of a Bible for reference.  I wasn't looking for anything expensive, I just wanted a functional, readable volume.  I always seem to be accosted by Christians who spit chapter and verse at me like they know what they're talking about, and I needed something I could justify, or not, their quotes against.  I also found myself needing a biblical quote in the article I was writing.  

I'm very reluctant to use biblical quotes.  I hate when people throw biblical quotes at me.  But, I'm not using it as some shield to hold back heathen words, nor do I pound the Bible as I try to force-feed a faith that I preach but do not follow.  I quote biblical verses because the message is sound, and valid, and helps to explain a point.  When not in grave contradiction to itself, it can be a convincing tool.

Anyway, I'm scanning through the shelves full of Bibles and Qur'ans, at the local Barnes & Noble, when my eyes lock on to this rich-looking volume that is screaming at me to pluck it out.  From the looks of this tome, and having already priced editions less appealing to the eye, I just knew this one was going to be more than I wanted to spend.  I pulled it from the shelf, anyway.

I love the feel of books. It is one reason I have hesitated to buy a handheld computer with books loaded for the reading.  There's just something about turning a page that I refuse to give up.  I even have a hard copy thesaurus and dictionary at home, along with an Essential Writer's Companion.  

This Bible felt good in my hands.  I saw the simple gold letters, impressed on the cover, and considered shelling out the big bucks.  With no price sticker on the front or back cover, I opened it up to see if they had put it inside, which would be unusual for this bookstore.  As I opened it, a small, pink sheet of paper, along with a receipt, fell to the floor.  I bent over to pick them up and turned the sheet over in my hand as I stood.  I read the typed note, and felt my face flush, as I read the short, simple note:

I stood there rereading the note for several minutes, long enough to finally have to wipe tears off my face before I went to the checkout counter.  I showed the cashier the book and receipt and asked if this was truly a gift.  She confirmed that it was, indeed, and she asked me if I had been looking for a Bible.  I nodded and confirmed that I had.  As I paid the price, she commented that it looked as if someone knew I was coming.  She placed it in a bag and I thanked her.  She just smiled.

I keep both the note and receipt taped inside the Bible as a reminder of why I continue doing what I do with my blog. 

At times, God does truly work in mysterious ways.  Had an angel been sent to whisper in my ear the need I had for a Bible? If I were steered to the bookstore, I certainly got the message.  I think my believing all of this is what faith would seem to be all about.  

If the "angel" that wrote this message, and the "angel" that steered me to the Bible, are reading this post, they both know that the message was received.  For those of you questioning your faith, please continue to do so.  It is through our questioning that we ultimately find answers.  They may not be the answers we want, but they may be the ones we need.  

Do not ever lose your heart... or your faith.  There are times when it is all we have.

“The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays.”

-- Soren Kierkegaard

Editor's Note

(Re: disclaimer cum "get out of jail free" card)

Before you go getting your panties in a bunch - it is essential to understand that this is just an opinion site and, as such, can be subjected to scrutiny by anyone with a differing opinion. It doesn't make either view any more right or wrong than the other. Opinion, presented in this context, is a way of inciting others to think and, hopefully, to form their own opinions, if they haven't already done so. This is also why, occasionally, I will present an "opinion" just to stir an emotional pot. Where it may sound like I agree with the statements made, I'm more interested in getting others to consider an alternate viewpoint.

I fervently hope that we keep open and active minds when reading opinions while engaging in peaceful and constructive discussion in an arena of mutual respect concerning those opinions offered. After twenty-three years of military intelligence, I believe that engaging each other in this manner, and in this arena, is a way we will learn tolerance and respect for differing beliefs, cultures, and viewpoints.

We all fall from grace, some more often than others; it is part of being human. God's test for us is what we learn from the experience... and what we do afterward.

Pastor Tony spent 22 years with United States Air Force Intelligence as a planner, analyst, briefer, instructor, and senior manager. Following his service career, he spent 17 years working with the premier and world-renowned Western Institutional Review Board, helping to protect the rights of human subjects involved in pharmaceutical research. He also served 8 years on the Board of Directors for the Angela J. Bowen Foundation.

Ordained in 2013 as an "interfaith" minister, he founded the Congregation for Religious Tolerance in response to intolerance shown by Christians toward peaceful Islam. As a weapon for his war on intolerance, he chose the pen. He wages his "battle" in the guise of the Congregation's official online blog, The Path, of which he is both author and editor. "The Path" offers a vehicle for commentary and guidance concerning one's personal, spiritual path toward peace and the final destination for us all. He resides in Pass Christian, Mississippi, where he volunteered as the lead chaplain at a regional medical center.

Feel free to contact Pastor Tony at: tolerantpastor@gmail.com