The Always Humble Semi-Ancient Pie Hole Philosopher

 

“I believe that Jesus would have given His life for just one person. Jesus emptied Himself, He humbled Himself and He so yielded Himself to His Father's love that He had no ambition of His own. He was not looking to build an empire, He did not want praise or adulation or to impress people with who or how many followed Him. He stopped over and over again for just one person, for just one life.”

-- Heidi Baker

I am the humble semi-ancient pie-hole philosopher that spouts quasi-wisdom whenever I feel like it. Since I have no filter, I usually feel like it. But that's the reason I'm a minister.  Because I can't keep my mouth shut. You are better served to do what I say.  You certainly don't want anybody seeing you do what I do. There is a special place in hell... but, that's another story.

I have performed several marriages, served as the head of a PTSD discussion group at the local medical center, and have been called on to help a variety of people. After talking to a couple, the wife asked me where I preach, so she could come hear. I spread my arms and smiled as I looked around at the smiling faces in the cigar bar.  "Here?" she asked. "You don't have a chapel?" "Oh," I answered, "you want a brick-and-mortar edifice."  I walked to the front door and stepped outside with them. I pointed to the beach.  "take your shoes off and stroll barefoot through the sand in God's Cathedral. He will listen to whatever you'd like to say."

Proof that I have no filter.

I have married people inside, outside, and on a boat.  When people listen to what I have to say, they can't believe what they hear. A few fall back on "Christian" teachings, and I just smile. If they listen, it's all the same.  I tell them to think about it.

There was a big man in the PTSD group. He wanted to talk to me when we finished. In my office, he put his bible down and related his life story. He prayed for God's help to find a job.  He found one, got to drinking, and lost the job.  He asked again, Got another job, did drugs, and lost the job. He went to prison, asked God for help, got out, and found a job.  And on and on went his life.  I was smiling as he talked.

"Pastor, why are you smiling while I was talking?" I told him, "You keep asking God for help, He gives it to you and you throw it back in His face, again, and again, and again. When will you wake up and listen?" He looked at me with an open mouth.  He fell to his knees and began to cry. He had no clue.

We look to God for help, but God gave us everything we need to get through this life and into another. God's strength is what we ask for, as we go through life.  This gentleman made his own fulfilling life, and lost it, several times. Now, he has a clue. Now he might have a chance.

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