I changed the site a bit…

Hey there, I changed the blog just a tad a few days ago, because of some feed back I got.  I got an unsolicited email from someone that had looked at the blog.  It was saying stuff like, “why aren’t you doing this?” and “you seemed in turmoil”.  

 

 

Hey Ben…

Sorry for being a while getting back to you…. off with flu and well…. busy life.

Anyway… by all means post our dialogue.

I did not detect that it was a guest posting on your site regarding Judgement.  I was indeed agreeing that judging is wrong.  I believe we can judge behaviours and circumstances but not people.  The more I live, the more I recognize the power of what Jesus taught and lived.  And all of this learning is happening outside of church.  Not that it can’t happen in church. Just my path is outside for the time being.

I am intrigued by celebrate recovery.  There is a regular meeting in my home town that I have just learned about.  I am anticipating attending soon.

My issue with churchy people and the 12 steps is that I have been on the receivng end of a lot of ignorant judgement lately…. and in the past as well.  Including by a leader of a Teen Challenge centre who mocked and belittled the 12 steps yet his centre was a farce as far as helping people get clean and sober.

I am sure lots of people take stray tangents with the 12 steps but that does not stop those of us who apply them as a practical expression of the Bible to do so in our walk as believers.  Anything can be corrupted.  Christianity is frequently corrupted but extreme sects and cults.  Anyway….

Will dialogue more …. will make some time this week.

Ciao

Chaz

 

On Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 10:41 PM, Benjamin Smith <benjamindsmith@mac.com> wrote:

Chaz,

Brother,

I think I mistook your email.  I just visited your site and spent a few minutes browsing.  I can safely say you’re definitely better written than I expected.  

Again, thanks for the time, and your comments.  I’ll see if I can clean up my blog, so it’ll make more sense.  It’s a first for me.  

Thanks,

Ben

 

Then I read his blog and sent the following…

 

On Thu, Mar 26, 2009 at 10:28 PM, Benjamin Smith <benjamindsmith@mac.com> wrote:

Hey Chaz,

Thanks for the mail, I appreciate the time it took.

And, well, I read your email and I am now thoroughly confused as well.  What if you write me back, with examples of what your talking about, so that I can speak to each one specifically.

Gigantic first of all, I’m dreaming people will comment.  The only exception, is the “step 5″ post.  That’s not a blog, but a page on my blog, meant as a testament.  I went first, with my step 5, and as the page explains, if others would like to participate, that’s awesome.  I don’t want the page to turn into a “we’re so glad you’re doing good”, and have it end up being about me, instead of Jesus working in me.  So, the “step 5″ page is just for people that want to confess their sins.  In order to moderate that most efficiently, because i’ve got multiple authors on the site, I will be go-between to post stuff on that page.

Secondly, the post titled “Do Not Judge…” was written by one of my contributors, a 15 year old girl.  I was totally excited by the fact that she was able to get the fact that she’s been judging and that it’s wrong, while she was studying through James.  Totally excited.  I’m not sure if you’re agreeing with her, and me, by saying that judging is wrong, or that you misunderstood Ray and thought she was condoning it.

Thirdly, I would love to talk to you further about some of the things you mentioned.  Swearing, profanity, blasphemy, people thinking that if they get rid of the “verbal” sins then they’re good.  HAHAHA…  

I’m not sure what experience you have with Celebrate Recover, a 12 step program, but it’s the most Christ centered “things” I’ve ever been able to attend.  If I miss-represented it, I apologize.  Dude, seriously, CR is awesome.  Not sure why it would sadden you that I have been successful in my recovery, while leaning solely upon the strength Jesus gives me, and receiving fellowship from people that love me despite it all.

So, this has been awesome Chaz.  You’re the first to contact me so far.  And again, I appreciate the time it took to put your email together.  If I have cleared anything up for you that’s cool.  If you’re still not understandinging, reply and we’ll go through it further.

I can be reached in AIM too, using benjamindsmith@mac.com, if you’d like to IM.  A little quicker on the response time.  I’ve been painting the house with my wife tonight, so it’s kinda late already.

Also, If you wouldn’t mind, I’d love to post our conversation as well.

Thanks,

Ben

 

On Mar 26, 2009, at 9:19 PM, Chaz wrote:

Hey Ben…. I go by Chaz,

I read through you blog somewhat.  I dont get what you are trying to do or say.  But you kinda seem in a bit of turmoil.

If you want your blog to be a ministry, why wouldnt you want comment dialogue?  That is one way blogs get read when others see that others have read and commented.  Anyway… it is entirely up to you but it just kinda stood out to me.

I read your post on Judgement.  To me, I find it a paradox that judgement is so frequent and accepted in the wester modern christian culture.  I refer to it as one of the “acceptable vices”.  Smoking and swearing are out, but judgement is open territory. 

Yet Jesus was pretty clear that judgement was one of the most un-graceful things we could do.  And very much what he came to give an alternative to.  Jesus exemplified tolerance and acceptance of others.  Even those who persecuted and harmed him.

Yet there is very little reference made to swearing and your average Christian in my experience is quick to jump on that behaviour and not judgement.

I guess the subject of Judgement is on my mind as I am bothered right now by a lot of judgement by what I feel are ignorant Christians judging people in 12 step programs.  Long story.  Another time.  But I see them on these blogs and it bothers me.  Saddens me.

Anyway…. for me, I am looking for something different in my “Church” experience than what I have experienced at established mainline churches.  I believe God will show up in some pretty amazing and seemingly unlikely places. 

Anyway…. my blog is www.yuppieaddict.wordpress.com

Will cross paths again I am sure.

Ciao.

Chaz

I added a new page…

Hey there,

Wednesday night was rough for Marissa and I.  Me trying to get back into ministry, writing, talking, conversing with people brought up some old emotions and questions.  So, I’ve added a new page to my site.  It’s called “Step 5″

 

I believe God has my back and now know He’s prepared me to take this step.  To be truly transparent.

 

My relationship with Jesus is the most important thing in my life.  Actually walking the walk, talking the talk, well… at least attempting it.  Being really who I say I am.  My marriage is the second most important thing.  Then the kids, then the job, then the ministry.  I’m working on the last two…  I want to make sure anything in my marriage is resolved before I move forward, so I’m posting this here.

 

I’m praying for all those that will read the new page, not that you’ll still like me, but you’ll be able to see how easy it is to fall off your game.   Like I said in the post, please don’t comment on the story.  Send it to me directly.  Email me at benjamindsmith@mac.com

 

Pray for this blog, and my ministry, whatever form it might take.  I got to spend an hour or so last night teaching through some OT stuff because of my comments on James, WOOHOOO!!!   I want open doors to ministry to.  And with the new page, I want to enter those doors as I am.

 

Ben