Comments on: Speechless

By: becky

becky — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 21:50:22 +0000

lucky duck…to get to hear someone process out loud like that…..

By: Jared White

Jared White — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:23:07 +0000

Sorry, I meant “without” a real relationship with God. Darn typo.

By: Jared White

Jared White — Sun, 10 Feb 2008 18:20:36 +0000

Interesting conversation (or monologue!). Thanks for sharing it with us, Grace.

I think it highlights the real, deep need we have for Christian spirituality, not Christian religion. All the stuff the hygienist was talking about is just fluff. None of it means anything in and of itself. With a real relationship with God, going through the motions is a waste of time.

By: shaun

shaun — Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:18:47 +0000

Grace,
I think the best line of all of this was in your comments ,”Now that I don’t feel the need to “close the deal,” I love having spiritual conversations with people. ”
I think that is a lot of the point of listening , Just to build relationship and to let both the listener and the talker off the hook.
Keep up the thoughtful and inspirational posts . I think you blog is pretty sweet.
Peace.

By: WaynO

WaynO — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:18:13 +0000

I am a pastor and love to listen to what others have to say about churches. I have often said when in the discussion that lets make sure we don’t confuse church and our faith.
As always enjoy your blog Grace.
Pastor WaynO

By: thevikingfru

thevikingfru — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 01:44:38 +0000

Maybe the lesson for me here is, Shut up long enough to let someone talk! OUCH!!!!

By: adamjcopeland

adamjcopeland — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:32:52 +0000

I wonder if the Lutheran church was Missouri Synod? The biggest Lutheran denomination, ELCA, would certainly allow a Catholic to commune. Not you could have said anything, or that it matters in the story, just not wanting to be a Lutheran hater.

http://adamjcopeland.com

By: jane

jane — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 22:31:49 +0000

hello Grace, (i’m a newbie here and I haven’t yet learned how blogs work). I think it was Grace who wrote about the dentist. I just want to thank you so much for this blog (and all the other blogs). You are all such a refreshing change from endless lectures and bible studies. All of you really ARE fellowhip in action. The other blogs made for intense thought-provoking reading, but the Truth in this one made me laugh so hard I nearly cried! I’ve added this site to favourites list. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I’ll try to listen more and talk less. Bless you all, love from Jane. xx

By: Jeff Greathouse

Jeff Greathouse — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:22:23 +0000

This post touched me on numerous levels. Thank you for sharing the story, I greatly appreciate it.

By: grace

grace — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Thanks for your comments!

I didn’t mean to imply the Lutheran pastor was obnoxious. The hygienist indicated she enjoyed her conversation with him. It likely was as one-sided as my “conversation,” although perhaps it is harder to keep a pastor quiet.

Now that I don’t feel the need to “close the deal,” I love having spiritual conversations with people. The hygienist’s questions and thoughts were so interesting that it was difficult to not respond and participate.

For me though, it was a wonderful opportunity to see the heart of someone in the very beginning stages of seeking after and hopefully discovering a relationship with God that goes beyond religion.