Ashamed

These days I am almost afraid and ashamed to admit that I'm a Christian. I'm afraid because I know as soon as the word leaves my mouth I'll be associated with people who hate homosexuals. People who cast every vote as though abortion is the only issue. People who think God wants us to drop more bombs on Iraq because he only loves America. People who are regarded in several social circles as ignorant, backwards, close-minded, oppressive, and hateful people.

I am ashamed because I don't do nearly enough to counteract that stereotype. I don't explain that it doesn't matter to me whether homosexuality is sinful or not because Jesus told us to love everybody anyway, or that I think God wants to save the whole world, not just the USA. I don't explain that not all Christians are superficial, judgmental, hypocrites.

Half the time I just end up agreeing with their arguments. Because I can feel their pain, it's so real to me. I can relate, but how can I possible stop there.
Sure, I can and should be sensitive to others opinions, values, beliefs, or morals.
But I also need to realize the part of my story that makes me different from them.
I need to Realize the part that changed me, the part worth sharing.

I need to start taking a bit of a stand for my God. Obtaining a bit of a confidence for sharing the ways his grace has affected me personally!