Who’s Image Are We Created In?

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Who’s Image Are We Created In?

April 10, 2009 at 10:00 pm | In Church, healing | 7 Comments

I’ve had a few posts that I’ve kept up for days now, rereading and pondering them.

It started with Jeremy, at A Mending Shift. He put up a post entitled “The Wounded Image of God. He talks about the wounds that women have received within the church.

Jeff continued the theme with an post and apology, entitled “Why the Heart of Every Man Should Be Breaking.“

Go read them, please.

I really think this is the kind of thing we need to see to have healing within the church. I was touched, and impressed by these two men and their hearts. I think that the more men who come to this point, the more of a difference we will see in the church.

This is an area I’ve been very damaged in myself, and I know others who have been as well. It is a very deep wound, and needs to be healed. There are times I realize how very deep the damage goes, and I wonder if I will every be able to “be myself.”

Are you still here? You can come back and comment if you want to, but you have to go read it first to know what I’m talking about.

Jeremy, and Jeff, please accept my deepest thanks for writing about this.

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HW, it was the very least I could do…seriously, I mean it. My heart broke that morning and continues breaking as the wounds come to the surface. May God’s healing, forgiveness, and love continue to permeate us as we learn to walk together in friendship and respect. May our dividing walls continue to fall like dominoes.

Your fellow image of God,
Jeromy

Comment by Jeromy — April 10, 2009 #

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I think the breaking for me occured with the realization of how many times, as a man, I have probably poured salt on the wound without even knowing–not intending any disrespect, but perhaps a passive insensitivity?

Sometimes the one who causes the most pain at the moment is the guy who walks by when you’re hurting and doesn’t see you–or doesn’t say anything. The person who’s supposed to be your ally, but who is completely unaware of the beating you’re taking. (I have experienced this–not as a woman , but I know what it feels like.

As one who theologically has been in favor of releasing women, when I read Jeromy’s post, I realized how passive I still was, and how that must add to the pain. I knew then that I could not be silent about it anymore. We need to be your allies, not just guys who don’t get in the way.

God bless you, Heidi.

Comment by Jeff McQ — April 11, 2009 #

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WE the Church talk so much about freedom … but come join us and we’ll put you back into bondage.

Comment by Mark R — April 11, 2009 #

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Thanks, Jeromy. I would love to see the dividing walls fall!

Jeff, I think a lot of men are in that place. Heck, all of us are in one area or another. We believe in something, but we are passive about change. I love that you have spoken up!!! And I think that many women are ready, they just need released.

Mark, that is something I’ve been thinking a lot about. That is why I haven’t gone back to “church” in nearly a year now. I don’t want the bondage. When I feel strong enough to resist it, perhaps that will change. Or better yet, if we find a community that avoids it, that would be even better! Thanks.

Comment by HW — April 11, 2009 #

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ahhh the Bride of Christ is in bondage, and who will free her? I pray lots for men to take their place in the church, and not just in a pulpit. thanks for the reads HW, God is going to heal us, and woe is coming to the ones who make HIS babies stumble..I believe this. love you

Comment by darla — April 13, 2009 #

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Thanks, darla. I don’t know what it all will look like in the end, but I’m looking forward to the complete and healed bride one day!!! Love you!

Comment by HW — April 13, 2009 #

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[...] days Heidi pondered of few of these posts, and then said: “This is an area I’ve been very damaged in [...]

Pingback by A Mending Shift » Wounded Image of God, The Conversation Continues… — April 19, 2009 #

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