Interesting Concepts.....

I helped out a new friend the other night. I was asked to pass out flyers for a 'Love Debate' that this new friend was on the panel of. I agreed to do it and was there on time to get the flyers and start distributing them around. The new friend had already shared with me that 'we don't bring God or anything about religion into this'. I found that interesting that he even shared that comment with me.

Anyway - the entire evening left me bewildered at what this world is coming to - or has come to. There were five panelists. An author (29 year old woman); a female producer (Survivor, etc.), my new friend (male, PhD, author, helps people find their 'soul mate'), another author (female, wrote a book about love affirmations), and a guy that I have no clue what he does. I suppose I could google him, but who cares.... I found the entire evening interesting, amusing and shaking my head.

When you hear the word 'debate', what do you think of? I think of a good discussion about whatever the topic is. Well, this was a 'love debate'.... so my thought was a situation would be brought up from the audience and then the panel would discuss the best way to deal with it. This didn't happen.

There were about 50 women of all ages - 20's to 60's. I had to laugh.... the dress code was 'wear what you would wear to your first date'. All sizes and all shapes. WHERE in the world did some of these people think they were going??? Some were dressed appropriately, I felt, but seriously? Short shorts? The men (about 10 of them, ages 30 - 50 I'd guess) were dressed in nice slacks and a shirt. They must have gotten the email.

I got a massage last night and was told I had a lot of knots in my neck. Could it have been from me shaking my head at all this 'stuff'? LOL

To make a long story short, this was the worst 'debate' I had ever seen. Nearly 99% said they are on a social media site to 'date'. Many complaints from women centered around why 'guys won't ask for your telephone number or call for a second date', to some flirting gimmick of sticking your tongue out at the opposite sex to let them know you are interested (seriously?), to why does a guy 'disappear' after 3 months of steady dating with no explanation. For an hour and a half, these things - and others - were briefly - very briefly - brought up, but never discussed in detail. (I still can't get over the tongue thing.)

I learned a lot the other night. I learned I am grateful I have no interest in that "world" these people live in. I am grateful I am married and not involved with dating. I am a person of value and I think I can honestly say, I would never, ever, ever, ever, share information that these women - and men - shared. It was an experience, and yes, I did tell my friend that next year when they do this again, that I would be willing to help distribute flyers and sign people up afterwards to work with him on finding their soul mate.

I couldn't tell you how he does this. He said something about 'rewiring' how you think about 'love' and 'life'. I don't know.

I did tell my friend (who apparently is not a Christian), that if he would bring God into the picture and share with everyone about the love that God has for us individually, and how He will provide all that they are seeking for (and not finding in relationships -if they get them at all), that the entire theater would have been packed out. His comment to me? "Yeah, but it wouldn't work with this group."

That is probably a true statement because these people don't know God - or have walked away from Him. They don't understand that they don't have to give up their lifestyle - the parties, the drinking, the running around - God doesn't set requirements BEFORE He loves you. He loves you right where you are. But when you accept Jesus into your heart and ask Him to guide and direct your path, you love Him so much you WANT to give up these things because you want to follow Him and receive all that He has for you. He won't turn you away just because you smoke, or drink, or runaround. He will gather you into His arms, and love you, right where you are. You will give things up over time, because you love Him.

Women and men both want to love and be loved. But often they look 'in the wrong places' - just like the song. I've lived that crazy life. It wasn't that much fun. I often look back and shake my head at the stupidity of the things I did. And God loved me right where I was. I ran to Him in desperation, and He gathered me into His arms, and healed my heart.

And He will do that for you. Life isn't perfect, by any means. We all struggle with so many different things. My life is not like yours, and yours is not like mine. Both of us are probably saying "thank goodness". But the best thing I ever did was turn to God and seek His face. In return, He gave me His heart.

It doesn't get any better than that.

Blessings!