ANSWERING A COMMENT
Blogging has been a real eye opener to me since I began this adventure 9+ months ago.
1- It has opened up my eyes to the Body of Christ, which I love so much.
2- It has opened up my eyes to the Big Wide World we live in and the fact I have so much in common with others around the world.
3- It has opened up true friendships of which I never would have imagined
4- It has opened up to me that fact that even though I was old and grey my thoughts and values were appreciated or at least tolerated.
5- It has opened my eyes to the animosity with which some non-Christians have attacked my strong faith and belief in Jesus, the Christ.
last, but not least
6 - It has opened up my eyes to this:
Karen said...
Susan, I usually enjoy your wonderful blogs. They are typically deeply spiritual and often times heartwarming. I even occasionally chuckle at the more light harded posts. However, I am somewhat concerned over this show and tell. Would Jesus really want to be shown in such a comical manner? He is Our Savior and Lord. A glorious one to be taken seriously. HE IS LORD. Not Paul Lynde. I mean no insult I am not here to judge, just comment. Perhaps next time you might not want to share things that depict Jesus as a clown. Your sister in Christ,Karen
November 10, 2007 8:36 PM
On this beautiful Sabbath morning, November 11th, at 5:30 a.m. I logged on to my blog to find the above comment awaiting me.
As a background, on Friday, November 2nd, I posted a picture of a Smiling Jesus on my Show & Tell. You can see the picture and review the post here. When I posted this picture I was aware I might get a negative comment or two. As it turned out I had 41 comments, none of which were negative until this 42nd comment, which came 8 days later on Saturday, November 10th at 8:36 pm.
If you have followed my blog very long you know I have NEVER censored or deleted a comment. I have also taken a very strong stand against hiding behind anonymity. It is my firm belief that anyone can say anything on my blog comments as long as it is not vulgar or cursing. It is also my firm belief that we need not hide when wanting to speak.
I have on my side bar a large envelope with my e-mail address. If "Karen" wanted to discuss her views with me I would have been happy to do so by receiving her email where I could have replied directly and privately to her. Since she did not choose that avenue........I must address this publicly in this way.
Another thing that I dislike about the anonymity is that I have several very good blog friends named "Karen". Thank goodness I have a site meter so I could isolate where the comment came from, and at what times. The comment came from Andover, Mass. To my knowledge I do not "know" this person. I find it interesting that "Karen" logged into my site on Saturday, November 10th at 2:34 am and again at 5:31 pm. She left me the message at 8:32 pm and then checked back in this morning, Sunday, November 11th at 2:50 am, at 11:06 am, and again at 5:09 pm. Now today, Monday, November 12th you visited me at 7:53 am and again at 10:04 am.
You were probably looking for my answer "Karen". This is it: I would be more than happy to discuss your viewpoint with you.
29 comments:
I have to say, I did not view that picture of Jesus as a clown but rather as very joyful and happy. I like thinking of Him as joyful and happy.
Also - I never think of you as old. Your thoughts, opinions, and writings are very youthful and right on! Thank you for being a mentor to me!
Susan,
the things you wrote about blogging I say a hearty AMEN to..dear friend, and sister in the Lord...and I love it that you confronted KAREN in such a gracious way..which seems to be what sets you apart as a blogger...I am also aware in this WORLD there are Wolves in Sheeps clothing in many places..not just the church....I am thankful for your discernment and your way with WORDS...I consider you a blogger with intelligence and with a honesty and a love for the brethern and the unsaved...
Susan..thank you for just being you...
Deby
>It has opened up my eyes to the Body of Christ, which I love so much.
Has it opened your eyes to the suffering, starvation, oppression, poverty and misery to be found in Africa, Asia and even in parts of the USA?
All the works of an Almighty, everlasting omniscient Heavenly Father, who is said to love us all...
He does seem to rather favour the well-off, doesn't he?
I did not think that picture belittled Christ at all. I am certain in His brief time on this earth He laughed. I am sorry Karen felt it demeaning to Him. You are a sweet person in the way you are handling this hon. It just deepens my respect of you. I will be praying for you and for Karen.
Good morning Susan,
There are commenters who do try to stir up a bit of discussion and/or controversy.
Your reply to Karen is in your usual gracious manner.
xo
I never once thought He looked like a clown. You have handled the situation well.
I didn't see anything untoward in the picture. I love all your posts :-) And you're not old!! Hugs from your New Zealand Karen.
I'm sitting here in disbelief. If this Karen knew you at all she would know your heart. Our Lord was a person of love and joy. Like others have stated, I'm sure He laughed on this earth and I know He smiles from ear to ear at us, His children, when we bring Him joy.
I am so sorry Susan that anyone would ever think differenly, but we do have a right to say it all here.
Have you learned about poverty, etc.. in Africa and elsewhere? I know you have! We love our dear friend, Michelle, in Africa. She has shown us the deep and distubing needs of the people in her country. I know it has moved me in many ways. I KNOW it has you, too.
Love you my friend!
Susan,
I find that those who are indeed trying to stir up trouble only want company with them. You know the saying "Misery loves company". Good for you that you don't lower yourself to "others" levels and you all know who you are. Susan has always been a kind and loving person. She loves God with all her heart and shame on you for trying to make her feel awful about something that is not true. Susan, we love your posts. We as in your regular visitors and I know this Karen is checking in to see what has been said. Good for you the way you are addressing it and keep blogging girl! We love to read what you have to share. :)
I have always loved what you have written, Susan, and I have also always believed that Jesus laughed with sheer joy, and I love this painting too! Becoming human meant experiencing every emotion.
You are a dear friend. Don't change.
Susan, I read your post this morning and needed to give a little thought before I commented.
One of the things I like about blogging is that I can choose the blogs I read and choose not to read others. I choose to read yours--almost every time you post.
I choose it because I know you are saying and sharing whst you believe and your everyday life. It is obvious that you truly have a great love for the Lord and His people. I love and respect you for that. I don't have to agree with everything you say. It happens that I generally do agree with you.
If someone has a disagreemt with something you say or share they have a right to let you know that. It should be done in a respectful way without disparagement. I think "Karen" crossed the line with her "clown" statement.I appreciate the way in which you handled her disagreement. Thank you for the model of respect.
And the picture--As I said in my original comment with your post--I think it is unique. It shows Jesus laughing and not many artists have chosen to portray him that way. I am sure that he did laugh and enjoy the company of his friends. I know God has a sense of humor--there are many htings in the world that prove that! :-)
Is it my favorite picture of Jesus? No, but it certainly did not offend me. It was yours to share on your blog. I'm glad you did. It did make me think about Jesus from that perspective. That was a good thing.
I know you will continue to be the Susan we know and love. That,too, will be a good thing.
Sorry for the long comment--I told you had to give it some thought!
Well, like the darkness...evil reigns so does a commentor when in leaving an anonymous comment.
I love laughter and joy and happiness, and my Saviour. He is a delight.
I thank you for the post and please do not change the way you allow comments....as the Light shines thoroughly through all that comment...and it is important that those who don't know- understand this.
I wrote about how some in the church are becoming very legal in their viewpoints. I find comfort in the shear joy that I feel when I come here. I feel closer to the Saviour when I come here. I feel that the Lord uses all that are willing to be used. And the innocence of the painting and the sweetness of the post were head on.
Thank God for the blood of Jesus, so that I can be covered from my own dirty sins.
Thank you for being such a light.
Oh and for the record sin abounds due to the Fallen nature of man...starvation, rape, anger, murder and evil all because of man.
God knew this and provided His Son to cover our sins...now it is up to us to receive Him as our Saviour.
For those who worry and sympathize with the poor and the starved and the weary, remember that the Lord said this Matthew 4:4..man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.
And to those who think that God seems to favor the well off(or rich )Matthew 19:29-30 And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit everlasting life. But many that are first shall be last: and the last shall be first. But in writing this please remember John 3:16 God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life...(WHOSEOVER clearly implies that anyone can believe in HIm not rich nor poor but all that believe in Him)
And Matthew 9:11-13...please if you are not familiar with this passage to read it.
Susan thank you for allowing the topic to come to light so many hear the Word.
Hugs and sunshine
Jen
I have seen the laughing picture of Christ several times before and although it may not be the most flattering, we have to remember we really don't know what Christ really looks like and I'm sure He had countless moments of laughter while He was on earth and now in Heaven. You are a gracious blogger and I for one enjoy reading your posts daily.
I really believe that many have not been able to imagine our Savior laughing or happy because he has so often been portrayed as a suffering Christ. It's true He did suffer but even that was a part of His plan for our salvation. Yes I do believe He smiles and even laughs, especially when a new soul is won for his Kingdom.
I feel sorry for the one who left a negative comment and I pray that the Lord will help her to see that Jesus has emotions just like we do. After all the Bible says "He wept" Certainly he laughs too.
I agree with your thoughts on blogging. In January I will have been at it for three year and like you have met many wonderful friends.
Keep up the wonderful job. We need Christians like you in the blogworld.
Hugs
I thought the picture was joyous. I liked it. On the other hand, my Mom has an artistic depiction of Him that she loves but that I find eerie. I always want to turn it to face the wall because I feel like the eyes follow me everywhere. She finds it comforting because it reminds her that her Lord is always watching her and with her.
It's art. If it isn't blasphemous, then to each his own!
I know your heart, Susan, and you only wanted to share this show and tell because you truly loved how it portrayed Jesus in a joyous way.
I do think, as Myrna said, that a commenter can disagree with me on something as long as it's done in a respectful way...and I think sometimes people forget about the e-mail option sometimes? But you're right...she probably should have e-mailed you privately with her thoughts.
I know that you were probably hurt by her comment when you obviously love the Lord so much and would never offend others or the Lord!
I do like the idea of Jesus smiling...but there is another artist I prefer who has portrayed Him in this way...but that's just me.
You had every right to show your version in your own Show and Tell and especially when most of us know you were doing it with a love for God in your heart!
I hope this all made sense...(((HUGS)))
To the Karen that left the comment:
The Bible shows that people loved to be around Jesus. "Sinners" were especially drawn to Him because they could feel the love and care He had for them. I can't imagine that people who had no religious background would be drawn to a person who was always serious and never laughed and smiled. (In fact, that probably more describes what the Pharises looked like.) The Bible also speaks constantly of joy. "The JOY of the Lord is our strength." As far as I know, joy is full of laughter and smiles. Jesus fulfilled every part of the Bible...including this "joy" part. I pray you will come to know the joyful, laughing, smiling side of Jesus who loves you so much that He laid down His life for you.
Susan...you are awesome. Thank you for sharing your life, heart, and faith with us all.
So HE created laughter, but didn't partake in it?
hmmm
I don't look at that picture and believe that it "defines" our Lord, it is just another facet of His amazingly wonderful persona.
Scripturally He is shown in all different emotions. This is just one of them.
Susan, we love you! (((hugs)))
Those of us that "know" you....know what's in your heart and know that you would never post anything mocking Jesus!
You know I feel the same about blogging as you do - but it is amazing to me, that no matter what your intent behind a post, people can 'twist' it and take it out of context.
I know your heart when you post, but more importantly, God does. And He also knows our hearts when we leave comments!!
I'm so thankful for our friendship, Susan!
I absolutely LOVE that picture of Jesus laughing. I can envision him enjoying life and having a hearty laugh as something tickles His funny bone. I'm sure he laughs often at what happens here on earth, and I know He cries as well.
I had an anonymous visitor several times when I was blogging about Teen Challenge and how my son's life was saved, on earth as well as eternally, by that wonderful organization. This person has to be very bitter about something, because she commented both on mine and Kevin's sites with her venom. I tried to comment back to her, but she would erase my comments. She did not want dialogue - she just wanted to vent and hurt others who might need to go there to be healed.
I have to say Ms Susan, you are one classy lady.
me I would have just said "let's take this outside".... :-)
And for the record. I have that same picture and folks who don't like it really take themselves too seriously!
AHEM. We are made in God's image. A part of our natures (one of the better parts I'd say) is a sense of humor, ie finding things funny. Therefore, it is not blasphemy to assume that God also has a sense of humor...which would imply that he LAUGHS. And if you really want to get technical...none of us has any clue what Jesus looked like...so if you're taking offense at this likeness, maybe you should take offense at ALL likenesses...we also don't know what the cross of Calvary looked like....maybe you should take offense at ALL images of it as well..especially the ones pretty and clean (not covered in blood)....
aaahhh, yes MM, get to the point.
LIGHTEN UP!
I know Jesus laughs with us. The Bible says the Joy of the Lord is our strength! His joy is our strength.... He also says I rejoice over You with singing... how do we rejoice? By singing and dancing and laughing. We laugh when we receive good news and we are joyful. I absolutely love this picture that reminds me about Jesus laughing with pure joy - joy and laughter are emotions that are as much part of Him as any other emotion. I am so looking forward to see Jesus face to face one day and to smile at Him and He is going to smile at me and then we will laugh for the joy of being together and I am sure all of us will have that joyful reunion with Him.
So, thanks for posting that Picture of Jesus - a wonderful symbol to remind us that He is rejoicing over us!
I love your happy Jesus Susan.
This broke my heart yesterday when I read it. It's sad that there are people out there who enjoy stirring things up.
You are a blessing. I love the way you handled this.
Many Hugs,
Susan
I agree this blogging world has opened up so many things to us all.
Most of them all wonderful things.
I truly love your blog and know that you have a wonderful heart.
Your love through Christ shines through each and every time I read your blog. You are a blessing to us all.
Of coarse Jesus laughed and was happy and joyful.
I never liked anonymous comments.
I've received them before too.
I just don't understand why people even bother leaving comments like that.
This is your blog and you can post whatever you want to post.
Hugs to you dear friend, Lori
Obviously, I am behind on reading blogs, and when I came upon this, I had to really slow my reading down. I think you've handled this very well. I hope that Karen has taken you up on your offer to discuss her views via email. I know that each person has his/her own opinions, but I just cannot understand how someone can be offended at seeing this picture of Jesus. Surely, Jesus laughed. There had to be times when he and the disciples shared fun times. Or, fun with his family. I know Jesus had an awesome responsibility here on earth, but God the Father does send His children times of refreshing. Times to throw back our heads and laugh. We are, after all, made in His image, and if He doesn't laugh, why do we?
I'm glad you didn't skirt this comment, but chose to publicly address it. Good job!
i ditto what a lot of ladies have said here. you are a such a dear friend here in the blogging world and anyone who reads you regularly know who you are and what you believe.
the picture you shared is not one i had seen before. when i first saw it, i had to do a double take. it's so unlike many pictures depicting Jesus. but it instantly grew on me because i know He smiled and laughed.
it reminds me of a video series we use sometimes in our youth group. it often shows Jesus smiling, laughing, and in a playful mood. i think it's good for the youth (and adults) to see that Jesus walked this earth as a man, and that He was approachable - just as He is today.
i am thankful for you, your heart, your blog, and your friendship.
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