I’m good with God – but thanks for the prayers

Written By:  Leslie Means

I usually keep politics and religion out of my columns. I had enough of that during my TV years. Plus, I don’t think my opinion is all that important. Who am I to say one president is better than the other? Or that the way you live is wrong?

Eh – it’s not really my thing anymore.

It’s why I keep most of my writings personal and random. You can’t mess up the facts when you’re talking about yourself and there’s a slim chance you’ll tick anyone off.

But there’s always a chance. 

Last week I received an e-mail from you. I’ve talked about these e-mails before – the good and the bad. I expect them. I open myself up to the world and you all have every right to chat with me. And I like it when we talk. It makes me feel like I’m not just talking to myself.

But sometimes, they leave me pondering things. This e-mail did just that.

I read it and went on with my day. But as I sat down to write this week’s column, I couldn’t get your e-mail out of my head. I tired – boy did I try. I even wrote an entirely different column about the grocery store. It was simple, non-controversial and personal; just how I like it.

 But your words got to me. Not in a bad way, just in a – I need to talk about this – sort of way. And now I am going to break my – don’t talk about religion or politics – rule. I feel like it’s time. We’ll chat about this once and then move on. Ready? Here goes.

In your e-mail to me you said, “Leslie, I am concerned about your faith or lack of. I read your self-written obituary. I don’t see any sign of faith in your writings.”

You went on to say you were praying for me as well.

Which is good – because we can all use extra prayers.

But I’m wondering how you came to this conclusion. You have every right to form an opinion about me, but your opinion is inaccurate. I don’t like inaccuracy – so I’m here to clear the waters. Here is my response. 

“Dear Concerned,

Thank you for your e-mail. Maybe the self-written obituary I wrote a few months back helped you form a negative opinion of me. I can see that. It was kind of scary. Perhaps the fact that I talk about wine and Bon Jovi music is a concern. Duly noted. But I want you to know that I’m good with God. We’re buds and I think he’s pretty awesome. We talk on a regular basis and have grown close during my 31 years. Yes, I could learn more about him. And clearly I could do a better job sharing him with others. 

I think it’s fantastic that you are the type of person who prays for strangers. We should all do that. And I appreciate your mission to share God’s word. That’s important. But I’m more of a private faith kind of girl. You’re not going to find me quoting the Bible in my columns, or walking around with a flashy button on my shirt that reads, “I’m good with God!” 

Instead, I try to reach people who aren’t really sure. You know the ones. I think it’s good we have different methods, don’t you? 

If you knew me personally, you would know how important faith is in my everyday life. I’m just a little more quiet than you and I think that’s OK. I welcome your prayers and appreciate your concern.

Signed,

Good with God.

Oh boy. I have a feeling I should have stuck with the grocery store column. 

Read more from Leslie in the Kearney Hub.

P.S. – I don’t want to upset anyone with this article. I just want all Christians to remember – that not everyone is the same. There are far more of us in this world that are quiet with our faith. And still so many more who are a little afraid of it all. I think it’s good there is a wide variety.

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Articles by Leslie Means

Leslie Means

Leslie is the founder and owner of Her View From Home.com. She is also a former news anchor, published children’s book author, weekly columnist, and has several published short stories as well. She is married to a very patient man. Together they have three fantastic kids.  When she’s not sharing too much personal information online and in the newspaper – you’ll find Leslie somewhere in Nebraska hanging out with family and friends. There’s also a 75% chance at any given time, you’ll spot her in the aisles at Target.

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