be-musings

I've read a few books since spring. Try not to fall off your chair at the thought. I've completed: The Kingdom of God is a Party, Messy Spirituality, Barbarian Way, and now am reading It's Friday but Sunday's Comin'. I found some great truths in each book. Generally people rate great truths as things that agree with their own views. I guess I do too, but also when my views are challenged it causes me to think of some things that normally wouldn't cross my mind. I like that as well, even though at those times I might feel frustrated or emotional about my perception of the writer or his viewpoints. The Barbarian Way was such a book.
I typically copy pages that have sections which prompt more thought (either agreement or disagreement) than others. Sometimes afterwards I don't know why I really liked them. Like when you tag a page of a fashion magazine and upon review wonder what attracted you to it in the first place. Maybe it's better to blog about them while they're fresh than save them for months - I don't know. A recent section in Sunday's Comin' speaks to me.
"If a counselor believes that persons can make decisions that have the potential to transform them into new creatures, I shout 'Hurrah!' But when counseling becomes nothing more than an analysis of the past in the belief that insight into the factors conditioning the person's present personality will deliver him in health and happiness, I object."
I will agree with people who say that the past influences who a person is. I continue to work through my own phobias and emotions based on my life experiences. They influence me, and as I strive to break them, their effect on me diminishes. Sometimes I intentionally put myself in situations that have created phobia so that I can deal with the fear rationally. I am unlikely to drown while swimming or boating or crossing a bridge. I know that this "human conditioning" is best when there is also a spiritual element. I pray about stuff and admit to God that I don't want certain things anymore. As a situation brings up fear or negative memory I can stop and think of God's presence with me, telling him that I want him to be brave with me because perhaps sometimes being brave alone feels....alone.
"No matter what our backgrounds happen to be, we all have options. There are always alternatives from which we can choose." One of the factors is if we REALLY want to make the choice(s), especially when it's easier to continue as is.
"...the past does not determine who a person is."
You might be a product of your environment, your health problems, your past. It influences you, but it doesn't have to control who you are today. You are not helpless in the equation of what you are, can become, and are in Christ.

Thought done - for now.