My Absence

Dear friends,

To those near to me and far from me, I love and miss you; I appreciate you and I pray for you. The fact that we met is nothing less than a miracle of the divine creator of all things.

I am currently reading a book that is interesting, insightful and a bit frightening. It’s not a horror book, it is a compilation of writings and essays written by C. S. Lewis between 1940 and 1963, a year before I was born, side note today is my birthday! I’ve become somewhat of a fan of Mr. Lewis’ writings over the years. The book I’m reading, called “ God in the Dock” has been on my book shelf for a number of years. I’ve always felt I wasn’t quite ready to read it or understand it. Truth is most of us put things off because of one reason or another, none of which are very valid.

• I can’t wear that, I will when I lose weight
• I can’t do that, I’m not talented enough
• I’m too old for that
• I’m not pretty enough

Get the idea! We all have excuses. I’ve got more than I dare to list.

I’m about half way through the book, actually listening through audible. The writings and essays cover a wide range of topics; to name a few: the logic of theism, good and evil, miracles, the role of women in the church, and ethics and politics.

I’ve already learned a few new ways of looking at life.

• We, that is to say each of us should not strive to be better than everyone else; BUT, be the best that we were created to be. Be the person God intended us to be. This along with encouraging others to do the same. Competition should be within oneself and not with others. In this spirit of living, the issue of jealous, envy or grudges have no foundation to grow. There’s nothing wrong with winning, as there’s nothing wrong with losing as long as everyone does their best in the performance. I played competitive sports for several years, I experienced both the highs and lows of competition. And, the reality is even if I did my very best sometimes I lost, not because I failed but my opponent was better. I see failure in a much different light than when I was younger. No blame on any one person, society and media place value and success on numbers (ratings, points, etc.). Failure just means an experience that requires some modifications and application changes.

• Chapter 10 “Christian Apologetics” I found this chapter of particular interest because Lewis is speaking to a group of Priests and Youth organizations. Of course I needed to understand “apologetics” I will share it now. Apologetics is quite literally defense of the faith; the Greek word apologia means “defense” as a lawyer gives at a trial. In every generation, people face the challenges, questions, and concerns of the gospel message of the Christian faith. The difference between apologetics and theology is Apologetics discusses and defends the faith against those who don’t understand or agree with it. Theology attempts to gain a deeper understanding of the faith. The point that Lewis makes is that when teaching, preaching and sharing of the Bible one should know their audience. I like this because for many of us laypeople, need our knowledge base expanded because we have not attended seminary or advanced biblical teachings or even understand the different languages as in the original texts using Hebrew, Arabic, Greek or Latin. These are all part of the Christian history even if we don’t read, write or speak it, when reference to it, it literally hold no meaning. The Bible has such a rich cultural context and holds such importance for Christianity’s foundation, we laypeople may never deep dive into it but we should be given the options to explore and hear the history of words and phrases used outside of our individual language.

• Good and evil, do they exist. Short answer, yes. Did God create evil, No. let me just say, I’m not a theologian…just sharing my thoughts. God created everything, including our ability to think (free will) and make decisions, (even bad ones). The Angelic being called Lucifer, created by God sinned and was cast out of Heaven. If you are interested in a a satire reading about Lucifer, that is now called Satan check out “The Screwtape Letters.” The Biblical account of Lucifer’s story it can be read here: Ezekiel 28 and Isaiah 14. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/angels-and-demons/how-did-lucifer-fall-and-become-satan-11557519.html?amp=1

• Then, in chapter 14 “‘Miserable Offenders’ An Interpretation Of Prayer Book Language” I found the prayers to be inspiring and truthful. I will share the below.

For many, this particular book “God in the Dock” I would not recommend as a starter book into C.S.Lewis’ work, I would suggest the following for starters:

• The Chronicles of Narnia
• The Screwtape Letters
• The Cosmic Trilogy
• Till We Have Faces
• A Grief Observed

Lastly, today I would like to extend my gratitude and appreciation to each person that is a part of this blog, thus is a part of my life. I joined WordPress at the recommendation from a very dear friend, and I thoroughly enjoy the community that has welcomed me. I missed sharing my anniversary date with everyone, it’s a few days late but the anniversary is not mine alone to celebrate, I share it all of YOU!

July 21, 2013

“Do not let your happiness depend on something you may lose.” — C.S. Lewis, The Four Loves

“There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there’s never more than one.”― C.S. Lewis, That Hideous Strength

“If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”—C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity

~ Charlotte, Seeker of unexpected Comfort, Happiness, Joy and Patience.

References:

https://www.orcuttchristian.org/Lewis%20CS%20-%20God_in_the_Dock.pdf