[__ Prayer __] stigma

[Christ_empowered]

It finally dawned on me (blame it on the ECT...took a minute...) that I am/was one of the most thoroughly stigmatized people around here, and that's what's making people so angry.

Sickly, effeminate, prematurely aged, unattractive, dead eyed, victim of psychiatry, former junkie, poor...

...shall we go on?

Jesus has saved me, is saving me, and will save me (I pray). I really "bring out the demon in people" because I "don't know my place," etc. etc. Too low on the totem pole to matter. Now people can't oppress me near as much (Praise God!).

I don't know why I'm posting this. Its like, ECT and having lived through it in that brain damaged haze really blinds you to the reality of your situation. Truth is, I was "the least of these" in a big, big way, and only the Born Again Christians and Jesus really cared. When people move up out of stigma, what's to be done with them, right? I mean, its interesting, from a sociological perspective...

and it makes me wonder: what happened to those NT people Jesus healed? To their communities? See where I'm going with this?

Anyway, file this one under both Praise Report and Prayer Request. I praise God for my life and all He's done for me. At the same time, now that I'm coming out of the haze (Praise God!), I'm a little scared of the stigma that surrounds me...

I'm really sick of the stigma. This started 10+/- years ago, when I moved back here from college at 19. Pray for an end to my oppression, please.

 

[Eugene]

I mean, its interesting, from a sociological perspective... and it makes me wonder: what happened to those NT people Jesus healed? To their communities? See where I'm going with this?

Luke 17:17 And Jesus answering said, Were there not ten cleansed? but where are the nine?
You came back.

 

[Christ_empowered]

yup yup...

I'm just sick of this stigma and oppression. Clearly, I'm healthier than ever. I'm healthier than your average 30 year old. I'm smart again, which is a huge blessing. On and on...the good work of The Lord is amazing. My community, however, wants to "keep me in line," which is ridiculous. I'm just a little bit frustrated, that's all.

 

[follower]

how was Yeshua treated ? yes, some or many in different places worshiped Him and adored Him and served Him,
yet
also
many (or some) treated Him as a criminal, and called Him a drunkard, and they even said He had a demon, and that He cast out demons by bellbuzzbub........

so don't be surprised nor overcome when the 'stigma' of being a follower/student of Yeshua continues more or less no matter where you may be or go --- even by 'religious' fold / 'christendom' --- the world 'church' encompasses most of 'christendom' and will not accept you nor encourage you nor help you unless you give in to them to serve 'man's' way instead of serving the Master Savior King Yeshua ! (the whole world, economic, political, and religious all have to 'bow' to (give in to) the deceiver(s) in order for the deceiver(s) to gain and hold such power as they (already) have and will have to enforce, or try to enforce, the "no buy or sell" unless you worship the beast.... ... ) (Revelation)
believers are subsequently executed (possibly many beheaded?) for their faith, just as it is written..... (i.e. the world and the worldly church doesn't like nor love the followers of Yeshua at all - they treat them like Yeshua was treated)


Revelation 6:9-11King James Version (KJV)

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

 

[Christ_empowered]

I don't think I'm necessarily being persecuted for being a Christian, although I don't think that helps any. Maybe I am, lol. I dunno.

 

[follower]

for when you are, this is good news >>

Matthew 5:10Amplified Bible (AMP)
10 Blessed and happy and enviably fortunate and spiritually prosperous (in the state in which the born-again child of God enjoys and finds satisfaction in God’s favor and salvation, regardless of his outward conditions) are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake (for being and doing right), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!

 

[Willie T]

I don't think I'm necessarily being persecuted for being a Christian, although I don't think that helps any. Maybe I am, lol. I dunno.

I have to agree. I don't think Christianity has much, at all, to do with it.

 

[follower]

With our hunger and thirst for righteousness comes the promise of persecution for those who take a stand for God. We have not been called to safety and comfort but to serve in the midst of conflict. Persecution is not to be strenuously avoided, for it is the result of righteous living. To avoid it, one would have to cease living righteously. (biblegateway/part of devotional i think)
Everywhere that the disciples of Yeshua stand up for the truth, they are persecuted, usually by governments and religious authorities, no matter what country they are in.

 

[GrannyJ]

Once you've "earned" a stigma in the community, it's really hard to shake it. I was seen as 'weird' in my schooldays (I guess I probably was!) and picking on me became a habit. I don't know how I could have changed that if I'd stayed in that community after I left school. I didn't. I moved to the city and made friends with people who didn't know I was supposed to be 'weird', and life eventually became normal.

I know moving is not an easy option for you right now, and I'm trying to think of some coping strategies. I do remember that at school everyone became my mate as soon as difficult Maths homework was dished out - they all needed help with it, and forgot about me being 'weird' for a bit. I know they were only using me, but at the same time, I didn't mind, because for a while I had company and got to share in a few laughs and some temporary popularity.

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that the only time the weirdo is acceptable is when he or she has something to give to the community. If you can find a way of giving to the community, they may back off long enough to be able to see the new person you have become, instead of the old one that they despised.

Not sure if this makes any sense!