The Truth Project
Recently, my husband and I attended a small group video/disscusion at a local church. The curriculum was Focus on the Family’s The Truth Project. It seems there is some controversy regarding this “project” with people lining up on both sides of the ideological aisle, and while I find some of the differing opinions thought provoking and spiritually challenging, it is not my attempt in this post to analyze or summarize. We actually only attended a few sessions anyway (did I say that out loud?), so I wouldn’t dream of putting on my theological cap to enlighten you (those who know me best can stop laughing now). Instead, I’m posting the introduction to a series about my own truth project, a concept which was sparked by the following question posed at the closing of the first video session:
Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?
How very fascinating. I mean, when I slow down long enough to sit still and sit quietly with my thoughts, my values, my morals, my upbringing, my beliefs…do I really believe that what I believe about those things are real? Or in other words, what is my truth?
There was a time in my life, not so long ago, when I couldn’t ask myself that question. In fact, if someone else asked that question, I was getting my Bible and/or sermon notes out in preparation for a debate before they finished speaking. You know, go ahead, ask your questions, don’t mind me, I’ll just be sitting over here sharpening my spiritual arrows and standing at the ready to commence firing at your heart when you’ve finished. Hardly compassionate, definitely doing more thinking of my comeback than actually listening, and fueled by the need to be right.
To not only ask myself, “What is my truth?”, but to chisel away all my pat answers, shakes the foundations of my faith and instills in me a great fear of my proverbial house falling into the sea.
What if the answers are different than what I’ve always been taught or believed? That thought doesn’t sit well with my black and white, never shades of gray thinking.
I’m often driven by the belief that on the multiple choice test of life, question A can only be answered with answer B. Never C) All of the above and never, ever D) It all depends. Not to mention the fact that I’m consumed with the feeling that if I even start down the path of pondering and wandering, the timer will sound and the Teacher will ask me to pass in my paper before I’ve filled in the circles. Fail. Epic Fail.
Thus, my apprehension necessitates my action. I realize that giving in to my fear of asking myself and my God questions that are unsettling, unpleasant or unholy may seem easier or more comfortable for a time. But, without the asking, the questions remain and the answers never come.
It is a puzzling thing. The truth knocks on the door and you say, ‘Go away, I’m looking for the truth.’ and so it goes away. Puzzling. Robert M. Pirsig
I have no idea where this road may lead, but I invite you to be a part of my truth project. I am looking for some good, old fashioned blogversation regarding our life experiences with both truth-sayers and truth-slayers. About basic, fundamental truths that are the foundation of our faith and life and love as well as those beloved little truths that have been ripped from our clutched fists as we fall down kicking and screaming. I invite you to comment, or e-mail, or if you’d rather, just stop by and listen to what others have to share. It is my prayer and belief that somewhere along the way, “[We] will know the truth, and the truth will set [us] free.”
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