Unfiltered Christian Podcast
Welcome to "Unfiltered Christian," a podcast where faith meets authenticity. Join me as we share the raw and real experiences of our Christian journey, navigating the highs and lows of life. Through heartfelt testimonials and candid conversations, we'll explore the challenges and triumphs of living a life of faith. Whether you're struggling or soaring, this podcast aims to uplift, encourage, and remind you that you're never alone in your walk with Christ. Tune in for genuine insights, relatable stories, and a community of believers striving to grow together.
Unfiltered Christian Podcast
Ep 13 - Have you ever felt ashamed to be a Christian?
What happens when standing up for your faith feels like you're swimming against the tide? Join us as we unravel the struggles and triumphs of expressing Christian beliefs in a world that often seems indifferent—or even hostile. Personal stories weave through our conversation, sharing moments of vulnerability and courage, like when an encounter with a homeless woman became a profound lesson in faith and identity. The insights gleaned from these experiences serve as both a mirror and a beacon, challenging us to remain steadfast in our spiritual journey.
Navigating the maze of social and professional landscapes while holding onto one's religious convictions can be daunting. We explore the dual life many Christians lead, caught between church and more secular environments. Whether it's wearing faith-based clothing or choosing friends that align with our values, these decisions reveal deeper insecurities and societal pressures. With anecdotes of personal battles in workplaces and social settings, we reflect on the courage required to be true to oneself, even at the risk of feeling isolated or misunderstood.
In a world brimming with judgment and misunderstanding, embracing God's unwavering love and grace becomes not only a refuge but a source of strength. We delve into the essence of divine love, contrasting it with human judgment and exploring how grace renews us each day. By sharing personal encounters and thoughtful reflections, we discuss the joy and challenges of living out one's faith authentically. This episode offers both encouragement and a call to action, urging listeners to embody the boldness of their convictions and extend grace to others, no matter the circumstances.
Thank you for Listening
To ask us a question email us @ unfilteredchristian1@gmail.com
Welcome to Unfiltered Christian with Cece and Shea.
Speaker 2:Come and join us on an authentic journey through the highs and lows of our Christian faith.
Speaker 1:Where we'll be holding nothing back. And welcome back to.
Speaker 2:Unfiltered Christian podcast Thought.
Speaker 1:You didn't know that. You gotta be with me, guys. I am not feeling good today physically um, it's my question and she's not feeling good herself, so you gotta bear with both of us. So, she, my first question is a yes or no question. Have you?
Speaker 2:ever felt ashamed to be a Christian.
Speaker 1:Yes, and can you recall a time when you felt hesitant or even embarrassed to share your faith? Yes, what was the?
Speaker 2:situation and how did you deal with it? Oh, that's a hard one. I don't know if I can actually remember any specifics. My brain only works on the recent, very good at blocking out the past. I think recently I was talking to someone from my past, that is, I don't even know, I wouldn't, I don't like to say people are not a Christian but doesn't necessarily have a practicing daily relationship with Elohim.
Speaker 2:I didn't want to feel like I couldn't be me, and being me is speaking about Elohim, like wherever, just openly, like you know, like saying phrases oh, by God's grace, or you know, things like that, right. And then I started to become conscious of that, which started to irritate me, because I was like, am I doing that? I don't have to. That person is not making me feel like I have to be that way. By the way, it's just this automatic, like I don't know barrier that comes up. I don't, I don't get it sometimes. Um, and then I had to shut it down and say to myself no, you're not doing this, and I prayed about it and I was like I'm not gonna do that. And then, like, I was very open and said, look, like this is my life now, like this is the person I am like. I want to be able to be open about it and not feel a way about it, even though that's not necessarily what you're doing. I feel like I don't want to feel like I'm quote unquote Bible bashing, but also I feel like I could be that light for that person to get closer to Elohim. To get closer to Elohim. So I feel like sometimes you just need to fight that feeling, because I feel like it's easy when someone is a believer or they've stepped away from God and it's easier to talk to them.
Speaker 2:And I feel like when we have to talk to someone that is not necessarily on that path I'm not gonna say we, because not all of us do that, um, but some of us withdraw because you're just like okay, I don't want them to feel like I'm up in their face with this God stuff, if that makes sense like you don't want them to to see God in a negative light, um, by constantly saying stuff and they just think you know, and I feel like, also, is that is that person getting used to that new you? Because it's it's some, it's something they're not used to, especially if they've known you for a long time, um, and I think that's what it was for me. So I don't know if I'm necessarily, I'm just working on. Basically, I'm in the process of just working on being myself and not feeling like which, like I said, that person's not making me feel that way, so I think it's just me. I need to work on that, to not feel like I'm doing anything because it doesn't. There's no issue there. So I just don't know why that happens.
Speaker 2:But I had another situation where I was always seeing this homeless lady that I'd always talked to, and I feel like that was another situation where the faith thing, I was just like, oh my gosh, like I don't want to do you know what I mean like I don't want it to feel like I'm throwing anything in her face in a way, but I felt the Holy Spirit tell me to pray for her, and that was on my mind for a long time and I was just like how do I just go to this girl and just say like can I pray for you? Um, you know, even I talked to her and I just say how are you like, how you feeling? Like you know, like I'd see she had an injury, and I'd always like checking her like we were talking, because I'd see her often and like sometimes.
Speaker 2:I get something to eat or whatever. Sometimes she'll say no, thank you, and like she even asks me how I am. It's just crazy like she always has a smile on her face and it's just like I don't know. I have a love for her as a child of God, like not like I don't love other people, but her, just her aura, like about her, like I just pray for to have that myself and there's just a beauty in her, even though she doesn't have much or little to none.
Speaker 2:And, um, I feel like I finally plucked up the courage, um, to pray for her. Um, and what I do love. I think that day my son was with me as well, um, yeah, and he was able to witness that not like I'm trying to do something for for clout or do something for attention or whatever, but it was just. It was lovely for him to witness that moment. But I asked her if I can pray for her. She said yes, please, and I was like, wow, like I didn't even, you know, I didn't even expect that.
Speaker 2:And it's just, um, do you know what? Talking about this? Now, it's just a reflection of the fact that you just need to step out in faith and you are a child of God. We are children of God and if people reject you, that's okay. It's not you they're rejecting. I feel like it's really hard to get that into your head, but I prayed for her and she told me thank you, and like she was so grateful and I literally felt that, whatever it was, I'm not going to call it a burden, but that thing lifted off my shoulders like, oh, I did it. I did what God wanted me to do, like I prayed for her, yeah. So I feel like I guess that's two situations I can kind of think of that are slightly different but Two different people, two different situations.
Speaker 2:Yeah, two different situations, yeah.
Speaker 1:Cool. So my next question that I have why do you think some Christians feel ashamed or struggle to stand up for their faith?
Speaker 2:Man, why do they feel ashamed? Oh, that is tough. Maybe some feel ashamed because of their past um maybe they feel like who am I to?
Speaker 2:like, you know, maybe they're still struggling that battle with their selves. You know, I mean like who am I to? Even um speak up? Like you know, I'm, I'm still damaged or whatever, or I'm still I'm not, I'm not that good, I'm not perfect, you know. I mean like maybe that's that could be one thing.
Speaker 2:Um, maybe some Christians just don't want to. They they're still living two lives. So they're still in the world and of the world, and when I say that I mean like they're still doing the things that they would do in their past or they're just trying to be a part of two different worlds. So you have your quote unquote church world, and then you have your world with your friends, where they don't know you're a Christian and you're still doing everything else that they're doing. And when you're at home with your family and when you're at church, you're this angel and you know you're just behaving good and you're not acting ratchet the way you would with your friends and all this stuff. Um, you know, sometimes people are struggling to let go of that life, um, outside of church and stuff like that, and that could be why they're ashamed, because they're living a double life, um, stuff like that, and that could be why they're ashamed because they're living a double life. I don't know, I think that's the only thing I can think of. I can't really think of why.
Speaker 2:Rejection as well? Maybe you don't want, like people could feel, like they don't want to be rejected for their faith. I mean, like you know, know, we live in a western world where you can be open about it, but there's places in the world where you literally can't you can't even, yeah, say that you serve the god of heaven because you will be killed, um, and in those those scenarios, I get it, um, I do get it, but I still feel like, yeah, even in the Western world, you still feel a bit like a bit of rejection. Do you know what's so funny?
Speaker 2:I had this very strange feeling because I've recently bought some stuff that has Christian quotes or whatever. It is. Like I might say Yahweh or I don't know a scripture on the back or whatever it is. Like I might say yahweh or I don't know a scripture in the back or whatever, and I was so excited to buy this thing and wear it. Now, as I'm speaking this, I'm gonna say it was the devil, because I I've been wanting to do that where I have something that I wear every day that reflects who I am oh, do you mean like clothes?
Speaker 1:yeah, clothes, yeah did I not say that?
Speaker 2:sorry, I'm not here. Sorry guys, I'm really not here. I'm just yeah, sorry. Yeah, clothes. So I bought this. I bought this jumper and it has like a scripture in the back and it says Jesus in the back and stuff. And, um, I was so excited to wear this thing, like I couldn't wait for it to come and stuff, and I was like, yeah, like I've been trying to do that daily, like, even if it's like in between, I have something that reflects my faith yeah um, and I felt so proud to like buy this thing and wear it.
Speaker 2:And then I wore it and I there was a day where it was hot, so I took my jacket off and this like unwanted thought came to my head of what if someone sees you that is a radicalist and tries to attack you because you're wearing something of God Like? I don't know where that thought came from, but it's like you don't know what world you live in, right? Yeah, you feel so free to want to do it, and it's like I was like, why did this thing come to my head? I did not understand that at all, and sometimes the enemy boy can just plant things that I wouldn't, I would have not. I don't know where that came from. I really don't know where it came from, and sometimes he would just come and shake you up and just make you feel like I started feeling aware.
Speaker 2:I was looking around, like there's people staring at me like yeah, it got into my paranoid yeah and I'm just like but wait, I was looking forward to wearing this jumper, like I don't get what's going on here you spent your money waiting for the delivery delivery like this is a whole week and a half honey, like waiting for this thing. I even left it there because I wanted to wear it to a work training. So, like I, I even I even wanted to wear it to like an open environment where everyone would see this thing like I was, I was ready, you know yeah like I was like yes, you look cute like I, like I was together.
Speaker 2:I was like yes, and then I didn't, suddenly outside on the street, this thought just came to my head like whoop. I was like why, why, what is that? I had to block that out. I was like no, I rebuke it in Jesus' name. Like you best go away, like no, and I feel like sometimes things like that happens you know when that unwanted shame comes from nowhere. Like yeah, you know, and you have to, you have to fight.
Speaker 1:these are things that we are fighting daily, man, oh, wow, yeah that's what you said has led me to my other question, um, but I did wanted to touch on um before I ask my next question is the fact that sometimes it's our own thoughts that stop us, rather than other people true do you believe that either being ashamed of your christian walk or to show your faith is more of a personal struggle, a social influence like outside influences, or both, and can give a your reason for it?
Speaker 2:definitely both for sure, for sure, for sure, sure. You know, like I feel like I slightly touched on that before. It's definitely a personal struggle, because I feel like you, when you're coming into that, your path and your relationship with Elohim, you're definitely battling with self and you're going through changes that you yourself didn't believe that you can do if that makes sense, yeah, because it wasn't done in your power. So it's like the battle with self is just, oh, my gosh, I feel like it's, it's probably it can be number one at times. Um, it can definitely be number one at times because, like you said, it's like sometimes you're the one putting thoughts in your head, um, and I feel like that's been me throughout my journey for the last how many years, you know, like sometimes, a lot of the time, it's me, yeah, a lot of times, you're the one that's blocking yourself from that relationship building with Elohim. You're the one that's blocking your blessings that he wants to give on to you, like you're the one that's blocking all of it a lot of the times, a lot of the time it's us. And socially, yeah, definitely it's also a contra bution as well, and that can be where you're struggling to let go of certain friendships. It could be a thing where you didn't even realize, by the way, that that friendship is not right for you. But in time of building your relationship with Elohim, you then realize that, actually, do you know what? I don't think this person is right for me, like they're not supporting me on this journey, but you're struggling to let go because they've been in your life for so long or like they've been, they're so close to you and it's like how do you tell this person, like I don't think we should, I don't think we should be friends anymore, like I don't think we should talk anymore, whatever it is. And that's hard because, as much as it seems simple, because you're thinking I was a friend, like the world we're in now, your friends are your family now, and it is hard to let go of certain friendships. I really thank Elohim. I didn't really have that problem. Um, I feel like everyone that's been in my life throughout my journey, it hasn't really been a thing like I've had. I haven't had to let go of anybody per se, like they've, whether they're on my same journey or not, they're supportive of me, they're supportive of whatever you know, um, so yeah, so, um, yeah, I haven't had to go through that struggle, but I can get that.
Speaker 2:That's really hard and it's like, how do you come out of certain circles that you're in, like say, for example, like I don't know, all your friends, like you guys are, you guys rave together, aka you go to party and clubs or whatever together. Right, yeah, in England we say rave, you guys rave together. Like you got your little okay's, let's, let's. You know I'm gonna jump into us. Right, let's think about us.
Speaker 2:Right, our thing was like the soca world, right, and we we like, well, I don't have that circle anymore.
Speaker 2:But like, say, we did have that circle where we had, like all your soca friends and stuff like that, and you're, you're trying to move away from that world. That can be hard, because it's kind of been like a little family to you. You know, like you guys you support each other, you guys go out, you have a nice time and all that kind of stuff, and it's like they are still in that world and you and you're like you feel a bit lonely because you're like okay, so who am I going to roll with now? Because I don't want to do that anymore. And that could be hard as well, because it's like, oh, you're losing good friends, but they're not on the same path as you, and it's like battle, battle, battle, battle, battle, like every day, you know. So yeah, it's definitely both, but I feel like you definitely battle with self more and then the social stuff after. But I mean it could that's just me speaking from experience, it could be the other way around. But nah, man, yeah, I also feel like it.
Speaker 1:Sometimes, depending how old you are, bullying can be an aspect if you're, if you're a uh yeah, it actually doesn't even have to do with age, because you could get bullied at any time um doesn't have to actually mean physically bullying, but, um, you could be on your christian journey and be laughed at for always reading your bible, doing things that you're, you're, you're more in hiding. I wouldn't say embarrassed, but you're in fair because you like you're always picked upon.
Speaker 1:um, there's so many when I was thinking about this question, like ever having like fair or being embarrassed to be a Christian, and like there's so many examples of you know, for example, like seven day Adventists being so different. There's other, there's like Mormons, that are different as well, and you could be in a environment and you're the only one that stick out. So, instead of following what you, what you do, you just join the others because they are christian and like, yes, we're all seen as one, but then you're not following what your faith does because you don't want to stick out, because other people see you as like abnormal when, even though, because they don't believe in what you believe in, it's very, it's very, very interesting, like when you look at it from a wider aspect as well.
Speaker 2:I hate you. It is very interesting. That's deep. Yeah, that's really deep. I was just thinking about the fact of when you said it can happen at any age.
Speaker 2:I was thinking about my son being only five and I asked him do you pray when you have lunch at school? And he said no, mum, my other friends doesn't pray. And I said that's okay, you can still pray because it's something you do at home. So even when you go out, you can go out and pray.
Speaker 2:But him, being five, is very conscious of the fact that his friends don't pray and it's like he feels a way about praying because they don't. And then I think it started kind of wandering on his brain and he was like he comes home and now says oh, mom, this person prays. Oh, this person prays at home, this person goes to church, you know, like, because I wanted him to remember that you are who you are wherever you go. And he started kind of trying to put those things together now, like trying to connect, like, okay, does any of my friends do this? But imagine like he might have a moment where, like, he doesn't want to, he's still young. But I'm just saying like, imagine if he was like oh, do you know what, like, like, well, he is doing that, like because he's like oh, you know, my friends, don't pray.
Speaker 2:I don't want to pray, you know and it just shows that like he has that consciousness of not wanting to be different because he doesn't want them to look at him funny or whatever. Do you know I mean?
Speaker 1:so that battle is happening even so young yeah, and that continues throughout your whole adult life, in different situations right exactly that, because I remember for myself, um, when I started to take um, the sabbath which we do from Friday sunset to Saturday sunset, because everybody's sabbath is different um, and when I took my walk seriously, I remember the first job that I got. I didn't tell them about it because there was like, when they asked you what your faith is like being seven day, wasn't on there. So I thought they wouldn't be understanding. So I was ashamed to say because I thought, well, I've been searching for a job and he's given me this opportunity, but I felt ashamed to actually say, well, actually, during the winter, I can't work at this time on a Friday, um, and then I prayed about it and I came out of that and, um, that was so, this was temping, so it was just a temporary job. And then I got another job and I was temping and they was going to make me permanent, but it was during the summer, so sun.
Speaker 1:What time I finished on Friday didn't really matter, but I made sure when this time, when I got the job, after I got the job I then told them about I would, during winter times, I would have to leave by a certain time because it's sabbath and um, and I literally said to my manager.
Speaker 1:But I understand that if this is an inconvenience, I'm happy to drop the role, and I said that to her to make it clear that I was very serious, bearing in mind. I prayed about this and I fasted about this and I had a sister in church that was praying for me at the same time when I went forth and then she said, ok, I'm just'm just gonna look into it. She goes, oh, I've never, I've never heard of anything like this, like she wasn't even aware of it, like for the Jews. So my manager never heard, like she even researched it because she thought I was lying. And then, um, I didn't hear back. And then there was a meeting and when, uh, I got called to the meeting and I just thought it was my manager and then it was like the head of physio that was there, so it was like her senior manager and my manager, and then I'm sitting in the meeting like, oh my gosh, wow.
Speaker 1:So the hospital that I worked in at the time. There's three sister hospitals, so the job where I was temping was in one of the sister hospitals and I'm now working in the other sister hospital, which is the biggest one so they basically asked me what is it about?
Speaker 1:she said that she's similar of that for jews, but she didn't know about seven-day adventists, and I will also let her know that there's other people that do the sub, the sub as well, that is not just seven-day adventists, um. So they was, um, like quite shocked about that. And then satan came into the room like entered and she said oh, I find this quite funny because for the past like 8 months, she was working in our other sister hospital and you were doing, you were working and you used to finish after 6.30, which is well after the time. So what has changed? And like I wasn't expecting that, I was thinking that often.
Speaker 2:But I was honest. I said you know what.
Speaker 1:at that time I wasn't serious about my faith, but now I am, which is why I also understand that I didn't say it within the interview because I was scared. But I'm also willing to know that if you can't fit me in to be the right candidate, I'm happy to go. And they told me to wait outside. I waited outside. They came in and they said like thank you for the honesty and stuff like that, and they gave it to me and at that time I was like I ain't never gonna be ashamed of you again like that, that whole thing. When it came to the Sabbath, I was like I ain't doing this again literally every job I went into.
Speaker 1:Now I'm just like, yeah, I can't do.
Speaker 2:Friday after this yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, or can.
Speaker 1:I make it up another time or in another way, because yeah that that was a low, that that was so low for me. I was, my hands were sweating in that interview. I was thinking like wow, like you even called the sister.
Speaker 2:Yeah yeah, yeah, they did their research, boy. My girl went to investigate, like the whole, what she's been doing over there and and what is this faith about? What is this? Okay? When does this start? Okay, we didn't know. This about this, that is deep. Do you know what I feel like?
Speaker 2:That's where I stuck to the company I'm in, as hard as my job can be, when it came to my Sabbath, even when I wasn't actually I wasn't practicing it properly.
Speaker 2:I will say that Because at that time, I wasn't serious myself in regards to, like, I didn't get the whole sunset to sunset thing for me. And so, even though I wasn't doing it properly, I still had Saturdays off, even though I left church for like seven years, I swear down, I can literally count on one hand a Saturday I've done at work in the past. At that time yeah, not this time frame, because I'd, by the time I'm about to work, I was serious. But in that eight years time frame, I don't even think I've worked. I'm not gonna say I didn't work a Saturday, but there's no way I worked more than three Saturdays in those eight years. Wow, like I'm telling you like I did not. It felt so uncomfortable to be at work. That's the reason why I was always at work on a Sunday, because that was my compromise, me being off on a Saturday. I worked most Sundays, unless I requested a weekend off.
Speaker 1:Okay, most Sundays, unless I requested a weekend off.
Speaker 2:Okay. So like they always respected that for me, like they always, my company always respected that or whatever manager I had that was under at that time depends on where I was, like, based. I I never had that issue. Like I always had my Saturday off, um, and I feel like that's my like, I'm gonna say like a fear is not what a feeling we should have, but it is my fear about finding another job because I just feel like I've had that for so long and that's majority of my career, by the way, because of um, like, even though I work in the care sector, majority of my career, that's what I've done.
Speaker 2:I did do like work in the care sector. Majority of my career, that's what I've done. I did do like work in a hospital not a hospital, but in the NHS, that's the National Health Service based ugh ugh organisation in England Even though I worked there for just under a year that was just Monday to Friday I honestly didn't finish early in the wintertime. I didn't because I was a bank worker and I was also scared to kind of say like well, I can't really finish late on the thing and I didn't know how to make it up and stuff and it was just, yeah, I didn't say anything in that timeframe myself, but I still didn't work on a Saturday in that time frame myself, but I still didn't work on a Saturday. So, for me, I spent my whole working career never working on a Saturday.
Speaker 2:So I feel like my mindset now when I'm thinking about finding another job and then having to say to them what you're talking about, like I cannot work. I can work on a Friday, but only up to this point. I feel like at this point, that's why I prefer to just not work on a Friday, to say, yeah, I can't work on a Friday, so I don't have to do this back and forth. I'll just be like, yeah, fridays are out, I can do any other day of the week, of course, except Saturdays as well, depending on the role.
Speaker 2:But that was very, very brave of you, though that. That was very, very brave of you though that you, you kept reiterating to them that if the role is not for me, I don't mind letting go of that role. I feel like showing them that and showing how serious and you know it's amazing it's just like do you see how God works? Because you told your manager that before she even went to the seniors and stuff and had this discussion, and then now they were coming with this evidence. So imagine how you never said to her from beforehand I'm happy to let go of the role.
Speaker 1:Like, I'm serious, yeah, like, oh my gosh, yeah, that was nice, I like, I like that testimony it just shows you that sometimes we're put in positions like the same thing that shay was saying that I can't remember who. It was recently that I was around and then the lord was like pray for them. And then I'm battling like oh, myself they're gonna ask why am I? But I'm, I'm answering for them and I haven't even asked them like can I pray?
Speaker 1:for you yeah um, because I think for me everybody knows that I'm a christian, so me saying certain stuff is not out of character, if, if they say no, they say no, like I shouldn't make that decision for them. That's true, because we were created in his image. He knows us individually. So I think we need to come out of our mind when the Lord says pray for that person. Yes, it feels uncomfortable because that feeling is horrid. All of a sudden, you don't know how to pray anymore, like honestly, literally you're tongue-tied.
Speaker 2:You're like, yeah, you don't even know nothing. You don't even know scriptures anymore. You're just like what is?
Speaker 1:words, literally, and it even happened to me like I put my foot down at um somebody's christening. They wanted me to bless the table, but I was feeling sick and I literally said I'm not gonna pray, like can you get somebody else to pray? Because I'm I'm not feeling good. And they said it was fine. And then what happened? I still ended up praying, even though I was holding on to the table, but everyone was calling me to come and pray like no, we want you. And I was just like lord and I think that's the thing we need to remember that we're here for his purpose, not our own um and we will be put.
Speaker 1:I feel like the times that we're living in now, it's more easier to be a christian for the as she did point out, not everywhere in the world you can shout loud and clear that, whatever faith you're, whatever faith you have, um. So the times that we have, we need to train ourself and train our mind not to be shy, not to be embarrassed because we're not bible bashing this is our life.
Speaker 1:It's not a lifestyle, it is our life, you know um, and I think, when you compare like I don't know, like what shea was talking about being scared to wear, um, a t-shirt that resembles her life, compared to when you're in the world wearing skimpy stuff, like you wasn't thinking about what, what, what the naysayers are going to say like, or people judging me, like oh look how batty cheeks are showing. Or her breasts, you didn't care about those things you're just, you're just there and it's like I don't care, I look good.
Speaker 1:Do you get what I mean? And I think that's what we need to say, like I am a Christian and I look good. Good, it's true, you know, it's true, you know, you just got to reverse certain things.
Speaker 1:Because it's so easy to be bad, like you know, and it could be anything Like I think sometimes you've got to look back at where Yahuwah has brought you from. Like, whether you was a smoker, you was whatever you was doing. And if people say, oh, why are you always smoking? It's bad for your health, and you're like are you smoking or is it me? Like we always had a comeback for for things.
Speaker 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, it's true, and we're not saying to have a comeback for the people that reject him, like the lord will deal with that in this in his own time. Yeah, but it's just about the confidence that we had when we were sinning. We need to have that confidence to not be ashamed of him and to walk in his image. And I talk to myself because I've realised that the Lord has been asking me to pray for people sometimes and I'm finding it so difficult. I'm like oh.
Speaker 1:Lord. So I, literally, and this is why I wanted to ask the question, because it's something that we all struggle with. So my next question oh, in the meantime, can you find Romans 1, verse 16?
Speaker 2:and I'm going to what the romans 1, verses 16 for I am not ashamed of the gospel of christ, for, oh, lord, sorry, that kind of hit me because it has a comma as well, so it's like, oh, I could just roll with that part, let me start again. For I am not ashamed of the gospel of christ, for it is the power of god to salvation for everyone who who believes, for the jew first, for the jew first and also for the Greek.
Speaker 1:And 2 Timothy 1, verses 7 to 8, says For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore, do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me, his prisoner, but share with me in the suffering for the gospel, according to the power of God. So here he even talks about in suffering because he knows that there's going to be times where you know you're going to be rejected or people's going to say no, and it is fine if the lord tells us to do something or we're put in a position to show, um, what we believe in, it's okay.
Speaker 1:And I think also what you got to realize is that there's so many influencers now and celebrities, I should say as well that is giving their life to Christ, whether they're a rapper, an influencer or whatever they may be, and they are standing up there like they're on TV saying you know, I don't drink no more, I'm abstaining from sex and like that. So many people are like, wow, you know they're turning their life around. And then you've got little old us who is ashamed. But you know, the Bible says that you'll be persecuted in my name.
Speaker 1:So, we need to also understand that as well, that we're already going to be persecuted in his name. So when we put that on our forefront. Like you know, yes. Like if you go for a job and they turn you down, it's okay. Like, yes, the bills are coming up, but he will never leave you nor forsake you.
Speaker 1:Something else is gonna come, like you know anything that compromises, like, even like with muslims, like a lot of them, at christmas parties, they will say, oh, it can't be in a pub because I can't be in a place with alcohol, and their workplace will have to change it. You know like and I understand, not every christian is, um, people are on different. Every christian is on a different walk with their life. Yeah, so you've got some that may still drink and don't have an issue, and then they've got you and they'll be like, oh, that we're both Christians, yeah, but I don't believe in that and that's okay.
Speaker 1:And you know, there's many things that I have turned down, because a lot of things in my last workplace happened on on a Friday and they didn't get it and they used to be like, oh, just come, just come, or you never come to any social event. And I stand my ground and it's okay to stand your ground and, yes, you're gonna feel like you're all alone, and but you're not alone because you're doing it for ya and that is the main thing. Like you cry out to him, you say like, lord, I'm doing this, but I feel lonely, or I don't have any friends, as Shay was saying like, losing like your social circle, he will bless you with he, will he?
Speaker 1:yes, you'll feel lonely for that moment, but he will bless you. And, as she said, like, no matter where you are, we always care about image, like, um, even one of my friends, he told me that when he goes to the restaurant, he will like when he, when he's going on dates, like whoever he goes on a date with he's he's praying, like he's like no, we gotta pray to bless the food. And he said a lot of the dates.
Speaker 1:This is different and a lot of them, like whether he's the dates continue or not. They've said, like you know what it's made me? I used to pray over my food, but now I don't. And I used to pray over my food and now I don't. And so, as I said, this is an unfiltered Christian podcast. Like they pray for the food at church, it's only when I, when I smell certain things and I'm like, lord, please bless this, and I'm being serious. It's not that I'm ashamed, it's just not at my head anymore.
Speaker 1:Yeah, but then my friend saying that to me the other day made me think, you know what. Maybe I should start praying over my food, because there's many people out there that can't eat and I need to be thankful, true.
Speaker 2:It's hard, you know, because it's like I start sometimes I don't pray over my food these days because I think, like, is this a bit of a ritual? Like am I doing this all the time? But then I'll be shouting at my son, going, did you pray? And I will talk to myself, going because I I created a prayer for us for for meals and he's been saying it since he could just about move his mouth, literally. Um, and I don't know where it came from. It's just a prayer I've always felt comfortable with. When it comes to, when I'm about to eat, um, yeah, so that's, that's, that's a, that's an interesting one. Um, because sometimes like and you know it's so funny as long as we pray at church, and then he'll about to pray again and I'm like, oh no, we prayed, they prayed over the food, and it's like, oh, you know, like you have to get your mind around it because you're so used to doing it, but I hear that man praying on a date thing, toot, toot, shout out.
Speaker 2:That is me boy. I mean, I don't think I've tried to implement that more recently because I'm just like no, we're going to pray.
Speaker 2:We are going to pray, but I pray for other things. It is not easy, it really isn't. It is a battle and it's made me think about the fact that that's something I need to pray about more, because before I used to struggle to pray for people, like by myself, right, I used to be like, ooh, how do I pray for this person, like you know? And now I've got that smack down Like I could pray. Send me a prayer, honey. I'm going to pray in front of you. Oh, I don't.
Speaker 2:Yeah, that's a whole different story. Like I even got asked to pray in church the other day and, as much as I like to pray, I feel like I stumbled. Well, I feel like I stumbled, even though, like, there's no wrong way of praying, praying, I felt so off because it's not the way I normally pray and I was like, am I rambling here? And then, like the person who asked me to pray, like came and hugged me and said thank you, and I was like, oh, it wasn't really very, very good, and she's like it's not about it being good, but I was like, still, it just felt a bit like you know I? And like, yeah, I don't know. I went on the stage.
Speaker 1:I can't remember what I said, but everyone's like oh, that was such a nice prayer, but for me I was stuttering, I couldn't get the words out. I was just like to me.
Speaker 2:I'm sorry that was a lacking prayer. I could have done better than that. I feel like that's what. That's just what it was. I just know I'm capable of doing it better, the same way that you're capable of pushing yourself to do anything better, even though that's not how it is with God. But you know what I mean. Like, if I'm representing him, especially in his house, and I'm on his pulpit, I want to do a nice prayer. So I was like what was that? I go to stage like girl, no, you know. But yeah, yeah, we move, man, but we, we definitely have to.
Speaker 2:There's so many others out there that don't really know how to pray or not how, because there's no right or wrong way. But they don't even know how to start and sometimes they think there's a right or wrong way and we could just be that voice for them. And prayer is beautiful. Prayer is like it's literally the best way that we can connect with Elohim and like so many people are in need of that. And every time I say to someone I'll pray for you, they're like yes, please. Like we're in a world now that people really, really in need of prayer, like they don't know where else to turn. I'm just hearing like I. I've personally felt I don't know if I've said this to people necessarily much outside of faith, so I could be being a bit biased here, but I felt it recently. When you say to someone I'm going to pray for you, it's been much more better received because everyone is feeling so much going on, there's so much brokenness, there's so much hurt. Saying that to someone now, or like asking them to pray for, like people want it, yeah, yeah, they really do. Like you know what, not a testimony? I guess I'm meant to talk about it.
Speaker 2:Um, there was this homeless man. Well, no, I don't know if he's homeless, let me not say that, but he's not, he's struggling. Let's just say that. Um, me and my son go past him. We've been past him at least at least twice that day.
Speaker 2:Right, it was on the second journey coming back, I saw him. It was freezing outside and he was outside a supermarket and I asked him if he wanted something to eat and he's like oh, yes, please, I'd like whatever, whatever, went to get him and came back and stuff. And then he was like he was calling me sister because my head was covered. Um, so I've been having that a lot as well, like when my head's covered, like I get called sister, but yeah, and um, you know, he said thank you so much.
Speaker 2:And he was like oh, god bless you, um, and I was like you know, like he wasn't saying that before, but it's like, you know, he felt that urge to say to me God bless you. And I found that quite interesting. I was like what did I give out that made him do you know what I mean that made him say that to me? And then I was like, oh, he asked me my name and he asked me my son's name, mark's, my son's name. And then I told him and I asked him his name and he told me and he was like oh, yes, please, thank you, I really need it.
Speaker 2:And then he said he used to pray and I was like god forgive me, like when I looked at him I was like he used to. You know, you look at him. I would just never thought that that's what would have come out his mouth, like he just didn't seem like that type um, but when he, it was just like that was powerful. I went home on a high just from that little two-minute conversation of just that, yeah, just that, just that moment, it was just powerful. I was like, look at God, look at God, you know. So I didn't praise him in that moment, but just him being told that he was just so receptive of that. And he's the second homeless person I've come across that I've said that to recently. That's giving me the same reaction. They've been so grateful to hear someone say to them that they will pray for them yeah, okay.
Speaker 1:So I've got two other questions for you. I'm gonna read both of the questions, but I'll so you you don't blend them together, if you know what I mean. So my other question is how can christians become stronger and unashamed about their faith in a world that is not always accepting?
Speaker 2:and yeah, I'll answer that one first are you sure you don't want to answer this question? No, oh, that is hard. That is hard. That is hard Because I feel like I'm still battling with this.
Speaker 2:Work on your relationship of Elohim every day, just day by day, the same way that you wake up and you take on the world every day. Take him on every day. That will become easier in time. You cannot conquer that with a click of a finger, like it's just not possible. I feel like that's the first thing I'm going to say Work on your relationship with him daily. Just give him your day. When you wake up in the morning, I feel like that's so important to have that time, even if it's for a few minutes. Just give him your day. Like, I feel like I have a comfortability to to touch that front door without giving it up to him, right? Um, I feel like I had something else and it's just left my mind.
Speaker 2:Analyse your circle, those around you. Yeah, make sure that you're not taking in negativity every day, like you're not surrounded by people that's always putting you down. And now this is easier said than done, by the way, because this could be within the family you're living with, or you know this could be, I don't know, but if it's, if it's, if it's definitely a situation which, in most times, that you can change it for yourself, whether it's leaving that job that's draining you and dragging you down, or coming out of that relationship that is just eating away your self-esteem, whatever it may be, remove yourself. It is very important that you are protecting yourself. Elohim is going to help you. He's going to definitely protect your spirit, but he doesn't want you to stay somewhere that you're not meant to be.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and I'd just like to say what Shay's saying in bold, just so you get it yeah, whoever makes you denounce your faith, run.
Speaker 2:Wow, couldn't have said it better. Literally, that is that, boy, no one ever should make you have to walk away from being who you are. Being who you are, your faith is who you are. No one should ever have to make you do that, from the time they do it. Because the same way, like Mimi was saying before, the same way you could have been walking around with that little ratchet skirt and you're like I don't care, I'm wearing what I want. Same way I will come and tell you Do you know what I'm saying? It's like sometimes you do need to have that boldness in yourself. Yeah, that's your business if that's how you feel to see if it. Who? Do you know what guys?
Speaker 1:this, this, this episode is definitely for me, boy even though I'm answering the questions, but but yeah my next question is what role do you think god's love and grace play in helping believers overcome feelings of shame or fear regarding their faith?
Speaker 2:oh my gosh that's jam-packed, okay, okay, ask me that again what role does?
Speaker 1:What role do you think God's love and grace play in helping others overcome their feelings of shame or fear?
Speaker 2:Oh man, this is definitely a beautiful question. When you learn about Elohim's love for you, like you as an individual. Now, guys, I struggle with this, so I'm speaking as the person that knows the answer to this question, but I don't necessarily feel it, and that's me being unfiltered, right, and that's what that's, because of battle with self. But when you learn about his love for you as an individual, imagine you are that one sheep astray he will come out looking for you and he'll bring you back to his fold. That's what he's doing. He doesn't want any of us to be lost. His love is so unconditional, like. There's no one in this world that can love you the way he loves you, loves you. There's no one that can be like you can just like all, all your, all your, whatever you have or what you might call messy, and whatever you are. You see how other people will come and judge you for that. No, that's not him like. His love is love, not that movie, love that tv, love that, whatever like. Let me tell you something that love he has for you has a big part to play. Like when you start feeling that love and I'm gonna get to grace in a minute but when you start feeling that love, like really really understanding that love actually, because you have to understand it. You have to understand his love for you. It's not necessarily a feeling initially, actually no, it isn't for me, it isn't to me. It's an understanding, like you have to understand his love, right? You have to understand why he loves you, why he chose you, like it's something that you need to get to the bottom of for yourself because you know, especially when's something that you need to get to the bottom of for yourself, because you know, especially when a world where you're not used to, that no matter how much you stray, you can go back to him. Go astray, you can go back to him and he would take you just as you are. No matter how much you mess up, he would take you just as you are, no matter how much you cry out and scream and say, oh my gosh, why did you do this to me? He was still loving you and take you as you are. Like that love that he has for you, it is endless, endless, endless, endless. From your mother's wound all the way to death, he will always love you. That is death. Do us part right there. Now. You need to understand that. It's very important Because that's how you'll be able to get through everything else that you go through in life. That's how you'll be able to show others that real love, especially if you haven't received it yourself from your earthly parents or you haven't received that from people around you. When you understand his love, trust me, you'll be able to it will shine out to others.
Speaker 2:Um, understanding God's grace. You know, grace is renewed daily. Every time you wake up, your grace is. His grace is renewed and, oh gosh, trying to explain grace is. It's very, it's very similar to the love he has for you. But with grace, it's realizing that whatever you did yesterday, he's not focused on that. He's focused on today. He's renewed his grace towards you. So you have another chance today to go forward and to just be that bold and beautiful person that Elohim has created you to be. You don't have to feel ashamed. You don't have to feel whatever You've asked for forgiveness, that's wiped away. You just keep it moving Right.
Speaker 2:And I'm not always able to explain grace like I like. I feel like I have the words in my head but I'm not getting it out. Um, but his grace upon you daily is just him saying to you that it's okay, I get it, you messed up, just keep going. I love you still and with those two things you will be able to be a bold Christian. You will be able to be that child for him daily that you want to be.
Speaker 2:It's not easy and you can pray for these things, you can ask him. You know, help me to recognize your love, help me to receive your grace, because there's times where, like, we don't even accept and receive his grace, because we're always condemning ourselves and we just always feel like we just can't, like I just can't, you know, like I just can't do better. Like who am I to show this person this? Like who am I to be acting? Like I'm good and I'm this, I'm that? No, just receive his grace and you'll be able to show others the same. You'll be able to show grace to others.
Speaker 2:So like, for example, I don't know, say, you're driving in your car today and someone just comes and just jumps like straight in front of you or whatever Causes you to jerk the car. You're just like, oh my gosh, like what is this person doing? Or whatever. Like that's a hard moment to show grace, by the way, but just by showing grace just by being calm, letting them go. You just keep it moving, you just pray like Lord, thank you for keeping me safe, and you just yeah, you just keep it moving. And those kind of situations when you're able to show grace, in situations like that, that is just a smidgen of grace that he shows to you daily, and that kind of thing can help you to really be yeah, just really be you, the person he created you to be, and to show others the same. Okay, I feel like I was rambling, so I'm done.
Speaker 1:I think to bring it in a line of fair or embarrassment if you're ever rejected with both of the two is to know that those people are not where they are. So, whether you say to somebody, let me pray for you instead of seeing it as rejection, pray for them that you know, lord, they're going through a hard time. Or look at yourself where you were stubborn or you didn't want to know who or what anything is, or it might not, or it might be. Sometimes. It doesn't have to be religion. Sometimes it could be like you, your parents could be saying like you know, I don't want you to go there because of X, y and Z, but we don't understand, we don't see. But then something happens and then you see, like certain things, like that, not everybody will get it. So, wherever you're going, if you're applying for a job and they don't understand your religion, if you're with friends and they bully you for reading your Bible or calling you a Bible nerd or a Bible basher or all of these names, just pray for those people. Pray that God will have mercy upon them, because you know especially the people that we love, because sometimes it's our own as well that you can get these things from that.
Speaker 1:Sometimes you could be the only person in your household that is a christian. Um, and when I mean a christian, I mean like a practicing christians, because there's many people that say like, oh, I'm a christian, but they're doing everything what the lord tells us not to do. But then they look at you and they might call you names like oh, the holy one, or the this, the that, or you're always playing gospel music, or you're always praying, or you're always this, or you're always that. Pray for them. That is the grace of extending. Instead of like complaining or, you know, like doing tick for tack, you show them grace, the same grace that ashana was saying that. She was saying that the lord has for us.
Speaker 1:It's that whole parent relationship. Like your child will get on your nerves, they will do this, they will do that, but you still love them endlessly, like you know. You still go from them. They could, you could buy a new tv and they break it. That was your one, but you still love them. You still like even I want to kill you. I still love you and that's the grace that the lord has for us. So when we're dealing with people that are going to reject us, make fun of us, cast us down. We just literally gotta pray for that person and continue to pray. And sometimes the battle will be hard, whatever environment you're going through, because satan don't like when we start praying for for his hand to be let loose of god's children, and sometimes the battle is so strong. But we've got. We've got to continue to just pray for that person and pray for those individuals that they too will be saved, because we all want to see our brothers and our sisters and our loved ones in the kingdom.
Speaker 2:Amen. Couldn't have said that better. Could not have said that better honey.
Speaker 1:I think this question will be good for you because you spoke about it, so maybe you could go in a little bit more depth. What practical steps can can listeners take to overcome the feelings of embarrassment when talking about their faith?
Speaker 2:do I even know the answer to this question? Oh my gosh.
Speaker 1:Practical steps, anything you can actually do um, do you know what I've been my thought? Because when you was giving your your testimony, your practical step, you wasn't going to pray for that guy, but you overrid and you yeah and I think there's times where, when our mind tells us no, you know, we can we say we. We say no, yes, we're gonna do this. Say a prayer in your head there and then and sometimes, like even with me, a practical.
Speaker 1:He made an example out of me. I said no. I told the host no, but I'm still being called. I could have said no, but at that moment I'm like I'm here to represent the Lord. Do you know what I mean? You have to deny self.
Speaker 2:Self. Yeah, you do, you really do, it's true, you know.
Speaker 1:As Philippians 4, verses 13 says, I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. So it's literally not through our strength, it's through Christ's strength, and that's how you become stronger by constantly praying to the Lord where you fall short. How do you overcome certain stuff? You're being rejected left, right and center, especially, like you know, like some people, especially when you're new in faith and you let go of a lot of things that was holding you and a lot of people might feel like, oh, she, he or she thinks that they're better than us and it's not the case, because you still love them but you can't be a part of that world anymore because it's just going to hold you back. But they doesn't. They don't understand that.
Speaker 1:I think we said it in our one of our previous podcasts that they're accepting the new you and sometimes they might not accept the new you, but it's not to feel embarrassed or fair, to be like you know what, because I want to be accepted, because my self esteem is low, I'm just gonna continue to do it. It's like, for example, let's use drinking um, because that's a big thing, especially in the caribbean um world. It's like, oh, there's nothing wrong with drinking, like jesus drank in the bible, but that was fermented wine, or like they would they, there's enough. I can't remember that bible scripture because I purposely ignore it. The bible story about um, when one of the dads got drunk and the son covered his nakedness um, oh yeah who was that you know, but yeah, I remember that.
Speaker 2:Do you know? It's someone that you didn't expect to get drunk as well. That's the thing.
Speaker 1:Yeah, so people will use those things like oh, it's okay, but if the Lord said to you, my child, I don't want you doing that anymore.
Speaker 1:Yeah others are gonna think, are gonna say, because you're representing christ, um, and that's one of the main things it's like a lot of people, um, say certain things to me and I'm just like, oh well, it's a part of life, like if you, you know, I mean you're gonna agree to disagree. Not everybody is on the same path. What I might say, how I might feel today, is not how I might feel tomorrow about certain stuff. We're all on different levels of um understanding and the lord approaches us differently. It doesn't mean that you should treat your brother or sister any less. You still pray for them, and when I say brother and sister, I mean like not like you're literally blood brother and sister like yeah.
Speaker 1:So I think that's another thing that we need to bear in mind that if your friends and family or whatever, are still in the world, it's not to think that you're better than them, is to pray for them, and even if they rebuke you, it's okay. You continue. You pray for them harder true.
Speaker 2:Sometimes the enemy is trying to comfort you through your family. It's not even them, spirits and principalities is what we're battling against, like we mentioned before. So sometimes it's not actually that person. You know Enemy just wants to use someone close to you and just make you feel like, oh, you know they hate me. You know, oh, my gosh, look how they treat me.
Speaker 2:The one thing that came to my mind as you were speaking is that when you feel like the Holy Spirit is asking you to do something and your mind says no, analyse that thing that he's asking you to do. Like what is wrong with it? Because when you like, that's how I like. A lot of times I look at stuff because if there's not anything wrong with it, that's how you know it's something you're meant to do. It's just your might be your nerves or your anxiety at that time, or whatever.
Speaker 2:It is like, you know, like having to die to self, like to do this thing. You know it's just a battle you're going through with self. But if you're being called to pray for someone, what is bad about that? Like, think about it really and truly. What is what harm is that bringing to anybody? Do you understand? So it's like when your mind's trying to reject that, or you know you're battling with self to reject that. What are you rejecting? You know it's just twisting it around, like analyzing it. Why am I saying no to this thing? What is wrong with what I'm? What is wrong with it? Why? Why can't I do it? You know, unless that person actually says no, what exactly are you saying no to yourself before even asking the individual?
Speaker 1:so yeah, that's just a thought I had as well yeah, um, I came across this, this text, um, when I was reading this week, and it's first peter, three verses, 15, um. I'm gonna read it in the new king james version and then I'm gonna read it in the niv version and it says I'm reading the new king james version first but sanctify the lord, god in your hearts and always be ready to give a defense to anyone who asks your reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and in fair. And in the ni version it says but in your hearts, reserve christ as lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have, but do this in gentleness and respect. And and I just want to end with, whenever people come at us for our faith or what we believe in, it's not an attack. They don't understand why, and that's okay, and sometimes you can explain. And they still don't understand, and that is okay, whether they mock us or not. They mocked jesus and you know they nailed him to a cross because they didn't believe who he was and that is the biggest mock of ever or ever. That's the biggest mock that could ever be done.
Speaker 1:So when we're being mocked and our feelings are being hurt. The word says for them to, for us to still be meek towards them and to still love them, because we represent Christ at all times. And it's so funny because, when Shay was talking about the driving, I hate when people cut me up. I really do, but at that moment when I get cut up, I need to remember that I am a child of Christ and, you know, that person could come in my church, that person could I. You know what I mean. However I react, I've got to remember that I'm a Christian at all times. Rejection or not, whatever, it is what calls us out of character from our faith. We need to challenge it and pray about it and not just accept it, because if it doesn't fall in Christ's characteristics, then it's not of him, and that's what I have to say wow, that is deep.
Speaker 2:Wow, I think that's all well said yes, guys.
Speaker 2:Thank you for listening thank you for listening, guys. We hope you've enjoyed, and I'm just gonna say a short prayer before we go. Yeah, um, so do, gracious and mighty father lord. Thank you so much, lord, for this time that we've had coming together, talking, talking about your love, your grace, your mercies, our walk, the battles that we go through, and being able to share our own experiences, but also being able to hopefully give some type of encouragement, support and advice to others who are also going through this battle.
Speaker 2:Father Lord, gracious God, be with your sons and daughters, lord, who are going through this battle of their Christian walk daily. Help them to stand up for you, father God. Help them to stand firm, lord, in heaven. Help them with those moments of anxiety, lord. Remove it, lord. Remove those moments of fear of Father God, because these things are not of you. Help them to walk boldly for you daily and, heavenly Father Lord, help them where they fall short, help them where they go through their struggles and, gracious God, help them to not give up, most importantly, to not give up To keep reaching out to you, to keep praying to you, lord, and leaning upon you, heavenly Father, lord, in every area of their lives and see your love. Receive your love daily, receive your grace daily, your love, receive your love daily, receive your grace daily, so that they're able to pass that on and give grace and love unto others.
Speaker 2:Heavenly Father, gracious God, we thank you for this time and any prayer that I have not prayed. That needed to be prayed. That's just rambling, yeah, but you know you understand what I'm saying, lord. That, um, that needed to be said, um. I pray that the holy spirit will speak on our behalf and petition those on our behalf to wedge you, lord. Thank you, lord, for everything, in your son's name, jesus christ, as we pray amen amen, and we'll see you in a fortnight's time see you then, guys, bye.