These conversations and sharing of stories have caused me to step back a minute and REALLY think about some things...in a DIFFERENT way...from a DIFFERENT perspective. As much as I have TRIED to be objective in my studying, I realize that -in reality- I am probably STILL {VERY!} SUBjective in my views and opinions. As a human brought up ("conditioned") in a certain 'culture' with certain 'spiritual ideas'--how can I NOT still compare things to *my own* perception of those things? I believe we ALL do, whether we realize it or not. And I am beginning to realize just how "deep" those perceptions run!!
This has been good for me. It's as though YHWH has put a mirror before me. Do I dare peer in for any length of time, or do I just glance in at it? I think I am doing a little bit of both! :) I want to be one who can see the reflection for what it IS, not for what I WANT it to be. I want to learn to see things from the perspective HE puts before me and not my own. As I've mentioned before: HE sees the tapestry, I only see the threads. :)
Shalom, Friends! :)