Not keeping it to myself

     After discussing the start of this new blog with an acquaintance from church, I was surprised when they asked, "Why do the blog if you're clarifying your own thoughts?" --- In other words, they are wondering why I don't just keep it to myself.

     As stipulated in my opening post, I did that once before. Sadly, the journals were lost. However, as previously mentioned, I can recall the satisfaction gleaned from introspection. It was a blessing, and I want to encourage others to enjoy the adventure of their own introspective journey.

     It takes more guts than you might imagine to openly and honestly dissect your personal belief system, and discover why you believe the way you do. Many people find out they are merely copying what is politically correct to say, with no foundation to back-up what they claim to believe.

     That type of shallow belief system is akin to those who hear God's word and do not act upon it, like the man who builds his house on sand:

     And everyone that hears these sayings of mine, and does them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon the house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it. --- (Matthew 7:26-27)

     If you build your belief system on a solid foundation it will be able to weather and survive whatever turmoil will arise.

     Another reason I opted to publish the blog comes from the eleventh chapter of Romans:

     If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them. --- (Romans 11:14)

     I grew up in a low-income, gang-infested area of L.A. County. I am well-acquainted with poverty, violence, desperation, and feelings of hopelessness that thrive in such areas.

     Likewise, I watched all my hopes and dreams come crashing down as I became a partially disabled Veteran.

     However, instead of wallowing in self-pity, blaming everyone else, and playing the "woe is me" card, I chose to put God to the test. --- Which He encourages us to do, by the way. --- And, although it has not always been easy, I have never regretted that decision.

     When you truly commit to God (that doesn't mean just say the words) there comes a "peace that passes all understanding" (Philippians 4:7) just like the word of God claims. And it is truly something to cherish.

     If everyone discovered that peace, suicides and other destructive actions would rapidly diminish.

     Therefore, if just one person is encouraged by my effort than the effort is worthwhile, and I will feel blessed indeed.

Introspection: A Satisfying Journey

     If you do not know why you believe what you claim to believe, how can you know if you truly believe it?

     It is impossible to give an honest answer regarding personal beliefs until you clarify those beliefs within yourself.

     Every decision we make originates from our belief system. If that belief system has no solid foundation the decisions will be erratic and, quite often, detrimental.

     Sadly, 9 out of 10 individuals cannot give logical reasons for why they believe certain views: even with serious issues like politics, marriage, or parenting. Yet when you consider that our individual beliefs hold the key to where we spend eternity, you would think the average person would do more than a cursory investigation or copy what other people say: or worse, leave it to chance.

     I believe the adage "you cannot be true to others until you're true to yourself." Therefore, if I am going to claim a belief in something, I'm going to know why I believe it.

     Since my belief on where I'm going to spend eternity touches every area of my life, I've chosen to begin this blog to expound on the thousands of bits of information and personal experiences which brought me to my belief in God.

     This is the second time I have begun this journey. My previous journals were lost during the move to a new state. However, I recall the satisfaction gleaned from introspection. The illumination of truly knowing oneself through surety of thought gives you a sense of security. And when you observe the irrational insecurities (that most of society is burdened with) begin to dissolve within you, it is akin to a natural high.

     I encourage anyone with the strength to face yourself openly and honestly to begin your own personal journey of introspection: especially if you are a Christian, or thinking about becoming one. The difference between saying you believe and knowing why you believe is like night and day. And the sense of knowing oneself is truly worth the effort.

     Furthermore, God's word tells us in 1st Peter 3:15 to "...be ready always to give an answer to every man that asks you a reason of the hope that is in you." --- When you know yourself, you can answer.

     Enjoy the journey.