42 Responses to “How I Finally Found Faith: Part 3”

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  1. MeteorMan

    That was a great part 3 homie. Let me set aside my usual presumptuousness and snarky comments…

    foremost remember that their relationship with God is not your relationship with God.

    I’m glad you pointed this out, seriously…

    I found my belief system during my college years and when I say “found” I mean started my journey to understand why I believe what I call myself believing (and not believing). I personally don’t subscribe into any set “religion” but some of what I believe overlaps with the ideals of some major religions. Understanding the usefulness of what I believe has given me insight of myself as well as how I should approach the world. I learned that one’s belief-system is not something to be treated as some unexplainable anomaly that pops up in our lives from time to time; but rather, something to be owned in a way that only you understand. One has to believe it and walk that path without fear or persecution of others just because you’re different. I see a small bit of what you’re saying…

    I was the person always being attacked by various members of Christian denominations for not verbally/mentally/spiritually following suite with the collective understanding of a higher power. The “What are you?” questions are hard to answer in a few words (and still bring about some understanding) when what you believe doesn’t have a formal identifying catch-phrase. It’s also hard to talk to someone close-minded while not being able to quote random scriptures like this is some head-to-head bout on ‘what third party info can you call out.’

    I can say that I’m not a rituals type of person. But I do have faith in a higher power that human can’t quantify and my relationship with that higher power guides me in a path of development meant for just myself. It doesn’t have a name or fancy music or holidays to go with it, but I do believe that IT shows me part of the world in which that is vital to both my own personal development and experience as well as some parts others my or may not see.

    I learned not to be afraid to answer the direct and unfair questions of others when they try to paint you into a corner for argument sake… Just stand tall and continue to believe and love IT.

    Good luck on your journey in whichever mediums you choose to search for it.

    Reply

    Slim Jackson Reply:

    “It’s also hard to talk to someone close-minded while not being able to quote random scriptures like this is some head-to-head bout on ‘what third party info can you call out.’”

    I actually hate when people do this in situations other than general information sharing. I could be eating a burger and says “Damn, this burger is good” and someone would quote a Bible verse that says something about being appreciative of angus or something.lol. That’s another thing that can turn people off.

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  2. Coach

    First time commenting, and it’s the first one…I just wanted to say that this faith series has been quite insightful. It reminds me of my own spiritual journey. I’m going to start being more serious with God and finding my own way to Him. Reading the Bible more, helping others, and listening to His words and letting HIm guide my life. Deep posts brother.

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  3. *claps*
    well said slim, well said…

    i feel like i’m in between parts 2 and 3. last year, i spent some time exploring other religions just trying to decide where my spiritual home is.

    but really, i applaud you for being bold with something that people tend to not share in this intimate way. so many of us in this age group struggle with our spirituality but feel as though it’s too taboo of a topic to discuss yet we can go into detail about our sexuality and emotions. little do we want to acknowledge that all of that is interrelated to our spirituality.

    i love that your stance is one of understanding, not judgement. thank you for sharing this with all of us. you are now officially the friendly (not angry), warm, and fuzzy black man… lol

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    Slim Jackson Reply:

    You know my intentions too well.

    As for being fuzzy, I woke up this morning feeling more grizzly than anything else. That was until I shaved.lol.

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  4. Gotta commend you on your honesty and openness with this series. I’m not quite sure where to begin my spiritual search, but this advice on not paying too much attention to hypocrites seems solid.

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    Slim Jackson Reply:

    Ignoring the actions of others is the toughest part. I still get frustrated with people sometimes and have to tell myself the same advice. If you can mitigate the influence of others in your decision making like most things in life, stuff will be a lot easier.

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  5. J. Cowan

    Young Cousin, this was a very insightful series. You are definitely blessed. I remember reading a blog you wrote once about your father. You mentioned how he told you to stop wasting your God given talent and pursue your writing more seriously. It’s funny how God continues to bestow his gifts and blessings upon us even when we are unsure. Remain faithful in your relationship with God and you will certainly continue to receive his favor.

    J. Cowan

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  6. Yes! I’m happy for you and proud of you! YES!

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  7. Smiley Face

    I am at peace is basically what I have to say. Finding my way back to truly believe in Him and have faith in Him, took me hitting the absolute rock bottom when I lost my daughter.

    Like you, my best friend sat me down one day after he came back from his church service, and asked me how I was doing and for the first time since my daughter passed, someone actually listened to me without throwing their 2 cents in about what I should be doing. He then asked me when was the last time I talked to God openly and honestly without anger or blame and resentment and I just sat there thinking that he was judging me when he really wasn’t. He hugged me, told me he loved me and then left.

    Around my birthday that year, which was about 2 months later, he told me about this church he wanted to go visit with me, no pressure. I rolled my eyes over the phone and grudgingly said okay. So we went to Bible study and for some reason, the pastor decided that he wanted to just pray about some things and as I was listening to him and others stand up to pray, I started crying and just stood up and said in that room full of strangers that I just didn’t know what to do, that I felt so lost, that I felt that no one understood what was going on, that I was so angry, felt so defeated, that I didn’t understand why He had done this and that I needed someone to help me understand all of this….by this time I was doing the ugly cry and opened my mouth to say God help me.

    Whatever I was feeling, I can’t clearly describe. The pastor and his wife took us in the back (still while folks are praying outside) and just let me talk, no platitudes, no censure, no pity, they just let me talk. We didn’t leave there until late that night, totally drained, but with an invitation to come back to see them whenever. Over the next few weeks the pastor would call and check on me, referred me to some people and places to deal with this grief and just generally helped without being “a pastor” know what I mean (?). I went to a service with my best friend and it really opened my eyes, folks my age were actually being taught, without recrimination, the bible. But what really amazed me was that the pastor used other tools to teach as well and talked about real issues that affect people today from sex, drugs, marriage, diseases, education…everything; he didn’t shy away from any issue.

    All I can say to someone who is seeking to know or strengthen their faith is to let your walk be your own, no one on this earth can walk it for you or tell you how to walk it. Faith is personal and you don’t have to feel the way someone else feels about it. Truly seeking faith is like eating an orange, you (may) have to peel through the better skin to get to the sweet fruit.

    Dang…now that I wrote a book (LAWD!) I hope I answered your question(s) Slim, lol.

    Thank you again for this series,

    Reply

    Slim Jackson Reply:

    Nothing wrong with writing a book when the topic of this series was based on the Good Book. Very good story. I hope everyone who visits the site today has a chance to read it.

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    N.I.A. is feeling a little verklempt.... Reply:

    I’m really getting teary eyed over here. Dang, Smiley Face!! :-)

    I really enjoyed reading your book!

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    Renee Reply:

    All I can say is wow, I’m a cry baby but I’m at work so I had to fight it.

    Thanks for sharing

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    Smiley Face Reply:

    I’m just glad that this was one discussion about faith that didn’t go awry and remained respectful…I’m actually kinda sad this series is ending. I looked forward to seeing this in my RSS feed, lol.Maybe Three Ways can have more of these types of discussions (?)– thinking out loud.

    I think Slim did an awesome job of remaining as neutral as he could be without trying to sway folks and I believe that because he did (we) the readers remained on the same path as well…

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  8. max

    This was a beautiful ending to your series. I was particularly struck by what you said about blocking the hypocrites, actors, and actresses from your mind. That’s something I hear often from people who don’t go to church or don’t make their faith a priority, and also something I struggled with in my twenties. But it’s true that you really have to stop focusing on what other people do, say, or think about God and just focus on your own relationship with Him.
    Thanks for writing this. It was inspiring.

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  9. Awesome series, Slim. Thanks.

    What you need to understand is that your search for a relationship with God is exactly that—your search.

    That’s not only important for people who are searching, but for people who want to help, to understand. My pastor used to say (paraphrasing here) that our job was not to convert people, our job was not to twist arms and force people. Our job was to live our lives the way Christ called us to and let that speak for itself. Actions speak way louder than words — and while many of us probably agree that letting a few wayward (enter religion practitioner) who’s actions and words don’t match stop us from learning more about the religion isn’t good, you still can’t help but acknowledge the damage it does to see someone act one way and at the same time damn all sinners to hell. My ears perked up when he said that. It made so much more sense to focus on what I could control — my own actions — than what I couldn’t control — other’s actions. I’ve found some people were intrigued by the simple things about my relationship with Christ and/or my church and that opened the door much more easily than me trying to force it open.

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    Slim Jackson Reply:

    No pun intended but…

    Church!

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  10. Slim,
    I was hoping you could elaborate a little on what faith specifically you have found. What denomination/religion are you affiliated with? (I assume some form of Christianity, since you mention the Bible) I follow you on Twitter, and I noticed you have been going to church services on Saturdays…Was this the norm in your upbringing? Or was this a total change?

    Reply

    Slim Jackson Reply:

    Going to church on Saturdays was not part of my upbringing. I’ve only been doing that since attending my current non-denom church. A lot of people have been asking if I’m SDA/7th Day, but I’m not. I never thought I’d be going to church on Saturdays, but it falls in line with a lot of the things I’ve read and have been taught (w/ evidence of course).

    I’m trying to keep the specific church name out of the blog because I don’t want this to seem like an effort to recruit people for it or trying to search for it online and finding the wrong one because several churches have the same name as this one.

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    nyhoop Reply:

    Wasn’t asking for the specific church name. That’s totally understandable. Glad you found what you were looking for (or maybe it’s like they say, you don’t find it until you stop looking?…)

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    Slim Jackson Reply:

    It seems a lot of things work out that way.lol. re: Not finding til not looking.

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  11. I think its very ironic that the seies ended today: what could end up being a very prayerful day for certain persons (slightly inside joke). And I think the series was very good, even great, for people who believe however struggled in how to worship.

    But for the straight up non-believers……
    I’m not trying to diss any religion today. I seriously deleted several sentences, b/c I don’t want to sound like Jesus Hater. I’m just curious what a California GangBanging Crab could say to you in terms of logic and reason. What questions did you have? And why did you feel the need to connect to a higher power?

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    Smiley Face Reply:

    “I’m not trying to diss any religion today. I seriously deleted several sentences, b/c I don’t want to sound like Jesus Hater. ”

    Awww…that’s cool. I know you were sitting there like “mmmhmm”, lol, but it’s cool nonetheless :)

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    CHeeKZ Reply:

    you know me to well

    **Kanye Shrug**

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  12. Good isht homie. Im glad you found your way. I think a lot of peopleforget that everyone has their own personal relationship with God. Its like siblings/parent relationship. my relationship with my mom is different than my sisters relationship with her. All unique. All special. You cant make someone have the exact relationship with God that they have. You have to develop that yourself. That’s the toughest thing to figure out.

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  13. Berriblk

    I really appreciate this series immensely. Although I am of another religion I did shared the same sentiments as you in the first and second series.

    Thanks for sharing!

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  14. This post was simply beautiful!

    “If you’re not going for the right reasons, then how are you going to convince someone else to come along with you?”

    So true. When it comes to a relationship with God, you need to make sure you’re at the right level before trying to share it.

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  15. Really insipiring Herr Slim.

    I think my problem was that I watch other people’s walk with God and didn’t focus on my own. When I took my eye off other people and starting focusing on what I wanted and needed for God from church and God that my relationship has both improve with church and God.

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  16. Great series, Slim!! I’m going to be really real here, so I’m going to post something I wrote on my personal blog on NYE, and I will add to it.

    The longer I sit here, the more I feel I need to go church tonight. 2009 has been a tough year, and I’ve done an awfully good job hiding how things have affected me… and that scares me. It’s scary how well I wear this mask of happiness. So tonight, I will either go to church, and try to feel something I haven’t felt in a while. Or stay in with my sisters, get drunk, watch the ball drop, and pray that tomorrow is the start of my new beginning… my rebirth.

    I know I have not had as bad of a year as others, but when you carry around years of pain and disappointment, the slightest thing can and will get me down. I have tons of anxiety and fear about life. Crippling fear has prevented me from being the best I know I can be. Sometimes, I can barely recognize this person who doubts herself, doubts her beauty, doubts her intellect at every turn. So unsure of myself that I didn’t see the many blessings God placed right in front of me. My mind, heart, and soul has been in another place.

    Last NYE, I went out, rock&rolled all night, and partied… hard. And by July, I things seemed to just go from bad to worse. So, tonight I’m trying something new… church or stay in with people I love and care about. I need their support for 2010 and beyond.

    I actually don’t feel too bad tonight. I am being prayerful and hopeful that things will be great in 2010, not just for me, but for my family and friends. I’m praying for the courage to step out on faith professionally and personally, the courage to go where I’ve never been, and do what I’ve never done.

    It wasn’t until recently that I realized 2009 (yes, the entire year) was probably the first time in my life I felt distant from God, the first time I struggled to hear his voice, struggled to feel his presence in my life. And I struggled with everything… relationships, finances, career objectives. I couldn’t focus on anything, and even when I read the Word for comfort and understanding, it didn’t really stick. I wasn’t going to church regularly, & I think the last time I went before NYE was Easter. I would listen to sermons online, and watch a few of our local pastors on television, but it didn’t make me feel better.

    The Good Book says where 2 or 3 are gathered in His name, He will be in the midst. Whenever I attended Bedside Baptist, I missed out on the fellowship with other believers, and I realize this is something I need in order to grow spiritually.

    So, I went to church on NYE, and felt happier than I’ve felt in a long time. And everything the pastor said seemed to speak directly to me. Every week, I leave church knowing something new, or seeing a situation in a different light. I hear a scripture explained in a way that applies to my everyday life. I’m with fellow believers and I feel God’s presence… And I love it! Now, this doesn’t mean things have completely turned around, and my life is perfect. But it does mean I no longer feel stagnant in my faith, I feel closer and more connected to God than I ever have. I’m continuously growing in my faith…

    I really don’t like giving advice, but here it goes… your faith, your spirituality is a constant growing process, a long walk. It’s not a sprint to the finish b/c then… you would be dead. Focus on you and your relationship with God. And to those trying to convince others to embrace their spirituality, stop trying so hard. Let your life speak for you. Be honest about who you are and where you are in your spiritual journey. And learn to listen without preconceived assumptions and judgments.

    That’s all I have, Slim. The real Nia, not the cyber N.I.A., laid out for the 3 Ways family. This series has been a real blessing to me.

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    Smiley Face Reply:

    “It’s not a sprint to the finish b/c then… you would be dead. ”

    SO very true!!

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    Slim Jackson Reply:

    Really appreciate you sharing that and glad that you have enjoyed the series! Oh yeah, and you give some good advice too.

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  17. ivylane99

    Beautiful…….THANK YOU!

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  18. Joey loves JC & SJ more

    Slim, this was my favorite part, of course. I love happy endings and of course I’m so happy for you.

    My only comment is this: there is no one way to invite people to God, just like there is no one way to come back to Him. I was actually kinda brought back through the way you say is bound to push people away. Some Bible pushin woman asked me how I can SHOW my kids (my niece and nephew, who lived with me at the time) how to love God or trust God if I am preaching this “personal relationship” and not guiding them in action and deed. Someone has to show them the way. So for once, I bit my tongue and thought about what she said. And the next Sunday, I found myself in church and the preacher was talking about how Jesus made the lame man pick up his mat and walk, and my nephew (who has CP) turned to me with tears in his eyes and a big smile on his face and asked me if I thought Jesus could make Him walk some day…

    The rest is history. So I say this to say, yes I do understand that Bible pushers (specifically the “do you know Jesus” type) can be particularly counterproductive at times, but mentioning His name in a non-threatening way (like you have done here) is not only our priviedge but our duty as Christians. I have had people tell me that my “actions” have led them back to God, my “outlook on life”, my “love for others” and yes, even my WORDS of conviction have caused them to examine their own relationship with God. There is no right way, though some ways are wrong for some people, that same way might really open the eyes of someone else. You never know that the one time God will open the heart of someone (like He did with me) will be the one time you have the opportunity to talk about Him and pass it by. I’m glad that lady said what God put in her heart to say when she did cuz if she hadn’t I might not be who or where I am today. =)

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    Slim Jackson Reply:

    I meant to reply this earlier. You make a good point that there is no right way. Even the aggressive Bible-pushing method has to work for some people. I knew you had a happy ending in store as well.lol.

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  19. Anger Management

    I really enjoyed the series and am glad that you finally found faith again. This is something that I struggle with and I am currently trying to strengthen my relationship with God. I’m happy to see that I’m not the only one.

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  20. Dot Dot Dot

    “Dot Dot Dot likes this.”

    Reply

  21. Nikki Aimee

    This series was very awesome and sorely needed. Thanx!
    It’s been inspiring to see how The Lord has worked in others lives.

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  22. A post from Slim Jackson w/out sexual innuendos and Cheekz biting his tongue in comments….

    There’s clearly a God.

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  23. Oh, what a wonderful thing it is to know Him. I can’t lie, I’ve never really had a journey in finding faith, per say, (been in church all my life), but it took leaving the organization of which I’d been a part all my life to truly understand and know Him and what He desired of me.

    The biggest take-away I think anyone should get from this is that judging the actions of others in the church will get you nowhere. On behalf of all PKs and folk who grew up in the church, it’s clear that we are not Saints. No, I may not be where God desires me to be at this very moment, but that doesn’t discredit me as a witness to His favor and of His unyielding grace and mercy. He created us from dirt and made us into beautiful creatures. Expect to see a little remnants of dirt in others and in your own life. That fact is, all of us are on a journey to be more like Him, and when you embark on your journey with Him, you won’t be perfect, either.

    I encourage those seeking a relationship with God to pray for discernment, so that whenever you truly find Him, you’re looking in the right place and learning His true and living Word for what it’s intended. My last organization used verses from the Bible that were convenient for what they wanted to teach, while ignoring supplementing versus that may have discredited their teaching or left room for further interpretation. I’d never know, if I didn’t begin to read for myself (and take heed to others’ guidance) and not just what they pointed out.

    Below, is a verse from one of my favorite songs and really speaks to the heart of those who may either struggle with their faith or struggle with those who question it. Stay encouraged:

    People ask me
    Isn’t it crazy
    To believe in something you can’t see?
    And people wonder
    Why do I still ponder
    Over an old dream
    That appears will never be
    You see my faith is strong and anchored
    My faith cannot be wavered
    My faith makes the unknown reality
    And one day, if I pray
    I know my dream will come to be

    I believe God
    He is incredible, invincible
    He can crumble the impossible
    I believe God
    Although my faith sometimes is tested
    On this shaky road I trod
    I believe God!

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  24. Honestly, I’m happy to just have begun to have faith in whatever God has in store for me. That was a hurdle in itself. As Slim knows, the journey continues! All this is quite an inspiration though.

    Peace!

    Reply

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