To My Doubting Friend by Chase Butler
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&view=post&articleid=153694&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Chase%20Butler&fldTopic=0
By Chase Butler
In case you have forgotten, in case you never knew: you are not crazy, you are not alone, you are loved. "Why do I believe what I believe? Is this really real? I want to believe, but I'm struggling." I hear you loud and clear. I know you're exhausted. This road is full of heartache and existential angst, but it's so worth it. It's worth it, because at the end of the pursuit of truth is not more certainty but more hope--hope that compels us to love and live more deeply than we ever knew possible.
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Thank you for admitting what so few have the courage to do. Thank you for being honest about your struggle with life's biggest and hardest questions. Thank you for caring about truth.
In case you have forgotten, in case you never knew:
you are not crazy,
you are not alone,
you are loved.
"Why do I believe what I believe? Is this really real? I want to believe, but I'm struggling."
I hear you loud and clear. I know you're exhausted. This road is full of heartache and existential angst, but it's so worth it.
It's worth it, because at the end of the pursuit of truth is not more certainty but more hope--hope that compels us to love and live more deeply than we ever knew possible.
Start Small
When you feel like you don't know where to start, start small. Follow your interests. If it's science, let's start there. If it's ethics, and you're not sure which way is up after reading the Old Testament, let's start there. Whatever it is, just start. You cannot, will not, and do not have to conquer the world in a day, nor by yourself.
Don't Go It Alone
Use me as a resource. Trust that I'm your friend. Know that I'm limited but take advantage of the fact that I've gone before you. Stand on my shoulders, as I stand on those who have gone before me. Bring others into the dialogue, but be careful.
People Fear Change
Everyone will not be ready for your questions. Everyone will not understand how you could continue to ask "why." They surround themselves with things that confirm what they already know. Wading in the shallow end of their inherited pool of beliefs, some will scorn you for swimming away. Don't let the fear or anger of others drown you.
The Worthy Journey
This pursuit is worthwhile. Most people are handed their worldview. They accept a prepackaged paradigm. You're different, and you're going to see beauty in the world like you've never imagined.
Welcome to Doubt. It's a double-edged sword. It will help you, and it will hurt you. It will lead you to new heights and dark depths.
You will be stronger. You will be more humble. You will have deeper gratitude. You will possess wonder no person of certainty can ever feel.
At the end of the day, at the end of all our searching, this life really is a beautiful mystery. It's a gift, and you will have done much with the gift you've received.
Chase Butler
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=234074&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Chase%20Butler&fldTopic=0
There seems to be a recurring topic that continues to come up in my life—the balance between contentment and goals. Do I appreciate what I have, and am I working towards something meaningful that forces me to grow? An either/or approach never works. On one hand, you lend yourself to apathy and stagnation. On the other, you live under the tyranny of nothing ever being enough, endless striving that costs you something you never intended. I don't pretend to have this figured out. Every once in a while, I sense the alignment between the two within myself, but it's normally a fleeting moment followed by the pendulum tipping back towards one side.
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=233123&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Chase%20Butler&fldTopic=0
There are moments when I long for an answer, clarity, inspiration, relief, or hope and receive nothing. Even in earnest seeking, eager anticipation, a proper posture, an open heart, a willing spirit—nothing. Then there are moments when I receive an answer, clarity, inspiration, relief, and hope when I least expect it. Not seeking, not anticipating, yet a glimpse is given. So what to conclude?
http://www.identitynetwork.net/Articles-?blogid=2093&url=10&view=post&articleid=231499&link=1&fldKeywords=&fldAuthor=Chase%20Butler&fldTopic=0
If the idea of selling everything and living out of a backpack on the road sounds like a nightmare instead of a grand adventure, this post might not be for you. If challenging the status quo and questioning societal norms in the pursuit of a full and satisfying life sounds intriguing, then let's continue. The beauty of friendship is that conversations tend to draw out aspects of yourself that otherwise would have been left untouched and dormant, or at the very least overlooked or ignored.