Christian topic. This just happened and I need to talk about it.

[JNChell]

I posted some time back about God and Jesus. Since then, a couple of months ago, I met a husband and wife that travel as speakers at churches while I was out having lunch with S4. We were the only ones in the restaurant. I overheard their conversation, introduced myself and we began a conversation. They gave me contact info and the name of a pastor and church on a napkin. It’s still on my counter. I’m currently without a job so I picked S4 up from daycare early today. I fed him lunch then took him to a local park to play. There was another dad there, married, with his 6 year old daughter. I’m wearing an Allman Brothers T-shirt and conversation got struck up about it. We talked about musical interests and how fast our kiddos grow and he started talking about how he plays music at his church. Just before leaving I told him that it was funny that I crossed paths with him because this stuff has been on my mind. I told him about meeting the couple and he told me that he knew exactly who I was talking about and said the name of the church. He said that the couple that I met in restaurant had been asking if I had shown up yet. It’s really hard to not notice this as more than a coincidence. It would be nice to get some feedback from some Christian or Spiritual members. This hit me like a ton of bricks. Not in a bad or good way, just a wth moment.

[ProudDad12]

While it was via different events, I can relate to what happened. I've seen enough to say it's hard to ignore providential meetings/relationships/circumstances. It could certainly be a gentle nudge in that direction! I put a lot of importance in my faith and lean hard on it in rough times (and admittedly not near as much as I should in the good). Without getting into the whole story, when we first tried our current church, we also had circumstances come up that seemed way too much to be coincidental, but it cemented our feelings we found our church family. We're still in that church, and it and the relationships we gained from it have been a big part of our lives. I try to not read too much into things as signs, but sometimes it's hard to not believe you're receiving a message, and to me it's a good thing.

Obviously can't say one way or another in your situation, but if I were in your shoes I'd definitely be trying that church! If you decide that's something you want to do, keep us posted!

[GaGrl]

I've long had a saying,

 "There are no accidents."

It is what you now make of the synchronicity.

[JNChell]

Hi ProudDad12. I don’t really know what to make of it. Like you said, surreal. My gut tells me that this wasn’t happenstance. I mentioned to the father that I met in the park that maybe meeting him was the final nudge that I needed. He had written down his contact information and the name of the church before I explained to him that meeting him was a bit funny. I don’t think that I should write this off. I think I need to seek it out. Thanks for posting.

[JNChell]

Hi, GaGrl. Maybe it’s time that I take that step for myself and see for myself. What else do I do with this encounter? I can’t stuff it or try to brush it aside. I know how that turns out. From what I’ve gathered from your words, and that is a great mantra BTW, perhaps I’m being talked to? A message?

[PeaceMom]

I call these things “God winks” -they happen in my life on a weekly basis IF I have my God Wink Goggles on. If not, I miss these remarkable occurrences.

[Zabava]

JNChell,

Trust your heart.  Weird things happen and people come into your life that can't be explained by coincidence. Sounds like they are waiting to welcome you. 

[I Am Redeemed]

I totally believe that God has ways of nudging us in the right direction when He wants to. Like some others have said here, I have experienced things in my life that I believe were from His direction. I also believe that God has many ways of working in our lives, and sometimes He uses people to do that.

If I were you, I would try out the church. You might really like it and it may end up being a great support for you and S4.

[Notwendy]

I don't think I am qualified to know if God is talking to someone or not.   But I do think there are mysteries and unknowns that we don't have an answer for, and that we can listen to our inner voice when we get quiet enough. You seem pulled in this direction, either internally or by external circumstances. I think it makes sense to discern whether this emotional pull is harmful or not or what risks there may be in pursuing it . I don't see any harm in visiting a church and the only risk I can imagine is if you go and don't like it. On the other hand, you may truly like it, feel it is a place you belong, and become part of a spiritually supportive community.

Sounds to me like a small risk for possibly great rewards.

[skylark23]

Just personal experience here - I've experienced the "God Winks" or "God Nudge" and they can be very surreal. Sounds like this could be one for you. I believe that if we go out seeking, God tends to come and meet us.

I second everything NotWendy says, . Having a spiritually supportive community is, I believe, important to healing and becoming our best, secure, confident selves.

[JNChell]

Hello, PeaceMom.

IF I have my God Wink Goggles on.

I think that I understand what you’re saying. I was raised in the RC Church, but it never really took hold in my life. I’ve never really had a true meaningful relationship with God. I’ve prayed and spoken to him/her, but I’ve never really invited that into my everyday life. At 42, I’m just now starting to seriously consider the idea that God and Jesus are a real entity. I guess that it kind of makes sense in the fact that I’ve done a lot of work on myself and that maybe I’m ready for that now. It’s just not something that I can impulsively jump into, but it’s hard to deny that I received a “wink”. Thank you for talking about this and for sharing your personal insight.

[JNChell]

Hey there, Zabava.  It felt really nice to be invited to the church by a nice man. I didn’t feel pressured by him while he was trying to persuade me to give it a shot. Honestly, it sounds like something I might be comfortable to explore. It’s a small congregation. 25-30 people with plenty of youngsters that S4 can socialize with, and possibly an opportunity to play live music again. He also talked about how he and his church band mates play for nursing homes and that he’s about to start reaching out to jails and prisons. I’m glad that we talked. We should never assume anything over appearances, but he looks like any “good ol’ boy’ that I might say howdy to in passing. Anyway, I guess I rambled a bit, but it’s always nice to talk with you.

[JNChell]

Hi, Redeemed! Thanks for joining the thread.

If I were you, I would try out the church. You might really like it and it may end up being a great support for you and S4.

I think you’re right. For lack of better words, I guess that I feel like something was just laid at my doorstep. Like you said, who knows? This could be the beginning of something special and meaningful for S4 and I. I owe it to both of us to at least try.

[JNChell]

Hi, Notwendy. Thanks for contributing to the thread.

I don't see any harm in visiting a church and the only risk I can imagine is if you go and don't like it. On the other hand, you may truly like it, feel it is a place you belong, and become part of a spiritually supportive community.

Thanks for your support. You know, I don’t really see or feel any harm in trying either. Honestly, I’d probably be doing myself a disservice by not putting myself out there and seeing things for myself instead of reacting to the fears. Thanks, Notwendy.

[JNChell]

Hello, skylark23.

I believe that if we go out seeking, God tends to come and meet us.

This is interesting to me and it makes sense. One aspect that seems to be fairly universal is that God allows us to have free will. If we’re not seeking, God will let us be. If we are seeking and maybe a bit lost, God will call out to us and help us along the path to discovery. I don’t know. Just a thought I guess. I appreciate your insight.

[Lstrayed]

I agree with the things posted in this thread. And in my experience sometimes it seems to take a seemingly "bad experience" to open me up to growth. Reminds me of a Leonard Cohen lyric "There is a crack, a crack in everything/ That's how the light gets in" I didnt grow up with God but he slipped in through my cracks...in fact my first experience with God was at my brothers funeral at 20 years old. If it wasnt for my faith and spirituality I really dont know where I would be. Not to say that losing your job created a crack of that magnitude, but maybe it sparked a need or want for change in you and this is how God answered? My husband lost his job a few years back and that experience ignited something in him! He now has an amazing position at a new company making much more money. We talk now about what a blessing it was but at the time it seemed devastating...(a few months before Christmas, 3 young kids and he had the sole income at the time) I do believe God is always gently nudging us...this seems to be a bit of shake..haha. I certainly would try the Church. It may be exactly what you need or you may just need to hear certain words that will be said there. I remind myself at Church to take what resonates and feels right in my heart and leave the rest. Finding a community of people who may be loving/supporting certainly doesn't hurt in this life! I wish you ALL the best!

[JNChell]

Hi, Lstrayed.

I’m a musician so I’m a pushover for a good message or interpretation when it comes to lyrics. I really like this. Thanks for sharing it.

"There is a crack, a crack in everything/ That's how the light gets in"

I’m sorry to hear about your brother, but what you said about your faith and spirituality is inspiring to read. Thanks for sharing that.

I messaged the fella that I met at the playground and told him that I would most likely show up on Sunday soon, but that the experience was a bit overwhelming and that I needed to marinate in it for a while. Really gracious guy. Thanks for talking about this. Very much appreciated.

[Nickerdoodle]

Run to the church.  Do not walk.  Run!

[Harri]

   Gee Nickerdoodle, I get the impression you think JNChell should go to the church!   

JNChell, how are you?  Did you go?  Check in when you can.   

[TelHill]

JNChell, I was wondering too! 

BTW, I know some atheists who are better people than me. I need a lot of help, so I have gone to something, Al Anon, church,  synagogue, mosque.. aka whatever works...most of my life.