Famous Last Words

Well - for sure the words in this post will be far from famous, but they are my last under the moniker The Woman In My Attic. I finally read the email from the good folks at Google+ - about how these pages are shutting down and will be no more as of April 2, 2019. They say it's due to poor usage and lack of maintenance, etc. I can't argue with that.

But what I will say is - for me - sharing my thoughts openly this way has been a life-saving experience. And the closing of this chapter of my writing life might really push me forward to writing my next book. And who knows? There may be even more books inside me after this!

I came to this blogspot in 2011 - but, it wasn't my first try at blogging. This was my third attempt, and I titled my very first post For the Third Time .  Yes, actually, I'd tried to blog as early as 2009, when my late husband was still alive; and even opened an account for him as we sought to start our online Bible ministry. Bro. Wynn was a great thinker and teacher. It took me several months to come back to this - to somehow carry on with the plan without him. It morphed into a different kind of passion, and writing in this way allowed me to formulate my views, strengthen my own beliefs and share what I've learned.

The page also helped me maintain my sanity - writing has always been a cathartic release for me. But most of all, my hope is that someone out there was encouraged by something I said over these nearly 8 years.  I pray that seeds were planted, hearts were touched, and healing took place...or curiosity was piqued to know more about the LOVE of God; I hope someone was motivated to seek the truth - for themselves.

I'm choosing to call it a day two months before they shut it down. They say photos not backed up will be lost, so on and so forth.  However, as long as the url is alive - I hope you'll tell a friend to come on over and have a read.

In my experience as a lifetime reader and a longtime writer - you never, ever forget the words that gave you pause, courage, joy and hope!

May God bless and keep you, and give you peace!

Bridget G. Wynn Edwards
Pilgrim Journey

Jesus Didn't Name His Followers "Christians"

But don't take my word for it.  

It's written in the Bible when and where the disciples were given that name. In Acts 11:26, believers in Jesus Christ were referred to as Christians. And, it wasn't given as a compliment, but as a harsh nickname.

Jesus referred to those who followed His teachings as His disciples, and gave the great commission to the twelve to go, and make disciples of all people (Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15).

What has happened during the 2000 years since Christ's time on earth has been nothing short of incredible. I use incredible for sheer lack of a better, more descriptive word - and it's not positive. But it bears my overall view of the blasphemous actions that have been perpetrated against human beings broadly, in the name of Christianity,and more specifically, in the name of Jesus for centuries.

Because of the vast discrepancies between what "Christians" do/have done and what the Bible actually teaches, I have struggled with whether or not to identify myself as a Christian.  The teachings of Christ and what has been taught in the modern day church that bears His name, are far from each other.  What I've discovered is, many people don't know this because they get all of their "Bible" from the pulpit.

I came to terms with not needing a label years ago and divorced myself from denominational-ism. Just couldn't find any one of the hundreds listed in Scripture. Instead, I focused on what Jesus said about the characteristics of His true church. And there are many references. One of my favorites is found in John 15. Jesus is the vine, and His believers, are the branches...and He has chosen us to bear good fruit...and we are to love one another! WOW! Further, through the Apostle Paul in Galatians 5, we are given the actual attributes of the fruit... the fruits of the Spirit (the Comforter who also teaches us and provides us with the power to do the will of God); verses 22-26 breaks it down:

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other. (New International Version)

Focusing on what Jesus said, through the Holy Scriptures, has helped me move beyond traditions that have no meaning, and practices that do not demonstrate the Love of Christ. I have come to the conclusion, through my own study of the Word as I have sought the truth, in the face of all the falsehoods that are still being preached from pulpits - where congregations uphold and worship men and material goods and are encouraged to do so because they've been hypnotized into believing these "spiritual leaders" are appointed by God - that I'm simply a believer in Jesus the Christ who taught us to love one another. 

So Christians don't necessarily have to love one another, or follow the teachings of love thy neighbor as themselves, or doing unto others as they would have others do unto them. Their actual origins are false. Man made. Or, at the very least, they have gone astray.  But if anyone reading is interested, the good news is - it's not too late to get back on track. 

If you're interested in following Christ, you will probably have to leave your comfort zone. And you MUST study for yourself, and pray for the Spirit of the Living God to guide you. You might be criticized, and worse. But that's how you'll absolutely know you're headed in the right direction.

But don't take my word for it. (John 15: 18-25)

Today, and Forever - Let there be Love!

The devotional calendar - appropriate for today & forever!

There are probably a million verses that tell of the infinite lifespan of love, when love is real.

I've learned, happily, that love - true love - never dies. And at the risk of sounding trite, I can testify that love breathes on through us and those we bring into this world and others we  touch. In fact, love multiplies!

I am a student of this thing. I'm also a teacher and facilitator - a mediator, a person who seeks to sprinkle in exact proportions, the love and knowledge of love to others as they have need.

I can't say enough about love - I am today, and every day, full of it! Grateful to have had copious amounts of love throughout my 6 plus decades on this planet, even during times when I didn't appreciate it. Humbled because, my God! I know I am so unworthy!

As broken as I am in the flesh, I stand with my head held high because I am whole in the Spirit! I recognize the Power that allows me to stand - is Divine. And my gratitude today is heightened by the memory of the dear soul, the late, great, R. Lamont Wynn, whom God sent in human form to woo and ask me for my hand over forty years ago. We married on this date, in 1979. It was Super Bowl XIII (Pittsburgh Steelers 35, Dallas Cowboys 31)!!

When I reflect on the 31 years, 3 months and 18 days we shared as husband and wife, all I can do is smile. I learned  of the wonderful, complex, intricate, awesome and sometimes mysterious ways of Love - God's Love - through that union. Please believe me that love and loving is better, stronger, and freer because of the peace and joy I have within. Because of the Love I receive beyond measure daily - from the Original Lover of my soul!

There is no disappointment too great, no sorrow or burden too heavy, and nothing that cannot be forgiven when there is love everlasting, rejuvenating, regenerating and replenishing the heart, mind, body and soul.  I pray love everlasting for all!