Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jesus. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 11, 2018

七夕專稿:婚姻使我們失去愛的能力?——在七夕寫給害怕“婚內失戀”的你

王敏俐
本文原刊於《舉目》官網2018.08.17


《婚內失戀》
前陣子,一個饒富意味的書名——《婚內失戀》,吸引了我的關注。臺灣精神科醫師鄧惠文在她的這本著作中,探討了進入婚姻,卻漸漸失去戀愛感覺的夫妻。她將這樣的婚姻關係定義為“婚內失戀”,在書中,作者思考並試圖突破面對婚姻框架的無力與無奈。
“近年臺灣的離婚率不低,簡化地說,可以想像為每三對結婚就差不多有一對離婚。而在結婚與離婚之間,處於已婚狀態的女人,許多是不快樂的,那感覺恐怕比未婚熟女更像leftover──沒吃完的冷掉的肉排,失去風味的蔬菜,乾掉的米飯或硬掉的麵包……”(註)
結婚之前,情侶們即便是天天見面,分離時也感覺像牛郎織女一般,度日如年,但為何在婚姻之中的男男女女,卻常常感覺自己處於“婚內失戀”呢?
另一個有趣的現象是,在臉書與社交媒體中,常常出現以“室友”來稱呼自己的另一半。“室友”這個昵稱很值得玩味,其中說出了彼此之間共處、共有、共享一個家的親密,但也在若隱若現中,透露了彼此間彷佛始終無法跨越的差距與隔閡——雙方在世界觀、金錢觀、對於家的想像,對於愛的表達方式上等存在的差異。
在婚姻中稱自己的另一半為“室友”,或許是一種半開玩笑、欲擒故縱的撒嬌,但也可能是一種表述內心失落與寂寞的淡然自嘲。
卒婚
面對兩性之間的差異,幾乎全世界的已婚女性們或多或少都在那種時而親密、時而感到失聯無解的欲振乏力之間,來回擺蕩。日本女作家杉山由美子在她的著作《卒婚》中也摸索著這個相似的議題。
在書中她採訪了6對夫婦,他們的共同點是,夫妻以分居的方式,維持著婚姻的關係,給予彼此在社交與自我實現上,更多寬廣的伸展自由,他們將這樣的生活方式稱之為“卒婚”。
但“卒婚”是否真能成為解決婚姻衝突、改善婚內失戀的幸福之道呢?
保持適當的距離,或許可以減緩彼此差異所造成的衝突,卻無法讓婚姻中的兩人更多的感受到愛與接納,更深經歷婚姻裡的合一。準確地說,這也許是一種看透真相卻無計可施的權宜之法。
如果一對愛侶在二三十歲時決定進入婚姻的殿堂、許下諾言一生相守,他們的目的絕對不是為了二三十年後,為著要維持一段無味的婚姻,而與對方保持可取暖,又不會刺傷、干涉對方的分居狀態。
婚姻,不只是一紙約定,更是人類關係與連結建立的起始單元。
上帝在起初創造婚姻的目的,是因為祂認為“那人獨居不好”,因祂是一位看重關係的神。兩個有自由意志的人,在進入一段婚姻關係後,願意放下自我,藉著彼此接納、彼此犧牲,彼此順服、彼此看重、彼此成全,享受一種身心靈美好的合一,如三位一體之神同榮同尊卻彼此順服成全的親密相交。
亞當獨居時,無法經歷到那樣痛並快樂的深刻關係,於是上帝為他造了一個配偶來幫助他。
許多人說婚姻是使人受拘束的枷鎖,是使人失去自由的圍城,一個本可以自由來去的人,在進入婚姻後,不再能夠按照自己的人生規劃與偏愛的節奏步調前行:一個想回國的人因為另一半的工作旅居海外;一個做事急驚風的人必須等候慢條斯理的另一半;一個側重理性邏輯的人,必須等候另一半澎湃情感的消化與緩衝……
更寬廣的自由
事實上,婚姻是操練真自由的寶貴學校。
在進入婚姻前,我們所享受與體認的,是孑然一身、自己為自己作主的自由;結婚後,上帝卻要讓我們在彼此的雕琢與打磨中,經歷更深刻、更寬廣的自由。
現實生活中的我們,常常包裹著堅硬的外殼,不讓另一半進入我們內心的世界;常常背負著無法接納自我的羞恥感,恥於表露內裡的脆弱與真實的愛意;常常以過去的虧欠與傷痕為籌碼,脅迫我們的另一半降服在我們的意志之下;常常以憤怒或冷漠為武器,欲奪回我們在婚姻關係中的主導權……
其實,每個進入婚姻的人,都必然會經歷一場婚內的失戀,因為,不完美的我們終究會經歷到對自己、對另一半的失望。在婚姻中,當對方的軟弱與不足擺在我們眼前時,上帝在試驗、熬練著我們,幫助我們,給我們有恩典與力量,可以有不埋怨的自由、有彼此接納與饒恕的自由。
每個人生命中最破碎不堪,無法與人共處的角落,正是上帝恩典的手渴望去撫摸、纏裹與醫治的地方。多數時候,連我們自己也意識不到自己的盲點,卻在婚姻裡因著財務、育兒、原生家庭、生涯規劃等所衍生的衝突當中顯明出來。
但是,在做抉擇的過程中,當我們因著愛、尊重與順服的緣故,學習放下本來的計劃、步調與作法時,聖靈也會不斷地光照我們,讓我們重新審視自己最初執著的動機。
我們認識到自己最初的堅持,可能夾雜著自私、虛榮、恐懼甚至是原生家庭的傷害,這些一點一滴赤露敞開在神的面前,便被醫治、被重整;我們在主裡順服與愛另一半、為對方捨己犧牲的過程,聖靈會幫助我們看見在我們生命中,那些取代上帝來給我們滿足感與安全感的偶像,上帝要給我們力量破碎內心的偶像,經歷基督裡的真自由。
我的故事
我自己便是在婚姻中,不斷地被上帝破碎內心的偶像,重整自我。
我和先生在學生時代結婚。那一年,我們同時畢業於慕尼黑大學,我渴望畢業後回臺灣,先生則是堅持要繼續前往荷蘭的實驗室工作,我們之間產生了很大的張力與拉扯。當時,我的輔導提醒我,聖經中的教導是妻子要順服丈夫,夫妻要一起同住,不可分開。因此雖然我心中有許多的拉扯,但依然硬著頭皮與先生前往陌生的荷蘭。
在荷蘭的頭兩年,是我生命最深沉的低谷。上帝很幽默,我們搬到荷蘭後,當我在申請依親的配偶簽證時,荷蘭外事局將我們的結婚證書弄丟了,以致我無法申請相關的居留。有將近兩年的時間,我以為期三個月不斷替換的旅遊簽證生活在荷蘭,在當地完全沒有任何找工作的可能性,每一次的出入境也經歷海關百般的刁難。
在那一段時間,我低落到一個地步,每天起床就是不停地哭泣、不停地埋怨。有一年春節回臺灣前夕,我對我的輔導說,畢業後一事無成令我感到羞辱,我不知道該如何回去面對我的父母,他們栽培我在德國留學,我卻無法憑著自己的能力為他們準備禮物……
感謝上帝,輔導很愛我,他很真實地指出了我的盲點與問題。他說:“敏俐,我想不到,你是一個那麽虛榮的人,你在傳福音時告訴別人耶穌完全地接納我們,愛我們,但是在實際的生活中,你卻依然想用世俗的方式,向你的父母證明你的能力。那些禮物真的是他們最需要的嗎?或者,他們最需要的,是耶穌的愛與救恩?”他說的完全正確,我只能來到上帝面前,承認自己的軟弱與虛榮。
有一次,當我從倫敦返回荷蘭時,在機場又因為自己非常奇怪的簽證歷史而被海關刁難,我滿心苦毒、抱怨,我對上帝說:“既然你把我帶到了荷蘭,為什麽不給我在這裡的居留簽證呢?”
那一刻,上帝立即藉著一個心中的意念回應了我:“孩子,如果你每天抱怨、打從心裡就不想留在荷蘭,我為什麽要給你這裡的居留簽證呢?”我馬上安靜下來,在上帝面前認罪、悔改,承認我表面上跟著先生來了荷蘭,內心卻從來沒有順服過,而上帝看的並非外表,而是內心。奇妙的是,我在一週後終於拿到了等候兩年的居留簽證。
我開始一份兼職的工作,再度感受到生活充滿活力,人生也終於找到了意義。但就在當我認為自己終於找到了一個施力點,可以發揮所長,每一天都享受在這份工作中時,上帝對我的生命卻有不同的心意。
有一天,當我走進辦公室時,內心突然有一個意念問道:“敏俐,你想要這樣度過一生的時間嗎?”我理所當然地回答:“是的,憋了兩年,我終於可以做自己想做的事了!”就在那天,上帝用祂的話語呼召了我,觸摸了我,這樣的經驗奇妙不可言喻,卻深深帶著醫治的大能。我只能說,我遇見了祂的榮耀,我降服在祂的榮耀之中。
過去我曾經痛苦地以為,上帝把我帶入婚姻是要使我受苦,祂藉著婚姻使我不得不放棄自己的夢想與生涯規劃,放棄自己所熱愛的專業。直到那一天,在聖靈的光照之中,我才認識到,原來上帝並不是要把我最愛的奪走,而是要把最好的給我,那就是耶穌基督自己。
一旦生命真的與上帝相遇,知道什麽是最好的,我便不再願意自己留戀於過往那些次好的事物中。從那時起,我便辭去工作,參與在歐洲的華人留學生事工之中,也更深了解在婚姻之中順服的意義。
婚姻,是人類關係與連結建立的起始單元,我們因為相異或者相同被彼此吸引,進入婚姻,也因為對彼此的失望,而陷入婚內失戀或情感的絕望中。但上帝是愛的源頭,也是創造婚姻的那一位主,在祂所創造的婚姻中,祂渴望我們在愛與順服的過程中,經歷更深的合一,破碎我們心中的偶像,在婚姻中一起敬拜耶穌,享受基督裡的自由。
註:
參考https://buzzorange.com/vidaorange/2017/12/11/do-not-be-borting/
作者現居美國西雅圖,為全職媽媽。
原文出處:舉目


Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Little Boy's Explanation of God

It was written by an 8-year-old named Danny Dutton, who lives in Chula Vista , CA . He wrote it for his third grade homework assignment, to 'explain God.' I wonder if any of us could have done as well?
(and he had such an assignment, in California , and someone published it, I guess miracles do happen!)
EXPLANATION OF GOD:

       'One of God's main jobs is making people. He makes them to replace the ones that die, so there will be enough people to take care of things on earth He doesn't make grownups, just babies. I think because they are smaller and easier to make. That way he doesn't have to take up his valuable time teaching them to talk and walk. He can just leave that to mothers and fathers.'
'God's second most important job is listening to prayers An awful lot of this goes on, since some people, like preachers and things, pray at times beside bedtime. God doesn't have time to listen to the radio or TV because of this. Because he hears everything, there must be a terrible lot of noise in his ears, unless he has thought of a way to turn it off.'
'God sees everything and hears everything and is everywhere which keeps Him pretty busy. So you shouldn't go wasting his time by going over your mom and dad's head asking for something they said you couldn't have.'
'Atheists are people who don't believe in God. I don't think there are any in Chula Vista . At least there aren't any who come to our church.'
'Jesus is God's Son. He used to do all the hard work, like walking on water and performing miracles and trying to teach the people who didn't want to learn about God.They finally got tired of him preaching to them and they crucified him. But he was good and kind, like his father, and he told his father that they didn't know what they were doing and to forgive them and God said O.K.'
'His dad (God) appreciated everything that he had done and all his hard work on earth so he told him he didn't have to go out on the road anymore. He could stay in heaven. So he did. And now he helps his dad out by listening to prayers and seeing things which are important for God to take care of and which ones he can take care of himself without having to bother God. Like a secretary, only more important.'
'You can pray anytime you want and they are sure to help you because they got it worked out so one of them is on duty all the time.'
'You should always go to church on Sunday because it makes God happy, and if there's anybody you want to make happy, it's God!
Don't skip church to do something you think will be more fun like going to the beach. This is wrong. And besides the sun doesn't come out at the beach until noon anyway.'
'If you don't believe in God, besides being an atheist, you will be very lonely, because your parents can't go everywhere with you, like to camp, but God can. It is good to know He's around you when you're scared, in the dark or when you can't swim and you get thrown into real deep water by big kids.'
'But...you shouldn't just always think of what God can do for you. I figure God put me here and he can take me back anytime he pleases.
And...that's why I believe in God.'

Count your Blessings




source: Overseas Chinese Bible Study Fellowship

Monday, September 19, 2011

Greg Laurie's Harvest Crusade LA: 50,000 Led in 9/11 Prayer




 By Alex Murashko | Christian Post Reporter


LOS ANGELES – Holding his first Harvest Crusades outreach event in the media hub nicknamed "City of Angels," Greg Laurie brought his message of hope in Jesus Christ to an estimated 50,000 people at Dodger Stadium Saturday evening.



On the eve of the nation’s 10th anniversary of the 9/11 tragedies, Laurie said he came to Los Angeles to "influence the influencers." He also said that even though prayer by clergy was not allowed at the memorial ceremony at ground zero Sunday “we will be praying in Los Angeles tonight.”

 

(Photo: Harvest Ministries)


Part of the Harvest Los Angeles event held at Dodger Stadium Saturday included prayer for families of those who lost loved ones during the 9/11 tragedies. During the commemoration, those in attendance raised their smart phones toward the sky with browsers set to a “virtual candle” app, an image made available by the Harvest tech team, September 10, 2011.

Founding Calvary Chapel Pastor Chuck Smith, who mentored Laurie even before he became a church and evangelist leader, led the crowd in prayer for the families who lost loved ones during the terrorist attacks on 9/11. Many in attendance raised their smart phones toward the sky with browsers set to a “virtual candle” app, an image made available by the Harvest tech team.

"We pray that we as a nation become more aware for our need for God," said Smith from the massive stage centered in the second-base area of the baseball field.

He prayed, "Father, as we are here on the eve of 9/11 and so vividly remember that day of infamy, with men for their religion who were willing to give their lives in order that they might take the lives of 3,000 people … Father, we pray for the families of those 3,000 people.”

"We know that the pain of death does last so long. May they feel your comfort and your presence tonight, Lord,” he continued. “We pray for our nation. We thank you, Lord, for the wake-up call and at that time so many people turned to you. The churches were full the next Sunday. Lord, people began to realize how much we need you.


"Lord, how soon we forget and how many times this year as we are needing you again. Somehow, Lord, we sort of declared our independence from you. Lord, we want you to know that we feel very dependent upon you. Lord, we ask that tonight your blessing would be upon America.”

Smith concluded by praying for those inside the stadium who had just prayed to accept and follow Jesus.


(Photo: Harvest Ministries)
The Dodger Stadium outfield, during Harvest LA led by Greg Laurie, was filled with 5,934 people who came down to the field to make professions of faith in Jesus Christ, September 10, 2011.

Having held Harvest events in neighboring Orange County for 22 consecutive years, Laurie brought along a bevy of chart-topping Christian music performers and high-end technology.

After Smith’s prayer, the stadium lights were darkened and the crowd, led by The Katinas, sang "God Bless America." Chris Tomlin ended the event, leading attendees in a set of favorite worship songs.

(Photo: Harvest Ministries)
Harvest Crusades leader Greg Laurie said he brought his evangelistic event to Los Angeles on Saturday to "influence the influencers," September 10, 2011.
Earlier in the evening and before Laurie spoke, rousing performances by The Katinas, Kirk Franklin, and Jeremy Camp had the audience jumping, causing those in the upper decks of Dodger Stadium to feel the vibration.

Laurie said his desire was to address everyone in Los Angeles, “from the up-and-comers of Rodeo Drive to the down-and-outers of Skid Row,” on the topic of dealing with tragedy such as of the loss of life during the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

"Whatever you are facing, you have something better in Christ," Laurie told the crowd. "You don't go to heaven to find Christ, you go to Christ to find heaven. Only one road leads to heaven and that's Jesus Christ."

Laurie said he does not have the answer to why God allows tragedy. "Maybe the question should be, 'Who do you go to when tragedy happens?' I know the answer to that one. You go to Jesus Christ."

In another first, Laurie's altar call to the field drew so many thousands of people to the outfield grass that a Los Angeles fire marshal prompted Harvest officials to close off the area. Those still making their way to the field were told to remain standing and a Harvest counselor would come by.

Event organizers said 5,934 came down to the field to make professions of faith in Christ. This is the largest number of decisions for a single night of Harvest Crusades. Additionally, 119 online viewers registered decisions to follow Jesus, organizers said.


Tuesday, September 13, 2011

當我說...「我是基督徒」時

這是1988年Carol Wimmer 發表在the Assemblies of God periodical Hi-Call Gospel Magazine的一首詩。詩是這樣寫的~ 




When I say..."I am a Christian" 當我說...「我是基督徒」時
I'm not shouting "I am saved"
並不是在叫喊著「我是得救的」
I'm whispering "I get lost!"
而是在低聲的說「我曾經迷失過」 
"That is why I chose this way."
「所以我選擇了這條路」

When I say..."I am a Christian"
當我說...「我是基督徒」時
I don't speak of this with pride.
並不是因為我覺得比你高一等
I'm confessing that I stumble
而是承認我一直在蹣跚而行 
and need someone to be my guide.
所以我需要一位元生命的嚮導

When I say..."I am a Christian"
當我說...「我是基督徒」時
I'm not trying to be strong.
我並不是在顯示自己很強壯
I'm professing that I'm weak
而是在承認自己的軟弱 
and pray for strength to carry on.
並禱告尋求繼續前進的力量 

When I say..."I am a Christian"
當我說...「我是基督徒」時 
I'm not bragging of success.
我並不是在吹噓我的成功
I'm admitting I have failed
而是承認自己的失敗 
and cannot ever pay the debt.
並且沒有能力償還所背負的債 

When I say..."I am a Christian"
當我說...「我是基督徒」時
I'm not claiming to be perfect,
我並不是在自我宣稱我是完美的 
my flaws are too visible
而是讓你看到我生命中的瑕疵是這麼明顯 
but God believes I'm worth it.
但神相信我是有價值的

When I say..."I am a Christian"
當我說...「我是基督徒」時
I still feel the sting of pain
我還是會感到痛如針刺般 
I have my share of heartaches
但我有神來分擔我的心痛 
which is why I seek His name.
所以我會繼續尋求祂的面

When I say..."I am a Christian"
當我說...「我是基督徒」時
I do not wish to judge.
我並不是在評價你 
I have no authority.
因為我沒有那樣的權炳 
I only know I'm loved.
我只知道我是被愛著的







我們也學習用這句話來禱告~~ 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
提醒我,這個身份是因為謙卑自己來到這世上所賦予我的 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表示我的尊貴身份,是重價贖回的,提醒我是否這樣活著 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表示我體驗過上帝的愛,我的生命有祢恩典的記號 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表示我是基督的跟隨者,我要效法的腳蹤行 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表示我有特別的使命,是上帝給的,不是我自己的意念 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
提醒我要活出的樣式,除去老我 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表明我是一個蒙恩得救的罪人,生命因著祢繼續在蛻變著 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
提醒我要見證主名,雖有時做不到,但在祢凡事都能 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
提醒我,我是祢祝福別人的管道,是小基督,是行善者 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
提醒我,祢為驕傲的我所受的鞭傷與羞辱 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
提醒我,祢對我的寬恕,而我也要去寬恕人。 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
我充滿感恩,因為雖經過荊棘路途、烈日暴雨, 
祢卻賜下陽光、白雲、樹林、小花、高山、鳥兒來陪伴我 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時,
我是感動的,因為雖然這不是一條易路,但祢卻賜下一群愛我的教會弟兄姐妹、同事、朋友、家人一起行走這個旅程 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
我知道我是有福的,因為雖然我並不是什麼都會,但祢卻讓我身旁有好多天使陪伴我幫助我,更重要的是那大能的膀臂扶持我、 
褓抱我,讓我感到安全穩妥
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
我心裡安慰,因為祢知道我的心聲,祢憐憫我,使我心靈飽足 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
我知道我不夠好,但祢卻包容我、接納我 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
我心中的愉悅無人能奪,因我深知祢喜歡我、承認我 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時 
使我願意放下自己角色,不被身份所限制 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表示我是自由的,並有永恆的生命 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
我感受到被比較的眼光、高標準的審視 
但我知道我是祢的掌上明珠,是我的保護 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表示我願意學習祢捨己的精神,成為合祢心意的僕人 
主阿!當我說我是基督徒時, 
表示我願意委身於祢,作世上的光和鹽,願祢的旨意成就!


參考原作網站:http://carolwimmer.com/