beliefs

Forgiveness

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

forgiveness-quotes-estilotendances-1

I’ve been pondering the idea, or virtue, of forgiveness lately. 

Some people’s response to me about the situation between my parents and me is that I need to forgive them so I can let it go, move on. I’m slightly puzzled, because I did/have forgiven them (multiple  times, as needed, every time they re-do what they always do), but somehow by me sharing my experiences means that I haven’t forgiven them and moved on.  Continue reading →

Explanations

~ Alexa Myers ~ 2 Comments

Recently I became fed up with the lies, insinuations and manipulations of my parents, so I wrote a blog post about my love story to set the record straight. As you can imagine, it set off fireworks in my parents’ household and sparked outrage in some of my siblings. It wouldn’t, shouldn’t, have, except my parents have done a marvelous job indoctrinating their children from birth in their fundamental, patriarchal, narcissistic thinking and belief system. 

You see, they neglected to indoctrinate and isolate me from birth, but started rather late, around the age of eleven or so and then, shortly thereafter, joined a cult. Not that I didn’t enjoy the same Bible-thumping, hell and damnation, you’re-a-sinner-and-you’ll-always-be-a-sinner teaching that my siblings got. However, by age 12 I had already enjoyed too much freedom to observe how other people interacted, decide how I was going to behave in any given situation, and begin to decide if I agreed with my parents or not. To them I was a rebel; how dare I question them on anything, think what I wanted instead of what they expected, and try to be an individual apart from them.  Continue reading →

A Letter to My Parents – Why I’m the Way I Am

~ Alexa Myers ~ 6 Comments

Warning: this is a long, extremely personal letter, so get a drink and get comfortable. Also, the next post will give background on why I sent this letter to my parents now.

 

Mom and Papa,                                                                                          7-15-2016

I’m writing you so that there will be less chance of miscommunication between us.  And, let’s face it, if, or when, we meet in person there is the possibility of emotions getting in the way of actual talking.

You are saying that I’ve been unwilling to come and talk with you. It is true that over the past several years I have had no desire to talk about anything with you. Your standard reply, from about the time I was 11 or so, has been that you don’t know what I’m talking about, I have caused the trouble since I didn’t come to you first (even if you were the cause), I should “check my heart for sin”, and/or I’m confused, wrong, a liar. This is confusing behavior, since you taught me that when someone “has anything against you”, you must listen to them, sincerely apologize, think through what they said and make a change in behavior according to what was done wrongly. I have never observed this happen between us from either of you to me. I distinctly recall me apologizing repeatedly to you both after I brought my grievances to you, which isn’t right, since one doesn’t apologize for what others do or say to one.  Continue reading →

How the Fundamentalist and Patriarchal Teachings Can Create Abusive Atmospheres: Part 3

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

So, what do Patriarchal teachings consist of, beyond what I’ve already discussed? I think this excerpt from Wikipedia lists it succinctly for us.

*God reveals Himself as masculine, not feminine.

*God ordained distinct gender roles for man and woman as part of the created order.

*A husband and father is the head of his household, a family leader, provider, and protector. Continue reading →

How the Fundamentalist and Patriarchal Teachings Can Create Abusive Atmospheres: Part 1

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

It’s taken me a couple of weeks, or more, since the scandal about the Duggars came to light to write my thoughts about it. You might be thinking, why bother, they don’t have anything to do with you, that’s their private business. I agree, up to a point. 1:They are public figures and as such are held to a high standard.  2: The homeschool “curriculum” they use is at the core of why Josh Duggar abused his sisters and babysitter – I too was put through the same teachings growing up.

You’re probably tired of reading about the Duggars by now. I am too. However, for me there is an intensely personal reason that I’m writing about the crap that’s hit the fan. I want to shed a little light on the teachings and atmosphere that the Duggars and thousands of other kids have been raised in since around 1970 (and before) through a particular theology, which creates a perfect atmosphere for abuse, especially sexual abuse. Continue reading →

What is the Gospel of Peace & Grace? ~ Part 3

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

Whew! What a busy couple of weeks! I think I have a light week ahead of me, which I’m greatly looking forward to. 🙂  This morning I went in for Jury summons, but asked to be excused until summer since I homeschool my four kids, which includes a nine year old. I really wanted to be there and serve but can’t take off from teaching right now. I’m happy to say that I was excused.

So, Righteousness…Can God carry out something on someone’s life without their agreement or participation? In Romans 5 Paul tells us because of one man’s (Adam) sin God imputed (brought against us with no reason) sin to every man. Even if you didn’t do what Adam did. One man affected the whole of mankind. Paul gives us a comparison of Jesus, the Last Adam, with the first man, the First Adam. By one man’s sin all were made sinners, and by one man’s obedience all have been made righteous. Continue reading →

What is the Gospel of Peace & Grace? ~ part 2

~ Alexa Myers ~ Leave a comment

So I’m back after a busy week of kids, school and life! Here where I live Spring has sprung. The yellow pollen from the pine trees is beginning to coat everything and my scratchy, itchy throat and eyes tell me that everything else has also begun it’s new season. Aside from the allergy issue I love spring! There is much joy in seeing your hard work in the garden and landscapes bloom and thrive. The changing seasons which come year after year are such a testament to the constancy of God! Continue reading →

What is the Gospel of Peace & Grace?

~ Alexa Myers ~ 7 Comments

I’d like to take some time and share what I believe the Gospel of Peace & Grace is. What did Jesus really do at the cross? Did He accomplish what He said He was going to do? If “It is Finished”, as in done, over, is God still angry at us? If God isn’t angry at us, does that mean there is no law anymore? If there is no law, then there shouldn’t be any sin, right? Continue reading →