I've got something I want to practise saying 'out loud'...

[LeoTheLateBloomer]

I love Jesus!

I never say it out loud in RL. Even when I say it quietly to myself I cringe inwardly, but I do truly believe it.

My Alpha group this evening was discussing how and when to tell people of our faith. I'm useless at it; typical English reserve and all that.

Anyway, I thought this would be a good place to make my first public declaration

me too. useless, embarressed, cringe!

I've been meaning to message you BES! You've had a rubbish time of it haven't you? How are things going at the moment?

I heard you, you have now said it out loud. Congratulations

Thanks Angels!

lots of little things aand some not so little things leo. and sleep deprived. I should be in bed but only now getting round to soaking a manky toe that would have the pus porn crew banging at the do asking for photos! it is a good excuse for not quite going to bed! (never grew up out of the i don't want to go to bed thing!

sounds like your ex is giving you a very hard time.

I never say it.

It's taken me all these years to admit that i go to church for my faith, not just cos I like the tradition and the singing.

It's really hard to admit to other people IRL that i'm a christian.
(i'm okay with that though!)

I'm like buckle and and u find it really hard to say

I will try again, on the iPad,

I am like nicklebabe also find it hard to say

Why do you have to say it in this particular way if it makes you cringe? Can't you use a phrase that makes you feel more comfortable?

For the record: I'm an atheist, so I'd not be saying anything like it anyway, but I really don't see any reason to express your feelings in a way that makes you feel uneasy when there are so many words in the English language.

FWIW, I would cringe a little too if someone said it to me - I think mostly because every time I've heard it the person then went on to try and convert me, which I find very awkward because I generally don't want to discuss religion if I think it may offend people but I also care about them.

Just pondering this - I don't go around saying to people "I love dh" - though I do and tell him so regularly :). I would though tell people about things he has done for me and speak warmly of him and be excited about things we are doing together.

Talking about your faith should feel natural - don't feel you have to use words that other people do - phrases that would seem appropriate from one person in one context may sound strange coming from somone else in a different context. For example I'm not keen on the description "born-again" although I understand the reason for using it - I would call myself a committed christian if someone asked.

I think English reserve is an important factor both for the person doing the talking and the person listening and needs to be taken into account. For example I might mention church when I'm asked what I'm up to at the weekend or that I can't make a coffee morning due to bible study etc - if the person is interested I'll happily talk more... I like 1 Peter 3:15 "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect"

best decision youll ever make following jesus, he is my rock :)