Bob Hamp

I heard Jamie Tworkowsi tonight from To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) tell his story.  He spoke of an encounter with a guy standing outside of a concert screaming at people going in.  The guy was telling the concert-goers they were going to hell.  I guess he thought he was doing God a favor.  What a shame that we have so many who represent to the rest of the world that God yells at us.

Later in the narrative, Jamie told some of his own story.  In response to a question from the audience, he described something from his own journey.  He realized he had been giving advice to people that he himself was not following.  Recomending counseling to others, but not getting it himself.   Recomending honest community to others but not practicing it himself.  Very much, to his credit, Jamie quickly remedied this once he realized it.  He has a great heart and a very honest soul.

I was wondering about his first story…how do “Christian” people end up so bitter and judgmental?  I think he nailed it when he described the trap he had seen himself falling into.  Giving advice that you yourself do not follow.  Offering answers that you yourself do not practice.  This is a death trap that will shrivel your soul.  We do not get to exit the human race in order to help one another.  Look how Jesus did it; He entered the human race.  Identified with us.  In this is gentle brilliance.  Let us learn again how to truly enter one another’s lives.