| Author | Thread |
|
|
05/14/2008 09:40:49 PM · #1 |
This is my Personal Testimony (as I learned to call it when I was a child.) It is offered as background information to whom it may concern. It is given with the best of intentions that those who care may more ably understand my myriad posts in the forums. Though it may have made more sense to some to post this first, rather than now, there is at least literary precedence that the beginning of a story often makes more sense as a flashback rather than a beginning.
That being said, I offer my story as an excellent example of how one father's consistent input into the life of his son has had a lasting impact for good (at least in the life of that son) and for that son's understanding that God is believably described in the Bible.
Early in life I realized that my Dad loved, I mean really loved me...the way every Dad should love his son! Dad was committed to me as an individual so much that he "did not spare the rod." Dad believed the proverb, "Spare the rod! Spoil the child!" Everytime I tried to be spoiled, Dad made it clear that "It's my way! No highway option!"
THAT was Dad's Justice...
THIS was Dad's Grace...
Dad had me in church the very first Sunday of life outside the womb. (Born around 5:00 AM Friday morning, August 26, 1960, on the Cradle Roll for the 11:00 AM Service, Sunday morning, August 29, 1960.) As an adult Dad told me, "Son, I prayed for you every day before you were born. I have prayed for you every day since then!" Dad went on to describe the content of those prayers as the desire for me to be saved (True Christian, prepared for death and life afterward in Heaven,) that I would live a godly life, that I would marry a godly young lady who was also a True Christian, and that we would have godly children who were True Christians.
Dad taught me (with Mom in chorus,) "Stand for something or you will fall for anything!" Another of his sayings was inscribed by hand in the front of just about every Bible I received as a gift from them, "The Bible will keep you from sin, but sin will keep you from the Bible!"
As a small child I could sing, "Jesus loves me! This I know! For the Bible tells me so! Little ones to Him belong! They are weak, but he is strong! Yes! Jesus loves me! Yes! Jesus loves me! Yes! Jesus loves me! The bible tells me so!" (All this from memory so fresh my fingers almost couldn't "keep up" with the words.) As a small child I could repeat John 3:16 in the King james Version of the Bible, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, should not perish, but have everlasting life." (Once again,...fingers just "flying" at the memory.)
Dad never tried to hide from me that Heaven and Hell were very real places. Heaven is God's Home in which He lives with the obedient, honorable angels, and with believers of all ages, all countries, all ethnicities, all social strata, and all other criteria of believer. Hell was the place created for the Devil and the rebellious angels who tried to revolt against God's authority. Hell was not created for Mankind, but it became the destination for all humans who believed the lies against God made by a mere created being.
With THAT knowledge as background, I entered the Spring Revival of 1967 at the First Baptist Church of Goodwell, Oklahoma. (My Dad was pastor there after his graduation from seminary at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary of Fort Worth, Texas.)
I was there every night (something that was never in question.) I even got to see an adult lady, a church member, give her life to the LORD and become truly born again (according to John 3:1-16.)
Then, on the Thursday night of that revival, it became very clear to me that I was in mortal danger, in jeopardy of the damnation fires of Hell, but I held onto the pew in front of me and just cried because I didn't have the courage to walk down the aisle to the front of the church to be saved.
When the service ended that night, we got back in to the car for the mile or two drive to our house with me terrified the entire way there (because I knew that if I died in a car accident on the way home, I...just a boy of six years of age,...would die and go to Hell,) but silently so as to not bother the other family members. Yet, on our front doorstep, "I lost it!" I could hold back the tears no longer.
Dad looked at me and asked, "Son, What's the matter!?!" I said, "Daddy, I thought I ought to have gone down (forward to the altar) tonight!" Dad knew exactly what that meant! He said, "Son, that's okay! We'll take care of that right now!"
Dad led me into the living room to a big sofa-type chair next to the doorway that led into the kitchen where I sat and he started to reread the Scripture that he had been teaching me throughout my short life (to that point.) I understood that I was a sinner by nature and by choice, totally depraved and unable to make myself worthy of Heaven in any part. I believed that Jesus had died on the cross, been buried, and on the third day rose from the grave because Death, Hell and the Grave were not strong enough to keep the Almighty, One & Only Son of God from restoring Life (that comes from Him) back into the human body that had been murdered...with His permission three days prior.
Dad led me to pray some version of the Sinner's Prayer as it has been known all my life, but the words were not important! What was important was that my heart was toward the LORD...in YES mode, and I in my childlike way told Jesus that I couldn't save myself, that I believed that He could, I asked Him to please save me, and I thanked Him for doing so.
There have been many times since then that I have gone through dark times in my life, especially times of willful disobedience to the LORD, when I could not tell you with confidence that I knew "without a shadow of a doubt" that I personally was saved, and that I knew that I would be in Heaven when I died. Yet, never once have I doubted that Jesus was the Answer to Life's most viseral need. I know now that my doubts have always been about the quality of my faith, NEVER AND I MEAN NEVER about the quality of my Saviour!
The "christians" of my generation may do as they wish about how to present the Gospel, about how to present themselves as "christians," and about how to try to lead others to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ, but I will NEVER AND I DO MEAN NEVER again compromise The Truth just to "get along" with mere humans!
They may be given the privilege to kill me some day, but never before the LORD Jesus gives them permission to do so...because it is my time. Some may believe that I should fear death,...but Why? Death is merely Graduation Day & the Day of Coronation for the princely believer in Jesus Christ!
After I die, how is anybody going to be able to hurt me again?
This is something else that Dad taught me, "Son, until you are ready to die, you're not ready to live!" Most of the world will never know the name of Brother Carl Haselton, Jr., but no other preacher in my lifetime has been a better example of Jesus to me than my Dad was. (However, I must say that the years since Dad left me on the this Earth, I have gained a greater appreciation for why atheism is possible. If a human being does not have a good relationship with there earthly father, how can they possibly have any concept of the strong & just as well as tender & benevolent Father in Heaven Who has his or her best interest at heart. I am very aware that many Christians have had to be introduced to the concept of who a father is supposed to be...overcoming a bad example...before they could come to a saving knowledge of the Trinity: God, the Father; God, the Son; God, the Holy Spirit.)
From August 26, 1960 (when I was born) to March 29, 2002 (the day of Dad's death/graduation/coronation/reassignment to Base Camp Salem,) Dad played "full-court press" with me in his unswerving love for me, his undying desire for me to be right with God, and his uncompromisable belief that Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and that nobody gets to God in any other way!
People may not like many things about the person that I am and the way that I live my life, but I would like to think that a world that preaches "To thine own self, Be true!" (Shakespeare) would want to be true to its own admitted principles, and honor/respect me for doing just THAT! I am being true to myself, to my Dad, to my faith by being true to message once given to the saints that "Jesus is Salvation! There is no salvation in any other!"
Just exercising my First Amendment Rights to Free Speech (at least currently in the United States.)
|
|
|
|
05/14/2008 09:55:59 PM · #2 |
| Shouldn't this be in the "Personal Life" section? |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 10:25:52 PM · #3 |
| Yeah, my car had problems last week but it turned out to be loose wiring. |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 10:39:06 PM · #4 |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 10:42:33 PM · #5 |
So you inherited a lifelong imaginary friend from your Dad? cool!
ETA: I'm a lifelong sarcastic bitch. :)
Message edited by author 2008-05-14 22:42:57. |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:01:55 PM · #6 |
A Godly heritage is a great start... Congrats on your continuation, Stan.
|
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:04:44 PM · #7 |
Originally posted by shamrock:
So you inherited a lifelong imaginary friend from your Dad? cool!
ETA: I'm a lifelong sarcastic bitch. :) |
That's not nice. |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:09:56 PM · #8 |
| So your dad beat you and brainwashed you and you feel the need to tell us why? |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:20:15 PM · #9 |
Originally posted by LanndonKane:
Yeah, my car had problems last week but it turned out to be loose wiring. |
quite a few rude and uncalled for comments, but i had to laugh at this as it was so random.
But seriously if anyone just wants to make a comment that is rude/sarcastic just for the sake of being so, why bother?
Message edited by author 2008-05-14 23:26:51. |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:24:46 PM · #10 |
Originally posted by 777STAN:
I understood that I was a sinner by nature and by choice, totally depraved and unable to make myself worthy of Heaven in any part. |
At six?
This is a fundamental problem I have with all too many sects.
What sort of good and loving God would have his children believe this?
The God of my understanding has me believe in, and act accordingly toward, the inherent worth and dignity of every human being.
He, or she, also has me believe that it is not my place to decide who needs to be saved, or not.
Respect for others' feelings, beliefs, and ways go a long way towards loving relationships with your fellow man.......and that's the guidance I get.
|
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:27:42 PM · #11 |
That's such a sad story, really, Stan I feel so sad for you and the childhood you had. My hope is for the day when Religion can no longer be used as an excuse for the mental, emotional or physical abuse of children.
Message edited by author 2008-05-14 23:30:11. |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:34:26 PM · #12 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
Originally posted by LanndonKane:
Yeah, my car had problems last week but it turned out to be loose wiring. |
quite a few rude and uncalled for comments, but i had to laugh at this as it was so random.
But seriously if anyone just wanta to make a comment that rude/sarcastic just for the sake of being so, why bother? |
Is this the place for testimonials?
From what I read, you don't sound like you're at peace with yourself STAN.
Isn't this site about learning photography? You seem to have an ulterior motive/agenda STAN. Do you actually believe you can change anyone here? You may change someone but it won't be from the side you think. You're creating atheists with your posts. lol
edited to correct grammar.
Message edited by author 2008-05-14 23:35:17. |
|
|
|
05/14/2008 11:54:54 PM · #13 |
That's why photography is good for you now. See things the way your eyes sees it and capture the real moment instead of trying to capture something you even don't know if it's there.
(leo- 11:35)
Thinking about the past probably not something we can stop, but something we can filter. I bet everyone here has something that went wrong in their past, but most learned to move on and look at the future as "that" past never happened... and to live like that, to be able to filter (not eliminate) the bad moments of our lives what makes us keep going I think. The ones who can't, feels the pain all the time.
Experience and age... "time" is the best thing that helps us to heal. "If it doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is the best saying in this world. Try to live next moment no matter how difficult "now" is, and see how much you gain to fight back with this life... a lot.
Sample? besides your life, this website DPC... I thought I was dying a few times, until I learned to live here :P
 Wildcard said it good. I believe one day we will realize... and even then some of us will keep their faith, most of us will see the truth, and things will be much different. Right now, as humanity, we are still crawling, we are still babies thinking tooth fairies are real (no offense to  timfythetoo)
Stay away from the red pill :)
FP
Message edited by author 2008-05-15 00:00:13. |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 12:02:40 AM · #14 |
Seriously, Stan, this is not the forum for this. Why do you continue to do weird things. I am a Christian and I find what you do around here to be offensive and a major turn off.
DPC is not the place for you to go on about your faith any more than it is the place for me to go on about some major personal issues in my life. I belong to another forum and share my struggles over there...NOT HERE!
Why don't you just create your own blog and have at it. |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 12:03:25 AM · #15 |
Originally posted by FocusPoint:
That's why photography is good for you now. See things the way your eyes sees it and capture the real moment instead of trying to capture something you even don't know if it's there.
(leo- 11:35)
Thinking about the past probably not something we can stop, but something we can filter. I bet everyone here has something that went wrong in their past, but most learned to move on and look at the future as "that" past never happened... and to live like that, to be able to filter (not eliminate) the bad moments of our lives what makes us keep going I think. The ones who can't, feels the pain all the time.
Experience and age... "time" is the best thing that helps us to heal. "If it doesn't kill you makes you stronger" is the best saying in this world. Try to live next moment no matter how difficult "now" is, and see how much you gain to fight back with this life... a lot.
Sample? besides your life, this website DPC... I thought I was dying a few times, until I learned to live here :P
Wildcard said it good. I believe one day we will realize... and even then some of us will keep their faith, most of us will see the truth, and things will be much different. Right now, as humanity, we are still crawling, we are still babies thinking tooth fairies are real (no offense to timfythetoo)
Stay away from the red pill :)
FP |
I dont get half of what you are saying here but i dont think the OP was complaining about his childhood, i think he was proud of it and his father and just explaining who he is and where he came from. i am surprised that he is getting such a visceral reaction from this usually open crowd |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 12:05:21 AM · #16 |
Originally posted by slickchik:
Seriously, Stan, this is not the forum for this. Why do you continue to do weird things. I am a Christian and I find what you do around here to be offensive and a major turn off.
DPC is not the place for you to go on about your faith any more than it is the place for me to go on about some major personal issues in my life. I belong to another forum and share my struggles over there...NOT HERE!
Why don't you just create your own blog and have at it. |
then why do people make long post about something happening to a family member and asking for prayers and we all jump in with our support? that is not about photography and no one seems to mind.
or when someone posts a link to a cool online game...thats not photography but no one minds....
Message edited by author 2008-05-15 00:05:52. |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 12:06:23 AM · #17 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
I dont get half of what you are saying here... |
*Sigh*
that's the one of things I am having problems with, but I do understand. Honestly, I read back and sometimes I even don't understand what I mean :P
Just felt like saying it I guess :D |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 12:20:25 AM · #18 |
Originally posted by Moose408:
So your dad beat you and brainwashed you and you feel the need to tell us why? |
Why the heck do you feel the need to bash on him for sharing where he stands and why? It would have been a lot easier to just leave the thread.
|
|
|
|
05/15/2008 12:25:49 AM · #19 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
Originally posted by slickchik:
Seriously, Stan, this is not the forum for this. Why do you continue to do weird things. I am a Christian and I find what you do around here to be offensive and a major turn off.
DPC is not the place for you to go on about your faith any more than it is the place for me to go on about some major personal issues in my life. I belong to another forum and share my struggles over there...NOT HERE!
Why don't you just create your own blog and have at it. |
then why do people make long post about something happening to a family member and asking for prayers and we all jump in with our support? that is not about photography and no one seems to mind.
or when someone posts a link to a cool online game...thats not photography but no one minds.... |
I can't speak for 777Stan's motives, but there are many people that post extreme religious views in the hopes to generate negative feedback/abuse/ridicule in order to test their faith. It like some sort of right of passage. Standing tall in the face of challenges to their belief validates the power of their faith. It also strengthens their resolve to convert everyone before the rapture.
I, for one, am quite tired of this game and typically don't bother responding (except for now ;) ). I see these posts on investment sites, news stories, and any other place where users are presented with a 'post' button. It's getting old.
777Stan, if that is not your motive, then I apologize. Just be aware that that is how this is being viewed by me and more than likely, many other people. |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 01:03:34 AM · #20 |
| oh no. not again. please. |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 01:20:16 AM · #21 |
Originally posted by smardaz:
I dont get half of what you are saying here but i dont think the OP was complaining about his childhood, i think he was proud of it and his father and just explaining who he is and where he came from. i am surprised that he is getting such a visceral reaction from this usually open crowd |
I understood that Stan is proud of his childhood and that's one of the reasons I find his post so sadand frankly worrying. As long as religion can be used to excuse abuse as something to be proud of it will continue. |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 01:24:50 AM · #22 |
I just want to say that I love DPC and am glad I decided this time to become involved in the community and not worry about the challenges. I can't say anything useful about the OP but just wanted to say that I am glad DPC is not solid photography 24/7.
:) |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 01:34:52 AM · #23 |
Hi Stan, I just wanted to thank you for your post. The one thing I like about this community is that we can talk about things that either drive us (as you have done) or bother us (i.e. in the rant section) or are just interesting in our lives. Not everyone here believes in Christ or even a god at all but you weren't posting to justify religion in your life but rather share its importance to you. We hear about how our members' loved ones suffer in sickness. We hear about how members are having a tough time of it. In your case Stan, we heard how something important has shaped who you are and how someone (capital S?) is there with you each day and with each breathe you take.
On this site we strive to breath life into our photography.
We take a little bit of the world we live in...
add a large part of ourselves...
...and press the shutter release...
Message edited by author 2008-05-15 01:51:45.
|
|
|
|
05/15/2008 04:45:01 AM · #24 |
I don't know what to make of this thread. I just feel saddened that children are still brought up in this way in a so-called civilised society.
I don't understand why this was posted or what purpose it is supposed to serve. Surely the OP must have anticipated the controversy and argument he would whip up with this one. Couldn't he have just posted in the 'Calling all Christians' thread? Some I suppose can identify with the Stan and his beliefs. I just feel like I've been preached at, and don't feel that this kind of pointless religious outburst has any place in these forums.
Just to play devil's advocate, I wonder how people would have reacted if Stan had been a Muslim, and had posted a similarly extreme thread about Islam? |
|
|
|
05/15/2008 05:43:20 AM · #25 |
| I just shared my personal testimony with a group of people this weekend. Thats what Stans was here. He was not preaching, he was sharing. He was sharing his life story. We hear alot of people's testimonies here at DPC and in many forms - some may just be glimpses into a smaller period of time, others a longer. Many have nothing to do with God, some do. Most of us are aware that Stan is a Christian. He is vocal about his faith (go Stan). He has just now taken an opportunity to share where he is coming from, given people a proper background as to who he is and why he acts the way he does. I must say that the comments written in disdain for what he has done, how he was raised or what he believes truly saddens me. Wouldn't it have been easier to just pass by this thread and hit ignore rather than toss in a little hand grenade in hopes of causing some damage to the OP or those that may hold his view? Stans post may not have really put him in a different light to most people, but the responses posted here have had that impact for me. |
|
