RANSOMED HEART aka MARGARET ANN

First and foremost, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I absolutely despise religion, and have a rather passionate contempt for the rape of true Christianity that I have witnessed within "the church" during my lifetime. Religion – including what the world has come to view as “Christianity” - is a worthless substitute for a real relationship with one’s Creator. It causes apathy and boredom, and disheartens those who turn to religion mistaking it (and self-professed religious people) for God. Far too often, it is used as a tool to manipulate and control others, in the name of God. So, if you are into playing God, you can expect me to speak out adamantly against that. I loathe hypocrisy, apathy, injustice, and lack of compassion - both within myself, and in others - and I always react very poorly to those characteristics. In the words of Mohadmas Gandhi, “I like your Christ. I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ."
I believe that it is wrong to profess to be a Christian unless you actually live the teachings of Christ, because Christian means Christ-like... not "religious" or anything else. I have seen more damage done by those who speak in His name, yet do not honor him with their lives (myself included, at times... my past is far from perfect, as am I) than anything else in this world. To quote Brennan Manning: "The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today is Christians, who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door, and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." I believe in being true to one's character and convictions, without forcing them down other people's throats. In my eyes, one's life speaks for itself! To quote Francis of Assisi, “Preach the Gospel at all times, and if necessary, use words.”
If you want to know what I actually believe and why, feel free to ask me. Please don't presume to know, based on what you think Christianity is, or means to me. Especially if that is based on some televangelist or the pope, because they have nothing to do with me and where I stand and why. They may speak for themselves and can try to speak for God, but they certainly do not speak for me. Whether they actually represent the true character, cause, or voice of Christ or real Christianity is equally debatable. I know pastors who honor God with their lips and not their lives, and atheists who have more compassion for those who Christ told his followers to minister to than many reverends, priests, and pastors. To quote Nathaniel Hawthorne, “No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which one is true.” If you are not going to live your convictions, I think that you should shut up, before you do more damage to the lives of others and their view of God.
As for me... in essence, it is important to me to live a life of purpose, passion, peace, and compassion. I believe that each of us is created with a purpose, and the greatest tragedy in life is failing to find and fulfill one’s purpose. Helping others find and fulfill their purpose is one of my greatest joys in life. I never want to live a life of no consequence. It matters to me that my life and relationships make a difference that will last, even after I am no longer here. I treasure free will and grace and believe that we should CHOOSE to BE the change that we long for and seek. Revolution starts with simple choice... both individually, and in the world that we live in. I love truth. I love to learn. I love to be challenged, intellectually and spiritually. I collect meaningful quotes and song lyrics. I write, constantly.
Beyond the basics that I have shared... ask me whatever you want to know, and I will answer. I don't really try to define or explain myself to others, because I tend to resist putting myself and others into boxes by breaking them - and all of the elements that make them who they are - down into supposedly simplified labels. So, you can get to know me yourself and make your own call as to who I am, should you choose to.
My heartcries: "But as for me, I will watch expectantly for the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. Do not rejoice over me, O my enemy. Though I fall, I will rise; though I dwell in darkness, the Lord is a light for me." (Micah 7:7-8) "Bear one another's burdens and thus fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2) "Love is not love, which alters when it alteration finds." (William Shakespeare)
If you want to read some of my poetry and most beloved quotes, you can find them at:
The ShadowPoet's Poetry Collection & Quotes