I have been grappling with this concept that Bill Hybes calls our "holy discontent" and thought it was time I put some of those thoughts out in the open. He says that there is something within each of us that grieves our heart, unsettles us, tears us up, and even perhaps torments our souls. He contends when we discover that "holy discontent" and live/lead our lives from this place we functioning at our greastest God-given capacity.
How then do we discover this "holy discontent," was my first question. Because there are lots of things that irk me, that cause me get pain and disbelief, things that make me go no, no, NO, but what is my holy discontent?
I do not know, yet, what my holy discontent is, and furthermore I am not sure how exactly to go about discovering it to be honest. But I do know this, the easiest thing to do is ignore it. Bury it. Shovel it down deep within my heart. Feed it. Buy it new clothes, or whatever it is that I choose to do to distract me from this discomfort raging within me. I am taking a risk, yes I heard the audible gasps from those who know me well, and I am making a diligent, prayerful effort to stop anything that could be enabling me to bury my holy discontent.
And I have a contention to add to Mr. Hybel's theory. Those Christians who are so authentic you leave their presence changed. The kind of person who loves you so richly it brings tears to their eyes. When they start sharing their heart for God's people or His word you can literally feel the presence of God...these people, I contend, live daily from their holy discontent.
All too content...
Sunday, September 04, 2005
Holy Discontentedness...
Posted by Ashlee Liddell at 6:55 PM
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So what comes next? What if you know what the discontentedness feels like, but don't know what to do with it?
Oh my dear Smashlee..I'm so glad you are finally a part of our blogland...haha. You're funny and cute and I like you and I can't wait to read more of your thoughts....hey, here's my blog...there's a million posts..not really...but I just started posting again, so there's not lots of new stuff, which makes the old stuff 'better'.
it's www.staceyinbih.blogspot.com Wait though, you already have been to my blog haven't you? Well, nevermind then.
I have some comments relating to this post...but it's late and I will have to let my brain sleep and write you again....later.
Spacely
I think the catch is you "do" something. And as you start to do things that are born from this discontentedness it will become more clear the direction He is leading you...But that is merely an idealist view from one who is not there yet. That is why I think you should figure it all out for me!
ASH...oh, how i miss hearing your thoughts....i always said you were going to be the next Beth Moore. Perhaps this is just a mild stepping stone to get you writing more :) i love it. maybe this way i can actually keep in touch with you. i love that even more. have fun you little blogger blog blog.
love you.
I know what irks and torments your soul.....it's that large diet coke you owe me that gnaws deep within you, my sweet.
ashlee, you little computer programmer blogger person you. i have to admit...the blogging thing perplexes me a bit. one because of the word "blog" in general. seriously, who came up with that word?? second, not keen an spilling my guts to whoever should come across my gut spewing. but, hey, i'm all for others stepping out of boxes...i just can't seem to find the right steps. but, i'll blog away on your thoughts cuz your thoughts are always good. plus, i see words from lots of people i know...hey stacey newly married girl, little jordanne and cutey jessica!!
okay, enough blogging for me today. ashlee, i think you are swell...only 228 days til sailing...
umm, actually, i signed my name on the blog above. but it said i was anonymous. oops. umm, it's me...
terri p :)
i'm impressed at your blogging skills, although i'm in the same boat as terri...i don't know that i'll ever become a blogger myself! i'm excited that you are doing this, as i too enjoy hearing your thoughts and have always been encouraged and challenged by your written words. you have a gift...i love you...
Just a friendly psa. Blog is quite a strange word, it is the shortened form of weblog (web log). I am a big fan of blogging and encouraging/pressuring others to do the same, so I feel it my duty to inform the masses when it comes to questions about this fun yet strange world of blogging. :)
I have to assume that your holy discontent is somehow deeply connected with your passion. I would start there. I think we often think of passion as the force that drives us that is deeply rooted in love. I do not think this is wrong, but it is also important to remember that passion at its root means suffering. So what are you passionate about? I think you might find that it is this that brings the greatest joy as well as the greatest grief to your heart. It may not answer all your questions, but I'd say it's not a bad place to start.
Another friendly psa, with the amount of activity you have here, impressive btw, you may wish to enable word verification on your comments to prevent comment spamming. All you have to do is go to your blog settings, click on the comments tab and then approve word verification for comments. I highly recommend it.
Thanks Azina! I welcome all suggestions, especially those that help me to figure out this blogging phenomenon!
Passion is a starting place I haven't given much thought to...perhaps because there are numerous things I am passionate about. The task at hand then becomes simplifying these passions to a singular root or common thread. Hmmm, food for thought...Thanks!
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