Thread by @FreedomFriesInc

(1) A thread for my fellow Christians.

Is there a prodigal in your life? I was the prodigal daughter in my parents' life, THREE times. They never gave up hope.

I have a message for you.

https://twitter.com/FreedomFriesInc/status/1265173961597386753

(2) A couple of hours ago I heard the above song and remembered how I was when it was released, in 2001. I had just made my first return home to God.

Just now, I've heard this 1998 song too. Musically & lyrically one of my favorite songs of all time.

(3) Each time I walked away, I thought that was it, that I'd be gone forever. The third time, I became active in the online secular liberal community, and started this Twitter account (in 2014) with the provocative name @GodlessNZ. (You need to search that handle for old tweets)

(4) I can't imagine the pain my parents & others went through, watching me abandon my faith three times, for many years at a time.

I know there's many of you going through that same kind of pain for one or more loved ones.

First thing to know is, you may be wrong about them.

(5) Not every prodigal wants to shout it from the rooftops when they're on their way home, or newly arrived. So keep that in mind.

In latter years I decided that the New Testament is open to interpretation on the "once saved, always saved" doctrine.

(6) Heck, it's all open to interpretation, right? The only way I know how to live my faith in 2020 is to try to keep things as simple as possible.

I'm consciously unlearning and relearning as much as possible from what has gone in over the years. I don't have the answers.

(7) My reasons for abandoning my faith each time, then later changing my mind again were varied. The same will be true of your prodigal child/ren.

Often it is because the person cannot resolve the problem of suffering. Often it is due to spiritual abuse &/or hypocrisy.

(8) The more you can step back from the urge to talk about faith with your prodigal, or even mention certain things in front of them, the better.

They likely feel, at a minimum, let down by God & (usually) His people on Earth. Careless talk can contribute to keeping them away.

(9) Keep saying Grace before meals in your own home. For example. A little bit of exercising good manners won't hurt them, really.

While out of the fold, I was very tolerant of my Christian family. I just felt they had false hope, & of course I knew it all.

(10) Above all, let go and let God.

He is willing and able to reach the prodigal wherever he or she is, in a way that resonates for him or her.

He hunted me down, pretty successfully.😂

(11) You're welcome to ask me about this, in public or private by DM. I'll add any interesting (anonymous) Q & As below.

Love your prodigal like God does, and trust Him as you know you can.

We can't really get away from Him; trust me, I've tried.😍

Glad to be home. Staying.