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You Can't Turn Back the Clock (by Danie)

 

There are two types of believers in any religion:

  • The fiercely religious (Zealots)
  • The casually religious (Better safe than sorry)

My wife and I grew up in extremely religious (generational) Christian families. For as long as our memories allow, we were taught to expect the second coming of Jesus and the end of the world as we know it. It was imprinted in our minds through the fear and reward methodology used in most religions. We were sinners in desperate need of salvation. Evil is everywhere and Satan is a formidable foe, but you are “safe” as long as you are obedient to the rules and regulations set out by the institution. Our only hope in this dark, unforgiving world, was Jesus and his soon return.

The zealots fight for their beliefs, make sacrifices whether it’s required or not, give up their comforts to comfort others (or blow them up), give no thought to the future, because the clock is ticking for humanity and things need to get done. The world must be warned, the people saved and prepared. Tick tock, tick tock, tick tock. It’s a matter of urgency, all the time!

The casuals have a different approach. Read your Bible now and then, pray a little prayer, confess your sins once a week, and you’re A for away. Safe! Lusting, fornicating, coveting, stealing, abusing? No problem. Because we are only human and full of short-comings, you only need to ask forgiveness if you feel the need or feel guilty, and move on. After all, the devil made you do it. A monthly monetary contribution can also fix any issue – The more you pay, the more they pray. The rest of the time is yours to go, do and be whatever you want.

The point I’m trying to make is this: Both groups believe in the second coming of Jesus. The first believe that it’s imminent, but the second are not so sure or it’s not in their time, so don’t worry too much.

Well, unfortunately we fell under the first group. Planning for the future (insurance, life cover and a secure pension) was a sign of unbelief for us. Gathering “earthly possessions” and enjoying the comforts and luxuries of life were not an option either. It’s all about giving, you see. Even though Tanja and I worked hard to provide for our family, we operated under this group and in return robbed our children and ourselves of a successful future. Do you see the predicament that our sincerity got us in?

By the time we woke up and smelled the coffee, so much precious time had been lost, years of our lives had gone to waste. If you knew us, you would know that we gave much more than most people would, but more about that topic in my book “A Man and His God”.

After reading my book you will understand why my family left religion. Believe if you want, but for us it’s not on the table any more. One thing I will say: Life is a lot harder when there is no scapegoat. Accepting responsibility is a tough job.

The hard truth of reality sobered us up. How do we fix the harm we caused our children? How do we prepare for the future we still have left? We’re not young anymore, plus, I have become a disabled old fart and a huge burden to my wife.

We do still dream, but not of a blissful afterlife. We don’t believe in that anymore. Our only and final dream, which seems an impossibility considering all our challenges, is to be reunited with our children overseas. Or is this hope also just a fool’s dream?

PS: At least our children have forgiven us. It’s the emotional battle to forgive ourselves that burdens us, but we’re trying 💔💖

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