A Faith Void of Questions is No Faith At All

​“…turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding- indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God.”— Proverbs 2:2-6
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Questions are my life’s foundation. I’m convinced I came out of the womb asking them, and they have not stopped coming since. In relationships, asking questions is the only way I know to grow in intimacy. Asking questions is the main way I know to show love and interest. Asking questions before I begin a project or task is the only way I know to prepare correctly.
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Something in me believes that if I do not ask questions, I will be left in the dark. So, my whole life is based around asking. When I cannot ask , I am crippled as well as suspicious.
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Questions are needed:
For clarity,
For intimacy,
For understanding,
For pondering,
For answers,
And for learning to sit in the unknowns.

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“You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.”–Jeremiah 29:13
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Seeing as this is how I move through the world, my questions when it comes to faith are endless. I believe, because of what I see in the Word, that a faith void of questions is no faith at all. Around 3,300 questions are asked thoughout scripture, proving I am not alone. And time and time again, God beckons me:
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Bring your questions to me because this is how we deepen intimacy.
Bring your questions to me because they are not too heavy for me to carry.
Bring your questions to me without needing the answers.
Bring your questions to me, trusting that I will remain who I say I am.
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And He leads,
Bring your questions to them because they need to be challenged.
Bring your questions to them because it shows them you want to know them.
Bring your questions to them because those questions lead them to me.
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What the gospel is, how it impacts us, and how it impacts others are the main three questions we have to struggle with as believers, and the process looks different for everyone.
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When I was younger, my questions about faith consisted of who Jesus was and what He did. As a teenager, I wondered how the gospel operated in relation to me. In adulthood, my questions are built on the foundation of both of those things, and I am interested in what the implications of the gospel are. How does the gospel operates in relation to social issues, how it plays out in real, messy, screwed up, scary, ugly, brutal everyday life in this world?
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Pending…
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Regardless of where you are in the journey of your faith, this truth remains: faith is not faith without questions.
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God is not truly God if he cannot handle my questions. He remains God if I never know the answers, because I know he has them.
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As a matter of fact, strong faith is built on questions, like a house built on rock instead of sand. And despite popular belief, they do not stop once we buy-in, count the cost, and deny ourselves in order to pick up our cross. We are always learning, growing, and wrestling.
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Asking questions does not mean I need answers in order to believe.
Asking questions does not mean my foundation falls apart without answers.
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Though we are called to a firm and unwavering faith, the approach we see in the bible on how to know God is always through seeking and finding, asking and obtaining, knocking and entering.
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Asking questinos means I am not a puppet and I have free will.
Asking questions means I want to know God deeper.
Asking questions means I am not fearful of a judge or untouchable official, but I have an intimate relationship with a loving father.
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What if we were okay with being in the uncomfortable space of allowing questions to marinate, maybe for months. Maybe years. Maybe until eternity?
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Everyone wants to have a stance these days. And they are no doubt important to take. We have to know where we stand, we cannot sway back and forth.
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But we can wrestle, as Jacob with the angel.
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Do you know who stood on absolutes and technicalities? The teachers of the law. Do you remember who challenged worldview, culture, and tradition? It was Jesus. Jesus flipped it all upside down by proving that nothing is as clear-cut as we think it is.
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Only tyrants reject questions.
Only fools diminish them.
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“Who is my neighbor?” (Luke 10:29)
“If a man die, shall he live again?” (Job 14:14
“Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me?
“What shall I do then with Jesus?” (Matthew 27:22)
“Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?” (Romans 6:1)
“Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” (Luke 18:18)
“What must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30)
“If God is for us, who can be against us?”

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“Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely.”– 1 Corinthians 13:12

“Continuous partial attention is our new normal.” —Linda Stone, Microsoft researcher ​ Before my social media break in October 2022, I hadn’t read a full non audiobook in one year. That statement is something I never thought I’d make… ​ And many of those considered to be heavy readers can make it as well. I know, because I’ve been asking. Who are we becoming? ​ I’m convinced, along with many others, that technology is doing a grand experiment on us and creating a culture of constant distraction and hurry. Hence, all of us talking about our culture of distraction and endless content incessantly. ​ My life is jam packed full of things I’m absolutely in love with, many of which are beautiful, chaotic distractions I cannot control. ​ But there is no excuse for what I can control. My consumption of technology and entertainment. ​ I share this to give you pause as it has given me. What if we are serving these masters that were created to serve us? ​ I believe tech has a beautiful place in this world. I’m grateful for the gift it is. ​ But I cannot read— and I fear for the generations we leave a legacy to who cannot focus on the simple pleasure of a page with words because we have not passed it down to them. ​ What if we are becoming machines because of our use of machines? ​ Where does it end, these lives lived in screens of all shapes and sizes? ​ This little box we spend so much time in needs to be one we ponder and rethink often, especially as people of faith… ​ We have to be willing to choose not to walk this road blindly. My ever-changing thoughts on social media stand as such (at the moment): the same thing that gives us a platform and boomerangs us forward in dreams and calling is the same exact idol that can be used against those things. ​ I want to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn. And I want the same done for me. Genuine connection is valuable above almost everything else. But this little screen that we spend so much of our days, and therefore our lives, in, seems to show only the rejoicing. Life is messy and hard and very much the opposite of perfect squares. You don’t know what’s really going on with anyone based on social media and there is something going on with EVERYONE that you won’t see on it. ​ Inspiration or envy. Jealousy or rejoicing. Sloth or motivation. We, of course, choose if this will be a platform or an idol, a blessing or a curse. A waste of time or a good use of it. An encouragement or a discouragement. A bondage or a breakthrough. A tool of avoidance or one of courage. An attempt to escape or act of fruitfulness. ​ These are the things social media can be for us. We get to choose. ​ The choice is ours, but I often choose the latter(s). I often want to be seen in best light, but that light needs to reflect what real life is. ​ If get to choose. I want to choose wisely. I have the right to do anything, but not everything is beneficial. I don’t have all my boundaries figured out yet, but I am willing to be molded and welcome to my mindset shifting. Everything is permissible but not everything is helpful. Let’s choose wisely with how we use our tools. Our time is precious. The days are evil. ​ In all the times I’ve taken off of socials in my time, not an ounce of hatred for social media grew in me, but a growing love and understanding of it’s purpose did- this tool is changing the world as we know it. It’s changing the way we work, the way we share our lives, the way we interact with each other, and it is a way to get life changing resources and encouragement into the hands of more people than ever before. The tool itself is good. ​ But on the other hand, we need created space and room to heal. I look back on breaks now and see an expedited healing that God did in my heart. A mending, a refocusing of my affection and attention on himself that did not exist beforehand. And the time after only got harder, but I was stronger. How crazy, what seasons of preparation do when we create the room for them? If I did not have that uninterrupted time, time where I did not have easy distractions, easy approval, easy endorphins, I would not have met him there even half as much, and I would not have been paying attention to what he was doing in my heart. ​ On a podcast some time ago, Amanda Cook was talking about her year long break from social media and how she realized she would reach for her phone whenever there was an emptiness of a void that needed to be filled. She explained that we like to blame the substance, instead of blaming our internal codependency on the substance. She said that getting off of something that caused great anxiety was an OBVIOUS next step for her at that time, and it was a worthwhile experiment. ​ We live with things that we swear do not affect us all the time. It’s not until after they’re removed that we remember how much chaos they were causing. These apps can stunt our growth and process. But when we’re healthy, when we’ve had time away, we figure out why we’re on them and what role they actually play in our lives. We are aware of the signs when they start to show. ​ In time away, if you let him, God can heal envy and replace it with excitement for others. He can take away mindless scrolling and replace it with purposefulness. He can take away fear of approval and replace it with passion and faith. And suddenly, what had been holding us back can propel us forward. If we will allow God to break down the substance abuse and reignite purpose. ​ Tools are neutral, we get to choose how we use them. ​ I’m finding joy in simply reading again! Books I’ve started or finished (& loved) since my social media break:​ When no one is watching by Alyssa Cole Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury Good Riddance by Elinor Lipman Atomic Habits by James Clear The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett Irreversible Damage by Abigail Shier VR & The Metaverse Church by Jeff Reed Pride & Premeditation by Tirzah Price The Great Sex Rescue by Sheila Wray Gregorie The Coddling of the American Mind by Jonathan Haidt Compassion (&) Conviction by Justin Giboney Defiant by Kelley Nikondeha Freedom Sharing Jesus Online by Jeff Reed Gentle and Lowley by Dane C. Ortlund The Meaning of Marriage by Tim Keller Extraordinary Women of Christian History by Ruth A. Tucker The Making of Biblical Womanhood by Beth Allison Barr Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts by Christine Purdon Murder of Millionaires’ Row by Erin Lindsey Educated by Tara Westover The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer Social Sanity in an Insta World The Five Dysfunction of a Team by Patrick Lencioni 1984 by George Orwell Glimpses of Love by Becky Gonzalez Theology of the Womb by Christy Angelle Bauman

Gifting is not

impressive to God.

He is the giver of

gifts. He wants

surrendered

hearts.

We should be

unmoved by

Christians and

their gifting if

character isn’t

present.

There are two

distinctly different

ways in which we

can be used by

God..

1. God using all things

for His glory without

our obedience

2. God using our

obedience for

His glory

Either way, glory

belongs to God

The first happens

when we use our

gifting without

being in true

relationship with

the Lord.

The second

happens when

our relationship

with the Lord

goes ahead of

our ministry.

Our gifts are filthy,

rags and clanging

symbols and

unacceptable

offerings…

if they are

presented apart

from closeness and

partnership with

God.

In Jesus, we see the love

proximity brings…

Jesus was destined for the cross

but He followed through when

He had a way out because of the

LOVE He had for us. 

Jesus went to the cross- not

because He was judging dirty

sinners, but because He so loved

a broken world. 

Maybe Jesus took on flesh and

allowed Himself to be inflicted

with all the ills we face in this

fallen state to feel the suffering,

not just imagine it. 

I wonder if Jesus became God

incarnate because He wanted to

experience our humanity, to heal

us out of proximal love. 

When we get into close proximity

to pain and suffering, it takes us

from blind judgement to stark

awareness.

It’s hard out here for content creators & consumers right now with these platforms…

The recent shifts are difficult to reckon with for those of us who have used these spaces to share photo + writing based content & foster community for years.

The recent shifts are more media & less social. They don’t help us find community, diversify what we see, or press into what’s good for us.

This a good time to remember that the responsibility has never been on these platforms in the first place. But if you don’t actively seek out what you want to consume, these platforms WILL consume you.

You will be discipled by social media, for better or worse.

So here’s your reminder to do more discovering of what works for your creativity + online community & less chasing what works for Instagram.

Also, reminder that if you create valuable, save & store it in multiple spaces. Our intellectual property isn’t meant to live on somebody else’s platform. It just takes up space here for the time being. and deserves to be saved forever and repurposed elsewhere as we so desire.

My body is a miracle. Yours is too. No matter what they look like & how they may change…

People have been making unsolicited comments about my bodily fluctuations my entire life. I’m learning how to set boundaries in this area instead of just cringing & saying “thank you” or giving explanations.

The older I get, the more ANY comments on my body’s fluctuations are unwelcome— including the seemingly positive ones.

Woman’s bodies are always changing & will be our entire lives— I’ve learned to make friends with that fact. I am learning to move with the the changes & to have no ideal except health.

Women who have gone to great lengths to learn to love their bodies & care for them are not obligated to respond to unsolicited inquiries & passing remarks about them.

Woman’s bodies fluctuate constantly. We are going through a cycle of hormones & bodily changes every single month, every season, for our whole lives.

There are a million and one factors that contribute to how we may look on any given day.

I carry weight around my hips. When I’m in seasons of daily running I lose breast fat. Some days I’m bloated on my period. Some days I wake up with a flat stomach. Some days I have water weight. Some days I’m fasting. Some days I’ve eaten a big meal. Some days I forget to eat. Some of us have thyroid issues.

The list goes on and on and on…

What if we avoided making unsolicited comments on each other’s bodies altogether?

What if we instead, we learned to widen our compliments to encompass truly beneficial achievements and joys in the lives of each other?

Don’t buy the lie that to tell the truth about Christians+church, you must choose a camp…

Either “the church has been doing the work perfectly all along” or “the church has done nothing and needs to start”

Neither paints the full, true picture.

Historical Christianity has been Jesus’s hands and feet in the world in innumerable, effective, unquestionable ways.

Historical Christianity has also been flawed, broken, and faltered in devastating, heartbreaking, incredibly human ways.

We have done good work and more needs to be done. That’s been God’s plan for His body all along. Our lack has also been within His sovereign awareness all along. He’s strong in it.

I pray we are burdened to do more. I pray we are encouraged by the long history we are part of.

The church will continue to do what the church has always done. Imperfectly, but earnestly.
Godspeed.

Being slow to speak doesn’t come to me naturally…

I’m good at knee jerk reactions & acting + speaking out of my emotions.

When I start trying to get better in my own strength, it usually gets worse. But I’ve been learning reliance, because I cannot overcome this on my own.

Every single day I remind myself that a fool vents all his feelings but a wise man holds them back— to discern better. To think longer.

A wise older woman told me recently that she used to react & have a hard time maintaining composure, but now, not much can move her, because prayer is her reaction. It’s taken her more than 50 years.

I’ve been learning that the Holy Spirit is leading me to prayer when my breathing gets quick, my heart rate gets rapid, and my emotions kick my body into overdrive.

He is leading me when he calls me into seeking Godly wisdom before I have a conversation, and when he beckons me to follow that wisdom.

He is leading me when I’m reminded mid-conversation that a truly wise person uses few words and a person with understanding is even-tempered.

He is leading me when it feels impossible to let it go- but his voice tells me that’s why self control is a fruit of his spirit.

He’s with me when I’m reminded that a fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.

He’s leading me when I want to wield my words to be witty and snarky instead of patient and caring.

He is with me when culture and instinct tell me I have a right to react & speak “my truth” at all times.

So my prayer has been for prayer to be my habit; my knee jerk reaction. Maybe it never will be, because I will always be put in a place of dependence. Maybe when I’m 50 it will be easier. All I know for now is, He is with me. And I have a choice to overcome temptation— I can follow.

Lessons I’m currently learning (take what you need)…

“Thoughts & prayers” maintain hearts of flesh and not stone & “action & advocacy” make us doers, not only hearers.

We can care about every cause and yet carry none of them on our shoulders, because we know we have a God who alone will bring healing to what’s broken.

To trust His perfect judgement while clinging to His beautiful mercy, because we are all wicked and none of us deserve his grace.

Following hard after Jesus is not fluff when we’re faced with real world pain, is is what moves us though joy & grief, through pain & grace, mourning & dancing.

Each time we cry out “How long, oh lord?” & it seems our prayers go unanswered, we can trust God is accomplishing good in our suffering, even when we don’t see it.

What heavy responsibility the church bears as agents of the ministry of reconciliation in a world alienated from the Author of Life.

The body of Christ functions best when every limb is following the Body that was broken for us.

The Lord gives and takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord.

In surrendering to God, can we truly yield to each other. In acknowledging perpetual need, may we be met with grace upon grace.

Can I ask you an uncomfortable Q (one of the soap boxes I believe in deeply & live by firmly)?

How many people do you follow on Instagram that you haven’t spoken to in months or years?

Why do you feel like you know people based on the few details of their lives that they post?

Why are you obsessed with knowing what’s going on with people you no longer know?

How do the random details of people’s lives edify you?

Or do you find yourself comparing & gossiping because of what you see here?

For many of us, social media isn’t social. It’s just a tool for false connection.

If that’s you, can I challenge you?

Go ahead & unfollow those you aren’t connected to & have no plans to connect with.

Get rid of the clutter of hundreds of highlight reels on your feed.

You’re allowed to set that boundary.

Making room to be intentional is not unkind.

Then, see who is left.

Reach out to the select few who you have been meaning to reconnect with.

Or, connect deeper to those you love.

I promise there is more to everyone’s story than what you see on here.

We have permission to stop forfeiting genuine and deep connection for pseudo intimacy.