Devotion #57

Hi, Everyone.
I've decided to forego the usual devotion today, because I need to ask you to respond to an important issue on the Main Board, if you're so inclined. My intent is not to "vindicate" myself, but to let OHers understand that this devotion does not cause tension and is not divisive. Perhaps it does/is, and I just don't know about it.
Last evening, a post thread with a topic sentence of "No more politics or religion!" was posted.

This is what the post person said:

Post Date: 10/20/08 5:19 pm
OK.. We are a family here on OH, right?
And what's the number one rule in family gatherings? Do not discuss religion or politics!  So why can't we all just follow this rule on our OH boards. Let's end the spiritual and agnostic quotes of the day forever.. both sides. It doesn't serve any purpose but create tension and division within the boards. People who need help are alienated by all this nonsense. I am begging some of you. STOP IT. Anyone who agrees with this, feel free to speak up so those posters will get the message.

This was my response: 

Post Date: 10/20/08 7:24 pm
Hi.
I understand where you're coming from, but as far as the Mon.-Fri. devotion I post, it really hasn't caused "tension and division." I think if you'll go back and read some of them, you'll see that's true. Also, the majority of the devotions have some tie to the weight-loss journey. For many believers, weight issues can be helped with a greater sense of spiritual connection to God. My intention is to foster that, for those who need it, for those who welcome it.
My relationship with the Lord is such an integral part of my life, if I could not mention anything in any way spiritual in my posts and replies to other posts, I would be unable to post anything. That's how blended and connected my spirituality is to everything I think, say, and do. That does not make me any better than anyone else. It's just the way it is.
As adults, we should be able to take what we want and leave the rest. I love each person on OH.com, even those who don't believe as I do. The reason is because 1) I am part of the human race, and 2) Jesus' love has taught me to love others.
It is my prayer that you will give me (and others) a chance to prove that we have some value here at OH.com.
Blessings,
Mary

Part of the problem, I think, is that OHers who don't read threads like this devotion just assume that it causes tension and division, perhaps because that's how they'd feel if they read them. We've all read posts where the people *****ply go back and forth, arguing, but that isn't the case with this daily devotion (so far, at least).
I would like to hear from you. I want your opinion, even though I'm pretty sure I already know how each of you will respond. After all, you read this daily devotion. How can we get the word out to our fellow OHers, who don't read this devotion, that it serves a purpose, that it helps the reader, things that you have said to me? Perhaps the answer is for you all to post something like that on the Main Board. I don't know. I'm not asking you to, but if you're so inclined, maybe it would help foster understanding. We would need to be sure to be loving, in all we say.
I was up in the wee hours of the morning, longing for the time when we believers will spend eternity together, with no bickering, just loving each other and worshiping the Lord. I played the following song and got a head start. What a way to end today's post:
http://www.godtube.com/view_video.php?viewkey=8020019871f3c6 e1f7d4
Blessings,
Mary

This is always a sticky situation but since the original person threw politics into the request too it sounds to me like they aren't going to be happy about anything. If I were you I think I would just invite that person to not read the post if they are offended. Let them know that there is a report button at the bottom of each post and if they are offended then they should report it to the moderators that way. Then if you get contacted by the moderators you'll know lots of folks don't want to see it. Otherwise I say post away, it's funny other people can discuss whatever they want but let a Christian openly post something and they get their kinickers in a twist! Like you say our Christianity IS who we are they can't be separated out. Personally I stay away from the main board because it tends to be a lot like the Rants and Raves board, everybody's looking for a fight.

Good points, my friend. By the way, when I was swimming this morning, I think the Lord gave me an idea on the direction of the daily devotion post. I'm asking Him for confirmation. There's time. It wouldn't start until Monday. :)  Thanks for praying, and, please, keep it up.
Blessings,
Mary