Random thoughts/comments

[Leigha]

Well, I had my Bible study tonight. I don't even know where to begin.   

I had a separate set of questions, to sort of break the ice as a conversation starter with the group, which went better than the ''Bible study'' itself. The problem was a couple showed up who seemed pretentious, and kept looking/smirking at each other every time someone would speak. It was rude, and bizarre. I didn't say anything, but it cast a shadow on the group, as I took notice that there were a few women who became hesitant to speak.

Is this what Jesus put up with?

Afterwards, we all had a decent enough conversation, being part of the same community, but it was a very strange night, that's all I can say. Like I had all of these scenarios in my mind, what I would do if ''this or that'' happened...but, this scenario was unexpected. So, I'm holding another Bible study in a few weeks, and they all want to return. We'll see how it continues to flow.

[Syne]

Was the strangeness just your perception, maybe being too sensitive to some side-eye? You opened it up to non-believers, and you didn't expect any?

[Leigha]

Was the strangeness just your perception, maybe being too sensitive to some side-eye? You opened it up to non-believers, and you didn't expect any?

They're believers. They boasted about their Bible knowledge and how they live for Jesus (yet they're sitting at a small Bible study acting snarky, how ironic) So, I wasn't sensitive as I could tell that the others felt off put by how these two were turning their heads to one another and smirking throughout the meeting. I don't quite get what they were smirking about, to be honest. So, those others were reluctant to participate because of the ''energy'' this couple was giving off. Understand, no one knows anyone here, this was the first meeting. First impressions and all that...

I will say too that I sent many invitations, and expected a better turn out, although this isn't about numbers or outcomes. I'm leaning on God's understanding, and not my own. But, it reminds me of the Bible passages speaking about how many are invited to the banquest but few show up.

Edit to add, I reached out to everyone who attended, and thanked them for coming, and shared the next meeting date. And the couple who were smirking replied with the kindest email. It gives me pause as this could be an area to work on within me - to not judge on a first appearance, or whatever. To not judge at all, and just be open to who God leads to these meetings. To step out of my own way, and let God lead. It's been a humbling past 24 hours, I suppose.

[Syne]

You should have just put them on the spot and ask for their input when they smirked. Either they actually have something worth sharing or they'd soon get the message that they may be drawing unwanted attention to themselves.

[Leigha]

I think that's a good idea, but in the setting we were in, it took me off guard. In a business setting, it's one thing, but no one knew each other at this first meeting, so to ''correct'' someone in the meeting, didn't occur to me. We will see if they come back lol The rest of the group got along fine. We're all adults, I really don't want to babysit people attending the meeting, one would think that if people are showing up for a Bible study, they'd at the very least, be respectful ...but stranger things, I guess...

[Zinjanthropos]

These smirkers with their belief and full of overconfidence (pride?) and arrogance. Hubris, isn't that a sin or a description of Lucifer's character? Heard this somewhere in my travels, I think it was during a conversation with couple of serious bible thumpers in which someone told them to "get off the cross, we need the wood". I'm sure it was a quote from somebody but it shut them up. When it comes to belief, I think it is simply impossible to know anything factual therefore you actually know nothing. Hubris isn't specific to any one segment of society, so I won't blame religion for the smirker's attitude. Probably a dangerous thing though when not based on facts.

[Leigha]

Friday. FINALLY.

Have a nice weekend, friends. 

[Syne]

I wouldn't call it "correcting" them, so much as just noticing they might have something to say, and asking about it. A simple "what do you think about that, so and so?"

[Leigha]

I'll keep that in mind, should they attend the next meeting. I have it scheduled three weeks from now.

[confused2]

From the first mention of smirking I thought this might be a misunderstanding. They (may) have discussed the possibilities in advance and decided you were going to be really good. When you actually were good they exchanged self-congratulatory smirks - she's really good! If you are worried about what people 'out there' are thinking then at least one (many) are thinking 'that went well'. Still standing. Not torn to pieces. That went well.