T-shirt thoughts
- Thread starter Talljake
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I have. In fact, I had two situations arise involving a Christian t-shirt in just the last three or four weeks, and the second of the two was actually a double Christian t-shirt situation.
Last summer, I went on wish.com to look for some men's sleeveless t-shirts because I do not fare too well in the heat (and also so I could show off my fearfully and wonderfully made physique...lol). During my search, this shirt popped up:
I ordered four of them, one in black, one in burgundy, one in light blue, and one in olive green, and I have worn them all out in public several times since I received them last year.
About three or four weeks ago, I went to Panera Bread to get some lunch. There I am, standing at the counter and looking at the menu choices on signs above my head, and, the next thing that I know, the woman behind the counter starts asking me a bunch of questions about God and the Bible. Why? Because she noticed that I was wearing a t-shirt that simply said "Jesus" on it.
Just two or three days ago, I was in a supermarket, and I noticed a woman with her husband and two children. The reason why I noticed them was because she was wearing a t-shirt that had a Bible verse in big, bold letters on the back of it. It read:
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Seeing how I never try to pass up an opportunity to talk about Christ, I approached this family, and I told the woman that I liked her t-shirt. When she turned around to face me, I noticed the name of a local church on the front left chest of the shirt, and it is actually a church that I am not fond of at all because I have been there before, and I do not believe that they are teaching sound doctrine there. Anyhow, my simple mention of her t-shirt led to about a twenty minute conversation between me, her, and her husband. It turns out that they were not only both relatively new to the Christian faith, but they had also just recently moved to my area from another state, and they told me that they had only attended the church whose name was on the shirt one time so far. During our conversation, I was able to answer some Bible-related question for the wife, and the husband kept on asking me what I thought of that church. Finally, I caved, and I told him that I did not like it and why. He seemed pleased with my answer, and then he and I talked a little Christian doctrine together. When we were finished talking, I gave him the Christian t-shirt that I had with me in a bag as a gift. Why was I carrying a Christian t-shirt with me in a bag? Because I had brought it with me to give to a worker at the supermarket that I have been making some inroads with. He did not know that I was bringing him a shirt that day, so I am just going to bring him another one sometime next week.
Anyhow, my point is that neither of these two conversations would have taken place if a Christian t-shirt had not been involved.
Might some people get offended by a Christian t-shirt?
Sure, but Jesus is called "the rock of offense" in scripture, and Paul spoke of "the offense of the cross". Besides this, I see a lot of people wearing other t-shirts which are offensive, so all is fair in love and war as far as I am concerned. We need to get the message of Christ out however we can, so I would encourage you to get some Christian t-shirts to potentially help start some conversations of your own.
Last summer, I went on wish.com to look for some men's sleeveless t-shirts because I do not fare too well in the heat (and also so I could show off my fearfully and wonderfully made physique...lol). During my search, this shirt popped up:
I ordered four of them, one in black, one in burgundy, one in light blue, and one in olive green, and I have worn them all out in public several times since I received them last year.
About three or four weeks ago, I went to Panera Bread to get some lunch. There I am, standing at the counter and looking at the menu choices on signs above my head, and, the next thing that I know, the woman behind the counter starts asking me a bunch of questions about God and the Bible. Why? Because she noticed that I was wearing a t-shirt that simply said "Jesus" on it.
Just two or three days ago, I was in a supermarket, and I noticed a woman with her husband and two children. The reason why I noticed them was because she was wearing a t-shirt that had a Bible verse in big, bold letters on the back of it. It read:
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. - 2 Corinthians 5:17
Seeing how I never try to pass up an opportunity to talk about Christ, I approached this family, and I told the woman that I liked her t-shirt. When she turned around to face me, I noticed the name of a local church on the front left chest of the shirt, and it is actually a church that I am not fond of at all because I have been there before, and I do not believe that they are teaching sound doctrine there. Anyhow, my simple mention of her t-shirt led to about a twenty minute conversation between me, her, and her husband. It turns out that they were not only both relatively new to the Christian faith, but they had also just recently moved to my area from another state, and they told me that they had only attended the church whose name was on the shirt one time so far. During our conversation, I was able to answer some Bible-related question for the wife, and the husband kept on asking me what I thought of that church. Finally, I caved, and I told him that I did not like it and why. He seemed pleased with my answer, and then he and I talked a little Christian doctrine together. When we were finished talking, I gave him the Christian t-shirt that I had with me in a bag as a gift. Why was I carrying a Christian t-shirt with me in a bag? Because I had brought it with me to give to a worker at the supermarket that I have been making some inroads with. He did not know that I was bringing him a shirt that day, so I am just going to bring him another one sometime next week.
Anyhow, my point is that neither of these two conversations would have taken place if a Christian t-shirt had not been involved.
Might some people get offended by a Christian t-shirt?
Sure, but Jesus is called "the rock of offense" in scripture, and Paul spoke of "the offense of the cross". Besides this, I see a lot of people wearing other t-shirts which are offensive, so all is fair in love and war as far as I am concerned. We need to get the message of Christ out however we can, so I would encourage you to get some Christian t-shirts to potentially help start some conversations of your own.
F
Right on, the secular world encourages this stuff in their own generic way just without the Savior so it has no lasting impact on the world . Reminds me of this video but instead imagine the impact of bold Christ followers doing what the characters in this secular video do but making Jesus the source of that love rather than some cliché goodness .
I did not watch the video, simply because I try to avoid listening to secular music, but I agree with your point.
Several years back, I had a job which required me to pass through a toll booth every day on my way to work. I carried some gospel tracts with me, and I tried to give one to whatever toll booth collector was working that day, but I was not very successful. Not only did a very high percentage of them refuse to take the tract from me, but several of them angrily told me off for trying to "shove my religion down their throat". I was a bit discouraged, but not deterred.
One day, I was at a fair, and I noticed a vendor who was selling those vinyl stickers that people put on their cars. You know, like those stick family figures, and things like that. She had a sign that said that she made custom stickers, so I had her make a rather large one that had two images on it with a portion of a Bible verse under each image. On the left-hand side of the sticker was a big image of the Grim Reaper. Under his image, it read "For the wages of sin is death". On the right-hand side of the sticker was a big image of a cross. Under that image, it read "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I affixed that big vinyl sticker to the side door on the driver's side of my vehicle, and I can assure you that every single toll booth collector I ever encountered while I still had that vehicle read it. Did it have an impact? I do not know, but at least I got a verse of scripture before a lot of people's eyes. We must try to plant seeds however we can.
Several years back, I had a job which required me to pass through a toll booth every day on my way to work. I carried some gospel tracts with me, and I tried to give one to whatever toll booth collector was working that day, but I was not very successful. Not only did a very high percentage of them refuse to take the tract from me, but several of them angrily told me off for trying to "shove my religion down their throat". I was a bit discouraged, but not deterred.
One day, I was at a fair, and I noticed a vendor who was selling those vinyl stickers that people put on their cars. You know, like those stick family figures, and things like that. She had a sign that said that she made custom stickers, so I had her make a rather large one that had two images on it with a portion of a Bible verse under each image. On the left-hand side of the sticker was a big image of the Grim Reaper. Under his image, it read "For the wages of sin is death". On the right-hand side of the sticker was a big image of a cross. Under that image, it read "But the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." I affixed that big vinyl sticker to the side door on the driver's side of my vehicle, and I can assure you that every single toll booth collector I ever encountered while I still had that vehicle read it. Did it have an impact? I do not know, but at least I got a verse of scripture before a lot of people's eyes. We must try to plant seeds however we can.
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As in all things, be led by the Lord. After I retired, I spent 3 weeks travelling, including New Zealand, America, the UK and Singapore. I wore a chain around my neck with a tag that clearly said Jesus is Lord. I had no problem. One TSA guy at LA airport lit up when he saw the tag. I made sure that none of my flights stopped at Muslim country airports.
I have signwriting on my car that says "Jesus is the Answer for the world today". I've had it for 5 years. People have commented just a few times. It seems that most people are indifferent, not hostile. I would be surprised if T shirts evoked a different reaction.
I have signwriting on my car that says "Jesus is the Answer for the world today". I've had it for 5 years. People have commented just a few times. It seems that most people are indifferent, not hostile. I would be surprised if T shirts evoked a different reaction.
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Hi Jake!
I think it's awesome that you want to profess your faith in a very public manner. I wish you all the best in what you decide..
I wanted to give you a slightly different view on this subject to consider as well. I am a gal, and just speaking for myself personally, I currently do not wear any kind of clothing, jewelry, or have bumper stickers or symbols on my car, etc. that showcase my faith. This is a personal decision I made with much prayer due to the way God seems to bring people to me.
I know some will say I'm not a a real Christian for this, but throughout my life, even at summer camp when I was about 11, God has always seems to connect me with people who have gone through abuse, usually sexual, and almost always starting in childhood.
No matter where I went or what I did (one time I was home alone back in the days of cord phones, and a wrong number call to our house led to a 90-minute conversation about some very personal problems the caller was going through,) people would pour their hearts out to me about how their innocence had been betrayed in the worst way. Many times, the people who abused them claimed to be Christians, often pastors, others who worked in ministry, or parents who would use their own children for nefarious purposes throughout the week, then raise their hands in public worship every Sunday.
I will always remember one woman I talked to who was especially beautiful even from the time she was a child, and unfortunately, men took notice. Starting from when she was a toddler to the time she was a young adult, her abusers included two pastors, a police officer, and a coach (and those were just the ones she told me about.)
And it's definitely not just women. I got to a point where almost as many men were talking about their stories as women. When trying to research how i could effectively answer such heartfelt stories of pain and bitterness, I came across an article I will never forget.
It reported the story of a man in his 40's who had been repeatedly abused by a priest, from his boyhood through his young adulthood. He said his most vivid memory was of the glittering gold cross around the priest's neck flickering in the light, every time the priest abused him. For this man, the cross became a symbol of horror and dehumanization rather than God's love. I have also often heard/read that such abusers will often tell their young victims, "This is how God wants you to express love."
I had a very long talk with God about this. Having people tell me about their abusive backgrounds became so common for me that I would get sharp, shooting pains through my stomach, and when it happened, I knew it was God telling me, "Pray up, because I'm sending you another one soon."
Because of this, I asked God if it was ok, I wasn't going to wear any symbols of my faith because I wanted every person I met to see me as a blank slate. We all have certain symbols and/or words that trigger us, and since God often sends me people who were sexually abused by those claiming to be Christians, I didn't want to be seen as an automatic reminder just because of an outer display. Rather, I had the hope that they would get to know me as any other person and I'd just see where God led the conversations. Now this isn't an absolute. At one time, I had "In God We Trust" on my license plate and I regularly carried a Bible or devotionals to many of my jobs to read during breaks. But at other times, I just feel I am not supposed to, for example, wear a cross necklace because it might discourage someone from talking to me. I just try my best to pray regularly and follow God's lead. I always remember Esther, whom God used to save her people by going somewhat incognito with her faith until it was the right time to reveal it.
The reason I'm mentioning this is because I think it's awesome that you want to wear faith-filled shirts, but I also hope you don't get discouraged if you encounter any pushbacks. We all know the saying, "You might be the only Jesus someone has ever met." But if you meet someone whose only experience with Christians were abusers who justified their actions? You can see why some people might very wary of anyone wanting to talk to you about God in any way, so please don't take it to heart if that happens. Sure, some people might just be all out non-believers who aren't interested, but some might just need a little extra grace.
This might just be me, but usually the people I encounter who are most bitter about the subject of God are those who were abused by those claiming to know God, or felt that God let them down ("Why didn't He stop it from happening?")
God usually puts me in situations where I'll be encountering the person regularly (work, school, small groups, etc.,) so my own first order of business is usually concentrating on letting them get it all out and digging up the root cause of their pain and anger. I know your situation might be very different if you're just out and about, but I'm sure God will lead you in what to do.
I often felt very discouraged that nothing seemed to change, or maybe the person would come to church for a while, but then stop. However, God taught me that everyone is in a progression. It might take 30 more steps and meeting 10 more people before that person is ready to truly know Christ, or maybe they never will, but the important part is that we listened to God and did as He asked in that place. I might not be the one to lead that person into making that crucial decision to give their life to Christ, but if God called me to help get them from Step #3 to Step #4 or even to Step #3 1/2, then at least know I did what I could.
Likewise, maybe if you're wearing a t-shirt that mentions Jesus, it might be Step #2 (planting a seed in their mind when they see it) out of many, many more, but you have completed the task God sent you to do.
Even if the person is angry, maybe it's God's way of reminding them that He is still there, and He isn't going away.
Anyway... I was just hoping to encourage you whatever you decide, but most especially if you experience any negative reactions.
No matter what happens, God is using you to make a positive difference, just like on this forum!
God bless you and please keep us posted on how it goes.
I think it's awesome that you want to profess your faith in a very public manner. I wish you all the best in what you decide..
I wanted to give you a slightly different view on this subject to consider as well. I am a gal, and just speaking for myself personally, I currently do not wear any kind of clothing, jewelry, or have bumper stickers or symbols on my car, etc. that showcase my faith. This is a personal decision I made with much prayer due to the way God seems to bring people to me.
I know some will say I'm not a a real Christian for this, but throughout my life, even at summer camp when I was about 11, God has always seems to connect me with people who have gone through abuse, usually sexual, and almost always starting in childhood.
No matter where I went or what I did (one time I was home alone back in the days of cord phones, and a wrong number call to our house led to a 90-minute conversation about some very personal problems the caller was going through,) people would pour their hearts out to me about how their innocence had been betrayed in the worst way. Many times, the people who abused them claimed to be Christians, often pastors, others who worked in ministry, or parents who would use their own children for nefarious purposes throughout the week, then raise their hands in public worship every Sunday.
I will always remember one woman I talked to who was especially beautiful even from the time she was a child, and unfortunately, men took notice. Starting from when she was a toddler to the time she was a young adult, her abusers included two pastors, a police officer, and a coach (and those were just the ones she told me about.)
And it's definitely not just women. I got to a point where almost as many men were talking about their stories as women. When trying to research how i could effectively answer such heartfelt stories of pain and bitterness, I came across an article I will never forget.
It reported the story of a man in his 40's who had been repeatedly abused by a priest, from his boyhood through his young adulthood. He said his most vivid memory was of the glittering gold cross around the priest's neck flickering in the light, every time the priest abused him. For this man, the cross became a symbol of horror and dehumanization rather than God's love. I have also often heard/read that such abusers will often tell their young victims, "This is how God wants you to express love."
I had a very long talk with God about this. Having people tell me about their abusive backgrounds became so common for me that I would get sharp, shooting pains through my stomach, and when it happened, I knew it was God telling me, "Pray up, because I'm sending you another one soon."
Because of this, I asked God if it was ok, I wasn't going to wear any symbols of my faith because I wanted every person I met to see me as a blank slate. We all have certain symbols and/or words that trigger us, and since God often sends me people who were sexually abused by those claiming to be Christians, I didn't want to be seen as an automatic reminder just because of an outer display. Rather, I had the hope that they would get to know me as any other person and I'd just see where God led the conversations. Now this isn't an absolute. At one time, I had "In God We Trust" on my license plate and I regularly carried a Bible or devotionals to many of my jobs to read during breaks. But at other times, I just feel I am not supposed to, for example, wear a cross necklace because it might discourage someone from talking to me. I just try my best to pray regularly and follow God's lead. I always remember Esther, whom God used to save her people by going somewhat incognito with her faith until it was the right time to reveal it.
The reason I'm mentioning this is because I think it's awesome that you want to wear faith-filled shirts, but I also hope you don't get discouraged if you encounter any pushbacks. We all know the saying, "You might be the only Jesus someone has ever met." But if you meet someone whose only experience with Christians were abusers who justified their actions? You can see why some people might very wary of anyone wanting to talk to you about God in any way, so please don't take it to heart if that happens. Sure, some people might just be all out non-believers who aren't interested, but some might just need a little extra grace.
This might just be me, but usually the people I encounter who are most bitter about the subject of God are those who were abused by those claiming to know God, or felt that God let them down ("Why didn't He stop it from happening?")
God usually puts me in situations where I'll be encountering the person regularly (work, school, small groups, etc.,) so my own first order of business is usually concentrating on letting them get it all out and digging up the root cause of their pain and anger. I know your situation might be very different if you're just out and about, but I'm sure God will lead you in what to do.
I often felt very discouraged that nothing seemed to change, or maybe the person would come to church for a while, but then stop. However, God taught me that everyone is in a progression. It might take 30 more steps and meeting 10 more people before that person is ready to truly know Christ, or maybe they never will, but the important part is that we listened to God and did as He asked in that place. I might not be the one to lead that person into making that crucial decision to give their life to Christ, but if God called me to help get them from Step #3 to Step #4 or even to Step #3 1/2, then at least know I did what I could.
Likewise, maybe if you're wearing a t-shirt that mentions Jesus, it might be Step #2 (planting a seed in their mind when they see it) out of many, many more, but you have completed the task God sent you to do.
Even if the person is angry, maybe it's God's way of reminding them that He is still there, and He isn't going away.
Anyway... I was just hoping to encourage you whatever you decide, but most especially if you experience any negative reactions.
No matter what happens, God is using you to make a positive difference, just like on this forum!
God bless you and please keep us posted on how it goes.
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She's back!
It is definitely best to always let God's Spirit do the leading, and I am happy to see that you have been obedient to his call when he has sent the hurting to you.
Having said and meant that, I was reminded of something that happened many years ago when I was reading your comments. A friend of mine and I were driving on the highway in his car, and, suddenly, this man started blowing his horn repeatedly while motioning for us to roll down the window. My friend, who was driving, lowered his window, and the man yelled out to us and asked us if we were Christians because he had noticed a Christian bumper sticker on the back of my friend's car. We said "Yes", and he told us that his daughter had just been in a serious accident, and that he was on his way to the hospital to see her. He told us her name, and he asked us to say a prayer for her, and, of course, we did. We never saw that man again, and we do not know what happened to his daughter, but it was a Christian bumper sticker which afforded us the opportunity to pray for her.
Anyway, we are definitely not mandated to display our Christian faith with outward symbols, and I understand what you mean when you say that some people associate certain symbols with negative experiences because they have suffered great wrongs at the hands of those who claim to be Christians. I have met several people like that myself over the years. I guess that it all boils down to us following the Lord's promptings. What is effective for one might not be effective for another.
It is definitely best to always let God's Spirit do the leading, and I am happy to see that you have been obedient to his call when he has sent the hurting to you.
Having said and meant that, I was reminded of something that happened many years ago when I was reading your comments. A friend of mine and I were driving on the highway in his car, and, suddenly, this man started blowing his horn repeatedly while motioning for us to roll down the window. My friend, who was driving, lowered his window, and the man yelled out to us and asked us if we were Christians because he had noticed a Christian bumper sticker on the back of my friend's car. We said "Yes", and he told us that his daughter had just been in a serious accident, and that he was on his way to the hospital to see her. He told us her name, and he asked us to say a prayer for her, and, of course, we did. We never saw that man again, and we do not know what happened to his daughter, but it was a Christian bumper sticker which afforded us the opportunity to pray for her.
Anyway, we are definitely not mandated to display our Christian faith with outward symbols, and I understand what you mean when you say that some people associate certain symbols with negative experiences because they have suffered great wrongs at the hands of those who claim to be Christians. I have met several people like that myself over the years. I guess that it all boils down to us following the Lord's promptings. What is effective for one might not be effective for another.
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Hi Jake!
I think it's awesome that you want to profess your faith in a very public manner. I wish you all the best in what you decide..
I wanted to give you a slightly different view on this subject to consider as well. I am a gal, and just speaking for myself personally, I currently do not wear any kind of clothing, jewelry, or have bumper stickers or symbols on my car, etc. that showcase my faith. This is a personal decision I made with much prayer due to the way God seems to bring people to me.
I know some will say I'm not a a real Christian for this, but throughout my life, even at summer camp when I was about 11, God has always seems to connect me with people who have gone through abuse, usually sexual, and almost always starting in childhood.
No matter where I went or what I did (one time I was home alone back in the days of cord phones, and a wrong number call to our house led to a 90-minute conversation about some very personal problems the caller was going through,) people would pour their hearts out to me about how their innocence had been betrayed in the worst way. Many times, the people who abused them claimed to be Christians, often pastors, others who worked in ministry, or parents who would use their own children for nefarious purposes throughout the week, then raise their hands in public worship every Sunday.
I will always remember one woman I talked to who was especially beautiful even from the time she was a child, and unfortunately, men took notice. Starting from when she was a toddler to the time she was a young adult, her abusers included two pastors, a police officer, and a coach (and those were just the ones she told me about.)
And it's definitely not just women. I got to a point where almost as many men were talking about their stories as women. When trying to research how i could effectively answer such heartfelt stories of pain and bitterness, I came across an article I will never forget.
It reported the story of a man in his 40's who had been repeatedly abused by a priest, from his boyhood through his young adulthood. He said his most vivid memory was of the glittering gold cross around the priest's neck flickering in the light, every time the priest abused him. For this man, the cross became a symbol of horror and dehumanization rather than God's love. I have also often heard/read that such abusers will often tell their young victims, "This is how God wants you to express love."
I had a very long talk with God about this. Having people tell me about their abusive backgrounds became so common for me that I would get sharp, shooting pains through my stomach, and when it happened, I knew it was God telling me, "Pray up, because I'm sending you another one soon."
Because of this, I asked God if it was ok, I wasn't going to wear any symbols of my faith because I wanted every person I met to see me as a blank slate. We all have certain symbols and/or words that trigger us, and since God often sends me people who were sexually abused by those claiming to be Christians, I didn't want to be seen as an automatic reminder just because of an outer display. Rather, I had the hope that they would get to know me as any other person and I'd just see where God led the conversations. Now this isn't an absolute. At one time, I had "In God We Trust" on my license plate and I regularly carried a Bible or devotionals to many of my jobs to read during breaks. But at other times, I just feel I am not supposed to, for example, wear a cross necklace because it might discourage someone from talking to me. I just try my best to pray regularly and follow God's lead. I always remember Esther, whom God used to save her people by going somewhat incognito with her faith until it was the right time to reveal it.
The reason I'm mentioning this is because I think it's awesome that you want to wear faith-filled shirts, but I also hope you don't get discouraged if you encounter any pushbacks. We all know the saying, "You might be the only Jesus someone has ever met." But if you meet someone whose only experience with Christians were abusers who justified their actions? You can see why some people might very wary of anyone wanting to talk to you about God in any way, so please don't take it to heart if that happens. Sure, some people might just be all out non-believers who aren't interested, but some might just need a little extra grace.
This might just be me, but usually the people I encounter who are most bitter about the subject of God are those who were abused by those claiming to know God, or felt that God let them down ("Why didn't He stop it from happening?")
God usually puts me in situations where I'll be encountering the person regularly (work, school, small groups, etc.,) so my own first order of business is usually concentrating on letting them get it all out and digging up the root cause of their pain and anger. I know your situation might be very different if you're just out and about, but I'm sure God will lead you in what to do.
I often felt very discouraged that nothing seemed to change, or maybe the person would come to church for a while, but then stop. However, God taught me that everyone is in a progression. It might take 30 more steps and meeting 10 more people before that person is ready to truly know Christ, or maybe they never will, but the important part is that we listened to God and did as He asked in that place. I might not be the one to lead that person into making that crucial decision to give their life to Christ, but if God called me to help get them from Step #3 to Step #4 or even to Step #3 1/2, then at least know I did what I could.
Likewise, maybe if you're wearing a t-shirt that mentions Jesus, it might be Step #2 (planting a seed in their mind when they see it) out of many, many more, but you have completed the task God sent you to do.
Even if the person is angry, maybe it's God's way of reminding them that He is still there, and He isn't going away.
Anyway... I was just hoping to encourage you whatever you decide, but most especially if you experience any negative reactions.
No matter what happens, God is using you to make a positive difference, just like on this forum!
God bless you and please keep us posted on how it goes.
I think it's awesome that you want to profess your faith in a very public manner. I wish you all the best in what you decide..
I wanted to give you a slightly different view on this subject to consider as well. I am a gal, and just speaking for myself personally, I currently do not wear any kind of clothing, jewelry, or have bumper stickers or symbols on my car, etc. that showcase my faith. This is a personal decision I made with much prayer due to the way God seems to bring people to me.
I know some will say I'm not a a real Christian for this, but throughout my life, even at summer camp when I was about 11, God has always seems to connect me with people who have gone through abuse, usually sexual, and almost always starting in childhood.
No matter where I went or what I did (one time I was home alone back in the days of cord phones, and a wrong number call to our house led to a 90-minute conversation about some very personal problems the caller was going through,) people would pour their hearts out to me about how their innocence had been betrayed in the worst way. Many times, the people who abused them claimed to be Christians, often pastors, others who worked in ministry, or parents who would use their own children for nefarious purposes throughout the week, then raise their hands in public worship every Sunday.
I will always remember one woman I talked to who was especially beautiful even from the time she was a child, and unfortunately, men took notice. Starting from when she was a toddler to the time she was a young adult, her abusers included two pastors, a police officer, and a coach (and those were just the ones she told me about.)
And it's definitely not just women. I got to a point where almost as many men were talking about their stories as women. When trying to research how i could effectively answer such heartfelt stories of pain and bitterness, I came across an article I will never forget.
It reported the story of a man in his 40's who had been repeatedly abused by a priest, from his boyhood through his young adulthood. He said his most vivid memory was of the glittering gold cross around the priest's neck flickering in the light, every time the priest abused him. For this man, the cross became a symbol of horror and dehumanization rather than God's love. I have also often heard/read that such abusers will often tell their young victims, "This is how God wants you to express love."
I had a very long talk with God about this. Having people tell me about their abusive backgrounds became so common for me that I would get sharp, shooting pains through my stomach, and when it happened, I knew it was God telling me, "Pray up, because I'm sending you another one soon."
Because of this, I asked God if it was ok, I wasn't going to wear any symbols of my faith because I wanted every person I met to see me as a blank slate. We all have certain symbols and/or words that trigger us, and since God often sends me people who were sexually abused by those claiming to be Christians, I didn't want to be seen as an automatic reminder just because of an outer display. Rather, I had the hope that they would get to know me as any other person and I'd just see where God led the conversations. Now this isn't an absolute. At one time, I had "In God We Trust" on my license plate and I regularly carried a Bible or devotionals to many of my jobs to read during breaks. But at other times, I just feel I am not supposed to, for example, wear a cross necklace because it might discourage someone from talking to me. I just try my best to pray regularly and follow God's lead. I always remember Esther, whom God used to save her people by going somewhat incognito with her faith until it was the right time to reveal it.
The reason I'm mentioning this is because I think it's awesome that you want to wear faith-filled shirts, but I also hope you don't get discouraged if you encounter any pushbacks. We all know the saying, "You might be the only Jesus someone has ever met." But if you meet someone whose only experience with Christians were abusers who justified their actions? You can see why some people might very wary of anyone wanting to talk to you about God in any way, so please don't take it to heart if that happens. Sure, some people might just be all out non-believers who aren't interested, but some might just need a little extra grace.
This might just be me, but usually the people I encounter who are most bitter about the subject of God are those who were abused by those claiming to know God, or felt that God let them down ("Why didn't He stop it from happening?")
God usually puts me in situations where I'll be encountering the person regularly (work, school, small groups, etc.,) so my own first order of business is usually concentrating on letting them get it all out and digging up the root cause of their pain and anger. I know your situation might be very different if you're just out and about, but I'm sure God will lead you in what to do.
I often felt very discouraged that nothing seemed to change, or maybe the person would come to church for a while, but then stop. However, God taught me that everyone is in a progression. It might take 30 more steps and meeting 10 more people before that person is ready to truly know Christ, or maybe they never will, but the important part is that we listened to God and did as He asked in that place. I might not be the one to lead that person into making that crucial decision to give their life to Christ, but if God called me to help get them from Step #3 to Step #4 or even to Step #3 1/2, then at least know I did what I could.
Likewise, maybe if you're wearing a t-shirt that mentions Jesus, it might be Step #2 (planting a seed in their mind when they see it) out of many, many more, but you have completed the task God sent you to do.
Even if the person is angry, maybe it's God's way of reminding them that He is still there, and He isn't going away.
Anyway... I was just hoping to encourage you whatever you decide, but most especially if you experience any negative reactions.
No matter what happens, God is using you to make a positive difference, just like on this forum!
God bless you and please keep us posted on how it goes.
Maybe I should just pray about it. Thank you for sharing and showing the other end of the spectrum.
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I hope that it is okay if I just add a thought.
Like I said, I too have met people who have been abused by those professing to be Christians, and, admittedly, some of them immediately treated me with hostility when they learned that I was a Christian because I was basically "guilty by association". However, and this is a big however, I was able to help soften their hearts at times by just treating them with compassion and kindness or by simply showing them how Christians ought to truly behave. In other words, even if people are initially offended, that does not mean that God cannot use us to help remove some or all of that offense.
Anyway, like you said, it is best to just pray to God for guidance.
Like I said, I too have met people who have been abused by those professing to be Christians, and, admittedly, some of them immediately treated me with hostility when they learned that I was a Christian because I was basically "guilty by association". However, and this is a big however, I was able to help soften their hearts at times by just treating them with compassion and kindness or by simply showing them how Christians ought to truly behave. In other words, even if people are initially offended, that does not mean that God cannot use us to help remove some or all of that offense.
Anyway, like you said, it is best to just pray to God for guidance.
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Well technically they didn't have them back then.....and it might be strange to wear a shirt about you. It would be like me walking around with a shirt that said "let's talk about Jake" it would be strange lol.
It's a good way to reach out to someone even while you are just doing something. Maybe someone sees your shirt but you don't see them, then bam they walk over and want to talk. At least a seed is planted in someone you didn't even see. And Jesus didn't need a shirt, when his foot hit dry land after being on a boat there was people for miles ready to greet him and hear his preaching. But thank you for your thoughts. That is something to consider.
It's a good way to reach out to someone even while you are just doing something. Maybe someone sees your shirt but you don't see them, then bam they walk over and want to talk. At least a seed is planted in someone you didn't even see. And Jesus didn't need a shirt, when his foot hit dry land after being on a boat there was people for miles ready to greet him and hear his preaching. But thank you for your thoughts. That is something to consider.
By the way, the image in your avatar is available on a t-shirt as a full-print design on wish.com for only about $7.00.
https://www.wish.com/search/jesus shirt/product/64b4f1ad45fc19aa68ae2962?source=search&position=4
If you do ever order a full-print design t-shirt from wish.com, then know that their t-shirts are cut a bit small. If you are between sizes, then go with the larger size...unless you like tight-fitting t-shirts.
P.S.
If for some reason the link does not work, then you might need to sign up for a free account on wish.com first. If you do, then you can just type in "Jesus shirt" in the search box, and this shirt should appear on the first page of results.
https://www.wish.com/search/jesus shirt/product/64b4f1ad45fc19aa68ae2962?source=search&position=4
If you do ever order a full-print design t-shirt from wish.com, then know that their t-shirts are cut a bit small. If you are between sizes, then go with the larger size...unless you like tight-fitting t-shirts.
P.S.
If for some reason the link does not work, then you might need to sign up for a free account on wish.com first. If you do, then you can just type in "Jesus shirt" in the search box, and this shirt should appear on the first page of results.
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