Women Living Well {In Opposite World} – Conclusion

WLW in Opposite World conclusion

I broke one of my writing rules during this {Opposite World} series.  It’s an unspoken rule I have…

The rule is —

Never write against things…but rather write for — what God is for.

I want to be for women being in God’s word and walking with the King.

I want to be for strong marriages.

I want to be for gentle, grace and gospel-filled mothering.

I want to be for women valuing the beautiful and powerful role they have in their home.

But there is opposition in this world — and it comes from God’s enemy, the Father of lies.  He is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. (I Peter 5:8)

And sometimes we have to speak up and speak against deception to protect our families from the lies of the Opposite World.

So I broke my unspoken rule…and it made me very uncomfortable as every post in this series brought opposition and heat to my inbox.

I am relieved to bring this series to an end because it’s hard staying in a pressure cooker…stirring the pot to the glory of God.  There are other bloggers out there who do this so well –I’m not sure I’m cut out for it.

Each time I would hit the “publish” button my stomach churned a little bit.  Each email that came in, I took a deep breath before opening. I wondered if this is the one that will rip into me with the enemy’s venom.  I quickly hit delete on those and moved forward.  Others were filled with encouragement and touching stories which brought me both comfort and strength.

I am so thankful for an open forum where we can talk about these issues and I want to say thank you to so many of you who were so very gracious to me and to each other in the comment section!

I feel like I’ve made it to an imaginary finish line with this series — I could have kept this series going as I have more thoughts on my mind, but I’ve decided it’s time to bring it all to a close and go back to following my unspoken rules 🙂 .

Here’s a recap of the series in case you missed some:

Women Living Well {In Opposite World} – (intro)

Learning to Accept My Muffin Top {In Opposite World}

Having Babies {In Opposite World}

Respecting Your Husband {In Opposite World}

Being Modest {In Opposite World}

The Husband as the Head of the Home {In Opposite World}

 Slowing Down {In Opposite World}

Pure Hope {In Opposite World}

Being a Creationist {In Opposite World}

Thank you for joining me on this journey toward being Women Living Well.

On Friday, I will share with you my new July series. I pray that it will lift you up and encourage you as we pursue being for what God is for!

Walk with the King,

80 Comments

  1. It’s sad to me that you equate difference of opinion with Satan, but I understand feeling defensive upon perceived attack. I’m also sure some of the emails you received in disagreement were more hateful than thoughtful. I just hope you can manage the difficult task of standing by your principles without becoming self-righteous about them, as you are usually able to maintain that balance on this blog from what I can tell. I think it is a struggle for all of us, and although you and I may not be passionate about the same things, I can relate to struggling to balance feelings of passion and my own humility in how I go about putting that passion in context.

    1. Just to clarify, I did not equate difference of opinion with Satan in this post. I equated lies with Satan as John 8:44 states. If you want to understand the sort of emails that I am referring to – I posted a blog post back in February (long before this series) that shows what I am used to receiving on a regular basis:

      http://www.goodmorninggirls.org/2013/02/learning-to-love-your-haters/

      I am far from perfect and I would even say I deserve some push back sometimes as I work through things. I have learned a lot from my readers who disagree and write respectfully to me and I am grateful for them. I am on this journey along side you all – and very flawed. Together we are all growing and maturing and slipping back and getting back up again and trying again. We all need grace and truth on this journey of life.
      Lots of Love,
      Courtney

      1. My reading of the post was that you feel those who disagree with you are spreading the lies of Satan (enemy of God). I apologize if I misunderstood. As I mentioned, I feel like the vast majority of the time your posts do not come across that way at all. I think you are an excellent blogger, partially because you’re a great writer and partially because of the humble and warm tone you use.

      2. To expand a little, your emphasis on two worlds is reductionistic. As the comments in the post on creationism showed, there is (in my opinion) so much gray even within Christianity. I realize that you don’t agree with that perspective because you see a literal interpretation of the Bible as the one true interpretation – you very sincerely believe in a certain level of black and white thinking. It must be difficult to maintain the balance between the rigidity of your beliefs and the very apparent humility with which you try to live your life. I just wanted to encourage the balance – I know myself all too well how difficult that can be.

        1. Balance, where it is scripturally called for, but obedience where God’s Word is clear. I know it is popular in our churches to take license with what we believe Scripture says, but the inerrant Word of God has not changed, nor should it. HOLD FAST sisters, to the truth as it was given to us! There is no compromise for those called according to His purpose. I hear you though, it is a battle within the doors of every church in our present day. STAND FIRM and praise Him with your faithfulness.

        2. I agree with Claudia- “there is no compromise for those called…” Yes, Jennifer, there is so much “gray” area within Christianity, but I absolutely loved Courtney’s series, and I do firmly believe that, with the exception of the creationism post, she nailed it on the head each time. True Christians SHOULD hold all of these standards.
          With the creationism post, I agree with Courtney’s take on it but also respect that there are different views and theories. But the posts about marriage, dressing modestly, etc.- YES- every Christian should absolutely strive for these.
          Thank you, Courtney, for a fabulous blog- one that I read every single to day to get encouragement.

  2. I feel sad that you are ending this series,I think you are doing a wonderful job writing the true of how this world works. I agree 100% on everything you wrote and I admire you
    for writing articles that the that go in accordance with the word of God. I know whaterver you have prepared to write inthe new series will be awsome!!

    1. I agree with Natalia! This has been a great and encouraging series. We are told that we will not be liked for our following of God’s Word and will. Have faith Courtney! He is on your side! And I am, too! You are always a delight in my inbox!

    2. I also agree with Natalia and Emily! What an encouraging series! I also looked forward to each of these posts and shared several of them with one of my dear friends several states away. We really enjoyed your comment that both Creationism and The Big Bag theory take faith… So many try to pass it off as fact and as far as I’ve always heard, they weren’t there for the “big event!” 😉

      It is true that Christians are constantly part of an unseen battle. Thank you for sharing the news that God’s Word is true and holy and that although many “Chistian” ways of living seem strange and are mocked we can stand firm knowing that we are living and making choices to please the Lord. It is encouraging to know that there are other Christian women in this world that feel strongly that this is not our final home and that at times we don’t belong!

      THANK YOU for having the guts to write everything you said… so many in the Christian community side step the important issues and I think you approached all of them with grace!

      Looking forward to your next writing endeavors!

  3. oh Courtney, I’ve been so blessed by your boldness in this series!

    Thank you for pushing through your comfort zone to share the truth- you did it so very well and were full of grace- even in your responses to the comments.

    Praise God for you! 🙂 His Holy Spirit was so so evidently moving through you as it always does!! You are a blessing to the blog world, my sweet friend!! 😀

    1. I’m with Mandy on this. I have felt blessed by this series! You truly helped me to look inward at how I feel on certain issues where the world has warped my thinking!

      Thank you Courtney!

  4. You did great. I have to say that I admired your stand and thought you were a bright light shining and smiling in a dark world. Many days I wondered “WHERE does she get the courage to put it all out there?” Because I know how nasty the emails can get. Sometimes people attack the person, not the position and it can feel extremely vulnerable. In the end, you’ve defended scripture in a world that hates absolutes. You are a good soldier, friend. Keep on keeping on, all to His glory. Love ya!

  5. Courtney,
    You were spot on during this series. Don’t get discouraged by the nay-sayers. Not all of the prophets nor Jesus’ messages were rec’d, but the messages needed to be shared nonetheless.

    I’m so sorry for all of the discouraging emails/comments…but anytime God is moving in one’s life, so is the Enemy. Keep bringing the Word without compromise because the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.

    This is much easier for me to write since I’m not in the pressure cooker today! 🙂 At least not yet!
    Keep serving Him, my friend!

  6. Loved the series! It was nice to know I’m not a loner in opposite world too:) Sorry to see it come to an end but I totally understand:) I can’t imagine how exhausting and annoying it is to receive such disrespectful and hateful messages. I know The Lord is pleased that you spoke His truth and that’s what matters most in the end:)

  7. I loved this entire series. Pointing out difference is not negative. I didn’t find you were knocking down ‘the world’ I felt you were building up God’s way and the Scripture.

  8. Courtney, I SO loved this series very much! I know standing bold is stepping out of your comfort zone however you did it with grace! I truly am very sad that you won’t be continuing with the series! This series has challenged us to dig deeper in Gods word and to draw closer to Him. We can not do that without being out of our comfort zone! Our culture is going down hill fast and shaking us up so that we seek Him more is truly a good thing! Thanks for sharing this much! Hugs

  9. Loved this series and am sad to see it go. You brought such a light into things that we all struggle with. And I was very impressed with your boldness to touch those subjects many won’t touch. Thank you!

  10. Courtney, this has been one of my favorite series, I wait for them to come out with excitement, I have been blessed every time. Following the Lord is not always comfortable, I appreciate that you put yourself out there to bring truth, you _always_ do it lovingly. Its always a minority that ruin it for others. I look forward to your next project whatever it may be. Much love and peace to your ministry so you wont grow weary in doing good. Tara (The Proverbs 31 Sanctuary)

  11. It is hard to face criticism in such a public way and that you did it with grace and kept on was inspirational in itself. I thoroughly enjoyed this series and applaud your efforts. I do, however, understand that we, as moms, wives, homeschoolers, etc. need to be able to put our best foot forward for our families and that is so very hard to do when you have been in a “pressure cooker”. Blessings.

  12. Thank you for stepping out, in the name of Jesus, and remaining faithful through the storm of opposition. Please don’t stop letting God use your gift to speak His truth into people’s lives! He will give you the strength, the words and anything else you need. When we speak truth , we expect opposition. Jesus told us it would be this way. I lift you up to the One who has conquered the world. The Lord gives me hope through you. May God bless you and your family beyond measure.

    Michelle

  13. Courtney, you did a beautiful job on this series. All you shared was biblical and true. I am thankful for your heart, your message, and your ministry. Be encouraged, as you have encouraged so many.

  14. Thank you for this series and sticking your neck out to bring up these issues. You write in a clear manner and in a kind, loving manner. If we don’t talk about these subjects, then they just fester. This was a good lesson for us to look at the question of whether we are of the world or not. You never browbeat your opinion. In fact, I feel you bend over backwards to not offend or belittle. Unfortunately, not everyone is at the same place maturity wise and people will feel defensive instead of reflective. I am sorry that you get such ugly emails and purposeful misunderstandings. You extend grace and deserve to have grace extended to you.

    I look forward to your next posts or series. You are always an inspiration whether I agree with your opinions or not. 😉

  15. thank you for this series. i loved it. it was challenging but in a good way. you definately encouraged me to be the wife i need to be

  16. Thank you for breaking through your comfort zone in this series. It came at a great time for me personally. While life moves forward I have to re-commit to lifestyle decisions my husband and I made years ago and a few of these posts reminded me of why we made the decisions we have and that I don’t need to stick with culture. It took these posts combined with conversations with spiritual women and other things to get my heart to believe. I don’t need to pursue a career, I can re-evaluate my modesty, I don’t have to run myself into the ground with busyness, and I can serve my husband happily. I never heard what you were speaking against, I just heard what you were speaking for.

  17. Hi Courtney!

    I just want to encourage you to remember Galatians 1:10 when you fear the comments that come in as a result of you standing for truth. I am proud of you, and I think your position as a blogger is much needed. Remember you aren’t necessarily cut out to deal with things when the arguments come in, but the Holy Spirit is. I believe He has used you to encourage us woman-folk who live in an opposite world. You certainly have reminded me of God’s truths, and it brought me so much peace. That you for letting God use you! We need more truth in this world, and you’re amazing for being someone who will speak out. If you feel those things that are still on your mind in “opposite world” are things we need to hear, then stand for truth and spit it out, please! Or just give us verses concerning your topic and leave discussion, even! but its so easy for us to forget the simple things of our Creator, we need that push. Keep Prayin about it (as I’m sure you have!)! Praise God for He has given you a spirit of courage. I’m excited to see your new series! I’m praying for you!

  18. Coming from a conservative church it is refreshing to see someone that has the same values. I can show my teenage girl that there is other people in the world that has the same values, that we are not the only one that takes the same standards as our church. Thank you so much.

  19. Courtney,
    You are such a blessing! Thank you for sharing your heart and for encouraging so many women! I wish I had you as a resource 18 years ago as I stepped away from a career to stay home with my son full time and my husband went through several job losses. I know it was the right thing to do but it wasn’t easy. Your blog keeps in front of me what God’s priorities are in this world that screams for us to do whatever ‘feels” good.
    God Bless You!
    Laura

  20. Hi Courtney,
    Anytime we speak up for God we are open to persecution. This seems to me what you have been getting. Count it a blessing to stand up for Him by exposing the Enemy’s ways. We are in this world, but not of the world. He was persecuted and He told us we would be also. Continue to stand for Truth and bring the glory all to Him.
    Blessings in Christ,
    Ruth

  21. Standing strong for the Lord always brings oposition. If we have no oposition we probably aren’t making a difference for the Lord. I have enjoyed this series as it has made we realize if the don’t stand strong in our beliefs & values on a daily basis it can become easy to step off our course to that high calling. I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with us. In your words Courney – Keep walking with The King!!

  22. Thank you for standing up for Christ in opposite world! I loved this series. I appreciate your insights and encouragement to stand on the truth of His Word. We have to be vigilant as the world around us continues to turn away from God to see things from His perspective. Blessings to you and your familyas you stand firm!

  23. I usually don’t comment on blogs that I read. I feel like my words get lost in the crowd. But maybe, by chance, you’ll see this and feel my encouragement.

    I loved your ‘Opposite World’ series. It really put some stuff into perspective for me. I greatly appreciate you putting yourself out there and setting things straight. At my church, when there is great opposition on a particular topic… That’s when the Preacher knows that he is doing good. We call it ‘stepping on people’s toes.’ They get offended and lash out because they know you’re right and they don’t want to hear it. They aren’t ready to humble themselves.

    I love your ministry and I think you are doing a great job! Congrats on the book. Good luck with it and I look forward to reading it.

    Xoxo
    Kristy

    1. “At my church, when there is great opposition on a particular topic… That’s when the Preacher knows that he is doing good. We call it ‘stepping on people’s toes.’ They get offended and lash out because they know you’re right and they don’t want to hear it. They aren’t ready to humble themselves.” from Kristy.
      Amen! Kristy! Exactly what I was thinking!

  24. I love all of your posts! You are such an inspiration and encouragement to me! I enjoyed the opposite world posts. We are or to,live of this world, we as Christians are to be different and our lives and how we live our lives are to look different than the rest of the world.

  25. Found your blog recently through youtube. I am SO! SAD! this series is over. I love your boldness filled with grace. I have been on such a journey this year and I am enjoying your approach to sharing God’s love and truth. Well done good and faithful servant. 🙂

  26. Courtney, I love all of your posts. It is difficult to understand how any one of them could produce venom. I think that this is why Jesus often makes reference to those with ears who can hear, those with eyes who can see. I enjoy each one of your posts and my husband encourages my reading – in fact, he often reads some that I feel he would enjoy. Your efforts in the kingdom bless our family and extend through to my children. Generations will be effected in many households by your simple and loving words. I pray for those who do not see/hear fully will humble themselves to consider the truths that you share and elaborate on in your blog. Stay strong Sister! We’re with you!!!!

    Matthew 13:15
    15 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed,
    lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
    and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.’

  27. Courtney,

    Thank you for this series – I truly loved reading it and it was such a good reminder to me that we are not of this world. That we have been transformed and we need to live that way – no matter what pressures the world puts on us. I’m sure that your posts stirred things in people that caused them to reflect on what our Lord and Savior expects of us and that undoubtedly prompted positive change for many. For others, your posts may have made them defensive…it’s hard to live in a fallen world and not fall prey to its ways. You are following the leading of God and His Word, never apologize for that – your blog is a blessing and an encouragement to so many.

    Praying for you my friend!
    Catherine

  28. I think you did a wonderful job with this series and thank you for having the courage to share it and endure any negative feedback. You truly hit the nail on the head…the world is definitely opposite of God’s Word and truth. We are all called to stand on that Word and truth. The sad part is that most of the kick back we get when we boldly and lovingly declare and stand on the Word is from other Christians!! Ugh! Be encouraged! The series was great, refreshing, and oh so true. Thank you for boldly and lovingly walking with the King!

  29. Courtney,

    I am sad to see this series is over because I really enjoyed the posts and looked forward to what would be next. 🙂 Thank you for sharing your words of wisdom with all of us. Keep up the great work and continue to stand strong on faith through our Lord, Jesus Christ.

  30. Good Morning Courtney!
    I stumbled onto your website via Pinterest some time ago. I then participated in your Living & Leading like Jesus series. I LOVED IT! Thank you for taking the time to share Jesus with others. Your time, thoughts, and encouragement are VERY APPRECIATED. I look forward to your emails each week. Please don’t let the negative thoughts get you down, even though it is hard not to do. Just think about all of us who are enjoying your blogs each week very much!!!!
    Thank you!

  31. Courtney, you are an inspiration. I love receiving from you in my inbox. Do not lose heart. God is using you sister in the Lord.

  32. Courtney,
    Thank you so much for this series. It is because of this series that I heard about your wonderful and encouraging blog. You write so eloquently, full of God’s truth and wisdom that touched my heart and life.
    Thank you for all that you do, keep it up!! 🙂

  33. Hi Courtney,
    I have appreciated some of your Opposite World posts, but have really felt the division amongst us all versus the “building up” of the body of Christ so I am glad you will be going back to writing “for” versus “against”.

  34. You did great! It’s nice to see women promoting the things that are on GOD’S heart. I’m always encouraged and challenged by your posts.
    Keep up the good work! 🙂

  35. Hi,
    I love your posts and I loved this series. It really spoke to me because I’m going through a lot with my niece that isn’t saved. It came at a perfect time to remind me of what I’m striving for as mother and how I want to prepare my children for life in opposite world. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. Don’t let anyone tear you down. You’re a talented and faithful servant. God gives you the words to share with all of us. If you stir the pot a little bit, that’s ok. That’s conviction.

  36. I too LOVED this series. I was seriously convicted on several issues, it is exactly what I needed. When I first became a believer at 31 I was on fire and living in the opposite world. Then after a few years, I notice the world creeping back in to my thoughts, attitudes.

    I know this series has inspired many women. Several women from my church posted your posts to their Facebook wall.

    The enemy would love nothing more than to keep us from the work that God is doing in us. It is a clue that you are on the right track. Narrow is the way. Keep your head up, remember its the opposite world. Our reward is in heaven.

    You are making a REAL difference for Christ. 🙂

  37. Good Morning Courtney!
    I discovered you with the post on dressing modestly in an opposite world. God, pointed me to your post. I have 15 yr. daughter that goes to public school (they do have a dress code) however she is well endowed up top and I needed to be able to show her that she can dress fashionably but not show everything or draw attention to herself. I have been a subscriber to you ever since. This morning reading your post made me sad. I can not imagine what it is like to receive all of the negativity all the time just because people disagree with you. Most people don’t know how to disagree respectfully unfortunately. I wanted to share with you that it was because of you and your postings that my daughter as well as myself have reached a different place and not just on the issue of clothing…LOL. Your blog has opened our eyes to God again. As a result I am doing the Bible study Anything. All because I found your blog. I hope that you continue to write and share your love of God with the world. I pray that you don’t allow these people who are foolish to hinder you in anyway. It’s inspiring and refreshing to be able to go on the web to see wholesome things rather than garbage. I understand the need to move on to say and do other things. Just don’t stop ever writing for Him. Thank you and God bless you.
    Renee
    P.S. I thought I should also share that this is the very first bible study I have ever done. What a joy!!!

  38. I’m sorry to hear that you had hate mail sent to your inbox. It’s amazing that people take the time to do that. If I disagree with something, I just skim past that part that I don’t agree with and get on with my day. I know there are people who like to argue no matter what. I also appreciate how you directed the oppositioners to Scripture. I’ve gleaned lots of knowledge from this series. Especially last weeks post on Creationism.

    You are a bright beacon of light in this opposite world in which we live. Keep on doing what you are doing for the glory of God!!

  39. I just wanted to say Thank You for all your encouraging words each and every day. I may not always agree with everything you say, but it sure makes me think about some things. I always enjoy and look forward to your words. You have become such a blessing in my life.
    I do not know you on a personal level, but I love you as a sister in Christ.
    Thank you again for all you do for his Kingdom.
    Blessings to you and your family.
    Missy

  40. I have loved your series on “opposite world.” It has been a great reminder to me to keep my focus on God’s thoughts of who I am and who he wants me to be. I have 4 young daughters and want them to learn now as they are young where to put their focus, and if they are always hearing me bemoan my muffin shape, ect…. Well, I think my actions are speaking louder than my words. 🙂 Thanks for writing this. God Bless!

  41. Thank you Courtney! Thank you for sharing this valuable information and thank you for being Brave and standing in the face of evil. I really liked this series and looked forward to each post about it. I have two small girls that I have to bring up in a world where society says they need to be stick thin and promiscuous. I am fighting against those stereotypes. Your posts give me hope!

    God Bless
    Christina

  42. Courtney, you have shared so much wisdom with women through this series. THANK YOU! I’m a three-time grandmother, mother of three, who first read one of these columns as it was shared by one of our young nieces on her Facebook page. I’ve been blessed, as have my own daughters who received the links to your articles. Bless you for doing hard things…standing tall and firm in a day of no right,wrong,black or white is tough and exhausting. Yet, when we know God is calling us to speak up, we dare not remain silent. Bless you each time you refuse to settle for “grey” instead of the truth found in scripture. We are indeed a light in this ever-darkening world, and though many will curse the light and hate it for the sin it exposes, some will find their Savior and eternal life because of your courage to share it. Much love to you sister.

  43. I just want to say how much I enjoyed each and every Opposite World post!! Those of us who just want to please God more than anything and not compromise our beliefs for the world view today know what your intention was in this series. We need women who will stand up for what is right! Don’t let the negativity out there keep you from being encouraging!
    Thank you for all of your posts and God bless you!!

  44. Well done, Courtney. I believe the series reflected the Word of God and on that I say I agree. I didn’t think about encouraging you along the way and for that I apologize. I don’t understand the thinking of people who will come to YOUR blog, read YOUR posts, sharing YOUR beliefs, and then write hateful emails or comments attacking them (and who usually cry out for their first ammendment rights while attacking someone else’s). But then I do understand. And I remember we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against powers and principalities, rulers of darkness of this present age. And I remember that we have authority given by Jesus to us, and that He stripped satan of his power to harm US. Great job yielding to the grace and love He gave you to give them. There are more who are with you than those who are against you- and you know it’s because those spirits hate Jesus.

  45. Thank you so much for your boldness for the truth! God has blessed you with a talent for reaching out to others through your written and spoken words. Each of the topics in this series struck a chord for me, but the one that really convicted me was about respecting your husband. I could definitely do a better job in this area. Thank you again!

  46. This is actually my favorite series that I’ve seen. Thank you for writung it so well, and I hope you will consider coming back to it and adding more posts sometime in the future. I can understand why you might need/want a break, but I would encourage you to walk boldly! Loved this series! Good job / well said!

  47. Courtney, never get tired of doing good! For the negative comments you receive, there are many more positive, not to mention the people you reach who normally don’t comment (like me!). the Bible tells us many things we can do to live a Godly life, as well as many things we should not do and should stay away from. I love trusting in a higher power and knowing exactly what is good and bad for me and my family. I only hope that we can all be Christlike examples of patience, kindness, and love to those who don’t feel the same way. Hang in there girl.

  48. I too am sad that you are ending this series…I really loved the information about being a godly woman and being a godly wife…you see, my husband and I just reconciled in March after an 8 month separation, with divorce papers filed. By the miracle of God, we are reunited and I strive to be that Proverbs 31 woman that my husband deserves, that he never had prior to our separation. Keep up the good work in your other works though 🙂

  49. As a Catholic reader I have loved every post in this series you have written on Opposite World and am so sad I won’t be reading them anymore. I have learned so much and agreed with you on every O W post. But if I didn’t, I would never ever dream of sharing with you my difference of opinion in a hurtful and hateful manner. I just don’t understand why anyone would attack you on your beliefs if they are different than their own. Anyone who has any TRUE religious values (and a heart) either Catholic or Christian would know better than to do such a hateful and hurtful thing! I appreciate the time you spent writing this series. I will continue to follow you as you walk with the King!

  50. I LOVED this series! Thanks alot! For the ones that have (had) a problem with them I suppose its because you stepped on their toes (or their heart) 🙂 Keep on writing what God puts on your heart, it blesses someone somewhere!

  51. Oh Courtney! I just went back to read the link that you gave in response to the first comment you received. It made me cry, I’m still crying ! I am so shocked that people could write such evil things toward you. God bless you!!

  52. Just discovered your site.. Keep doing what God lays in your heart to do, It’s His thoughts that truly count, everything else is just “fluff”. I look forward to reading more by God’s grace. God bless:) ~ Bomi

  53. I clicked the link and OUCH! I guess someone forgot to tell them “If you do not have anything nice to say do not say anything at all”! I especially enjoyed the one that stated “how would you know what God wants”…………….we/you read the Bible. It’s in the book. It is truly amazing that when I lost my faith I never felt threatened or mistreated by any Christians I knew. Now that I came back and made God my savior I receive vicious words and multiple times told how stupid I am to believe in God.

    I’ve enjoyed reading this blog series and keep up God’s work!

  54. Courtney,

    I have really enjoyed your series about ‘Opposite World’. So many times we don’t realize the affect that the worldly things have on our lives. A I was reading some of your post I reflected on my own life and saw some changes that I need to make to be a better christian example.

    Thank, so much for sharing your thoughts with so many of us.

  55. Your compassionate, kind heart comes through in all that you do, Courtney, and I am so sorry to read that you have received so many negative and discouraging responses. Just want you to know that right now I am praying for you — that you will be encouraged, joy-filled, and full of peace as you trust HIM! Blessings to you, Friend!!

  56. I don’t comment here much, but I just wanted to stop by and tell you that I loved this series and thought you did an amazing job on it! I’m sorry you had to deal with people who couldn’t lovingly disagree with your thoughts on “opposite world.” We are called to be different…period! Jesus doesn’t want a part of us, he wants ALL of it, which He rightfully deserves. Thanks again for doing writing this series and may God bless you and your family!

  57. I loved this!!! Thank you for being such a blessing in my life! I often feel like a fish out of water this was right on time for me. Keep speaking the TRUTH! So excited about your book!!!

  58. I want to echo what I have just read a lot of others have already said. You did a wonderful job with opposite world, I loved every post and continue to look forward to other posts with your straight forward and honest way of writing. I will be praying for you that God would give you strength and courage to continue in what he’s given you to do.

  59. I would love to read each part of this series but I can’t seem to find all of the posts and am having a bit of a hard time navigating the website. Can anyone please help me?

    Thanks,
    Tiffany

  60. Hi Courtney,
    I found the Opposite World series very encouraging and helpful, and just wanted to let you know that your effort and willingness to speak the Word and stand up and be counted is appreciated 🙂

  61. Wow, this is something that I’ve been thinking on recently.

    I fully enjoy Pinterest, but sometimes I see posts that really upset me. One of the most recent examples pertains to having children…or rather what to do in your life before having children. You can read the list here: http://ideas.thenest.com/love-and-sex-advice/dealing-with-relationship-issues/slideshows/15-to-dos-before-baby.aspx?MsdVisit=1. This link was Pinterested by someone I love dearly, who is very young and been married for a little over a year, so it just breaks my heart to see it.

    While some of the advice isn’t too horrible (such as “address relationship issues” and “discuss how you want to raise your child”), most of it is pure selfishness (such as “buy your dream car”, “buy your dream house”, “go on one dream vacation”, and on). Many are also expensive…thus if one were to follow this whole list starting in their early 20s, they probably won’t have kids until their 30s, if ever. It’s kind of hard to deal with the culture pushing “do all this before kids”…of course, this is also the day in which the culture says, “If you’re going to have kids, only have one…maybe two if you feel daring.” 🙁

    Thank you, Courtney, for addressing this issue. Sadly, it’s not something that is in the culture alone…it’s also permeating the church.

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