Hard or Easy?

Dear Malady and Purl,
I finally finished reading Mere Christianity and I enjoyed the book. A chapter that really intrigued me in the final book was the one called "Is Christianity Hard or Easy?" Lewis talks about the necessity of giving up your "natural self" to become truly good.

I really identify with the struggle that happens between my natural self (the selfish part of me that wants to let myself go wherever my thoughts and feelings take me) and the part that wants to grow and leave the world a better place.

Lewis says the natural self is perfectly..., well, natural and is a part of life. That you have to indulge it to keep your batteries charged up. But then he talks about "killing your natural self" to move into a realm of true enlightenment.

I'm wondering if and how this is possible. Have you tried to do this, even in some small way? If so, could you share any of your experiences? I would like to know how you interpret what Lewis is describing here.

Testify

I think one of the hardest things about being a Christian in this day and age is being open and vocal about it. Because a lot of times, people just write you off as a right-wing kook. (and as a left-wing kook, that is really offensive!) So many people use God and religion as weapons against other people. It corrupts something that should be so beautiful and unifying.

My friend Ellen has a lovely and graceful way of expressing her faith. Today, she posted a wonderful confession about how God has worked in her life. I encourage you to read it.

LINK