When preparing to teach, it's a must to know the world view of your sources. There are times it is very hard to find a 'statement of faith' on a website. Despite my best efforts to clearly define my own persuasion, the Apostle's Creed says it all:
I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth; and in
Jesus Christ His only Son, our Lord; which was conceived by the Holy
Ghost, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was
crucified, dead, and buried; He descended into hell [that is, the place of
the departed righteous]; the third day He rose again from the dead; He
ascended into heaven; and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father
Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I
believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy catholic [universal] church; the
communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection of the
body; and life everlasting. Amen.
To learn more about the Apostle's Creed:
https://zondervanacademic.com/blog/apostles-creed
They/Them. They are scary people who demand seniority at your constant expense.
They/Them are the people with no honor for Creator or humanity but care only for their own desires. There are two kinds: The innocent people I allow to degrade me and those who have a genuine need to exalt themselves at the expense of others.
There is a time of life when saying 'No' becomes a learned behavior that will save your life and you will never allow anyone to degrade you again. Simply lifting your right hand with palm facing the attacker and firmly saying, 'No.' Them/They are as a rapist who must be told and firmly, 'No.'
When They/Them want to dominate God's place in your life and distract you from your relationship with God, here are a few techniques that have helped me survive:
1. Always keep your soul at the foot of the Cross of Christ by staying in a constant spirit of prayer. I simply meditate on the Lord's Model Prayer from Mattew 6: Honor God, thank God that He is indeed your loving Father, pray for His involvement in your life and soon return, pray for your earthly needs and relationships, most resolute declare God's Lordship in your life.
2. Grip faith in the truth that God honors and answers prayers that encourage right friendship with Him. God wants a loving friendship with you more and anything. God will help you and keep you in the center of His Perfect Will.
Perhaps your faith is not Judeo Christian, therefore use your own benevolent faith and see yourself as walking among the most beautiful flowers in a very safe field. You are alone and enjoying a wonderful, peaceful and cool breezy walk among the field of flowers. They are at your feet and you are enjoying their beauty and fragrance. Think of these precious flowers as 'They/Them' and remember you are walking tall above them as they bless you.
The flowers are clothed by the creator just as They/Them have entered your life for a reason. Learn from them, but never forget you are divinely created for a purpose that cannot be controlled or manipulated by others. You are divinely chosen to live in this world to honor Creator and humanity but never ruled by They/Them.
