Kim Bartlett's Page

Thanks for accepting my invite, I really appreciate it!

My name is Dana Cashwell and I along with my husband Travis, my three kids, Cameron 6 (she's a girl), Madeline 4 and Thomas 3 we left the church 2 years ago to BE the Church. The problem was we didn't know how to do it. Travis and I grew up in church so when we explained to our family, friends and church what God wanted us to do, the majority of them considered us apostates and heretics. Don't get me wrong, they loved us in their way, they just didn't support us.

A year ago, along with some of the friends we had left, started something called So What! Ministries (shameless plug: www.sowhatministries.com). Which was all about getting people off their butt and serving their community/church/family. Then we read Pagan Christianity. Mainly because George Barna was listed as an author. After reading it, we devoured everything that Frank Viola has written because he put on paper what we were going through and what to do about it. We're in the process now of revamping and updating everything.

I felt like I was wandering in the wilderness for 2 years searching for the promised land; thank God I finally found it!

I understand where you're coming from. My best friend has 3 daughters and they are the reason she "goes" to church.

As I can really only speak from my experience, I will tell you this: With my children so young in life and young in the faith I fought God. I told Him (as if He didn't already know) all the reasons why I couldn't, why they couldn't, why we shouldn't. Then He asked me a question. Why didn't I love Him? I was taken aback! What did He mean I didn't love Him. He told me.

I loved my church more than I loved him or I would follow. I loved my children more than I loved Him or I would follow. I loved my husband more than I loved Him or I would follow. I loved other people's opinion of me more than I loved Him or I would follow. I loved my pride more than I loved Him. I loved false righteousness more than I loved Him or I would follow.

Then He reminded me of a story about a young man whom Jesus called to follow Him. The young man asked for a few days to bury his father. Jesus said, "Let the dead bury the dead." and that young man went away saddened and buried his father. He could have had the greatest adventure in this life with Jesus but he chose other things.

I didn't want to be that young man. I decided to let the dead bury the dead.

I'm not telling you this to make you feel guilty. That's not my job. If I came across self righteous, forgive me. This is choice God Himself has given you to freely make.

I understand that it's probably not a black or white issue and is difficult for you. So please know that I am here to pray for you and your family. I will help you stand in the gap for your children, marriage, what have you. I am your friend and even if we never meet in this life, I know we'll meet in the next.