Anyone a former member of the PCG?
I grew up in the PCG and saw so much behind the scenes that it made me question their true motives. So much manipulation, and condemnation. A pastor in one case I know personally, led a second life as a sexual abuser. I have personally been called a liar because it was the pastors word against mine
I cringe when I pass any of their churches.
So glad we are able to fly our flag here in Arkansas
It is amazing how much pride it can bring.
I know we haven’t been perfect, but we still have freedoms other countries don’t.
This was me last Sunday walking into a church after being out of church for 2 years.
I stopped going because I felt manipulated and I just needed to unplug from ”churchiness”. I was overwhelmed in life and no matter how hard I tried it always ended up that I was working for approval from God and people.
I was raised in church a specific Pentecostal denomination and I knew what to say, when to say it, when to raise my hands, and when to clap. It became hollow.
I am a survivor of many years of childhood sexual & physical abuse. Mainly from a preachers kid in that specific Pentecostal denomination. He was actually my grandfather and would be singing & playing a guitar one moment and abusing me the same day.
Years later in my late teens I felt so much guilt and shame I went to my then Pastor of my local church. I was shaking when I told him my story, even my parents didn’t know about it. Instead of helping me he trapped me into a sort of blackmail relationship. Even though I was in my teens, I would completely freeze because I was terrified and in disbelief that it was all happening again. Unfortunately that became something else for me to hide and be ashamed of.
I wanted to get away from him so I went to this specific Pentecostal denomination’s Bible college in another state. That lasted a couple of years and guilt & shame overwhelmed me and I confided to a friend at the Bible college what had happened with my Pastor.
The friend went to the administration and literally the next day I was kicked out. They basically told me I was lying because they “knew” that Pastor and he was one of their top pastors. It was his word against mine and in their eyes I was expendable.
That is the day my parents found out about all my years of abuse because I needed their help to get my stuff from the college.
EVERYONE at my home church and the connected churches shunned me. I was like a leper. Everyone I had known since I was a kid would not have anything to do with me.
So now years later I’m stepping back into church with a different perspective and a much guarded heart. I still believe in God, it was people who failed me. I believe a bit differently about things than I used to because I have unchurched myself a bit.
Im still healing and I have to make an effort to forgive daily. In the end it will only be me standing before God, no one else will matter.
God’s love has kept me and I’m definitely far from perfect and I rely on His love and forgiveness.
I wear shoes about 10% of the time if that much.
I can’t stand the feel of shoes and it feels like I’m smothering if I have to have them on.
I think the benefits of being barefoot outweighs wearing shoes.
I do get odd looks at times but it’s my choice to be barefoot and it’s not like I’m putting my feet on tables or countertops. I really have never have understood people being “grossed out” by others choosing to be barefoot.
I get a lot of “your brave” comments or “your feet must be tough“. I just smile and say I feel better barefoot.
I hike rustic trails barefoot. I love the feel of the temps and textures. I watch where I step and I usually have a pair of trail shoes in case I need them but never do.
I go to friend’s homes and never take shoes and everyone knows I’ll either be barefoot or in my flip flops. I even have gone barefoot at church…why not be comfortable while worshipping.
I think there would be more barefooting if people felt permission to do so. Kids are quick to kick off shoes, and if people normalize it, it won’t be unusual.
What is the best place for a fireworks show this 4th of July in the NWA area?
My wife loves them, but I’m not big into crowds.
Without A/C in a heatwave I would definitely be naked 100% of the time if I could. Especially if there were no specific laws against public nudity.
I‘m in the US (Arkansas) and even with A/C I’m naked around home most of the time. We have strict laws against public nudity.
I wonder if there has been a recent nudewave coming out of the heatwave? lol.
***Question for Christian Nudists***
I’ve always wondered if God was naked too. I kinda like to think He was and still is naked. Not to be disrespectful, just a thought. Why would He create them naked and not be naked Himself?
I posted “Happy Hike Naked Day” in Reddit hiking (r/hiking) and so many people complained they deleted my post but I also got some nasty comments. I was just having some fun and they freaked out.
I honestly didn’t expect that. Any thoughts?
Hopefully you get to hike in beautiful nature as God intended! get some free Vitamin D!
I just got my “Always in my Natural State” decal, and I’ve had the Naturist symbol on my vehicle as my subtle way of promoting Nudism as much as I can here in Arkansas.
For whatever reason, how do you promote that you’re a nudist?
If you have to stay “undercover“ do you have ways of subtly saying you’re a nudist?
I have heard all the warnings about skin cancer and when younger tried different kinds of sunscreen. The problem I have is the chemicals in sunscreen burn my skin, so since I have never worn it.
I have never had a problem going without sunscreen. My skin is sensitive to chemicals but not to direct sunlight. I get a little pink, but it turns into a tan. It feels like I was created to be naked, even clothing feels odd at times. My wife keeps warning me about skin care but I’ve never had problems with the sun
How do you keep your skin healthy?
I am from one of the most beautiful states (AR) in America and their motto is “The Natural State“. However it is illegal to even promote nudism in the state that could result in jail or a hefty fine.
I am a home nudist who loves hiking and being in the outdoors, but unfortunately can’t enjoy being in nature as God intended. I want to try non-sexual social nudity, but have VERY limited options. I want to visit Oaklake Trails someday to hike their trails. I wish I knew someone here in Arkansas that had a lot of land so I could hike as nature intended. 👣
Who else here in Arkansas has to keep nudism “underground“?
