butterflywings

My family live far away in another country. I visit them about once a year. We correspond either by phone, e-mail and letter.

I am a firm believer and follower of Jesus, I have shared the gospel with my family but they do not believe, so I carry on praying for them and be loving the best way I can, even though we are far apart.

My dad who is 73 years old, usually sends newsy e-mails, what's going on over there etc.
But sometimes he will forward me 'funny' jokes, usually something a little 'blue' and rude. I just don't want to be exposed to things like that, it affects my spirit in a negative way. And now today, I was really shocked that he sent me a video of this magic entertainer who incorporated a strip tease into her act.
I just don't know how to go about telling my family not to send me stuff like that. It's like they know I am a Christian, they even commented on some of the changes they had seen in me when I last visited. So I don't know they are oblivious to what they are sending me, thinking that it might be entertaining and amuse me or my dad is trying to get to me. I grew up with the family and toilet humour and sexual inuendos and jokes alike, were all just said and done in 'good fun', but now I don't want to join in that stuff.
So how do I tell them in a loving way. But I think whatever I say, it is going to be taken the wrong way anyhow. and I have already been persecuted for my beliefs. It's like I have always been the 'weired' one in the family.
But anyhow I don't want to be opening my e-mail wondering what has dad sent me this time. You know what I mean? I have to tell you that I am still a little afraid of my dad. I think that is a bit of the trouble. He was a harsh man and abusive while growing up. When I tried to talk to him about God, his heart is hardened and he refused to read the bible tract I gave him, I think that he is laughing at me.
I have forgiven him for all that he has done, and i still forgive him for new things that arise, even though I have grown stronger in the Lord, I am still afraid of my dad and I think he knows it too. So that is why he may be playing this game to see if he can push my buttons and how far he can go.
I just don't know how to say stop sending this stuff, without them getting bent out of shape and deciding not to send me e-mail at all. I still want to hear from them, and they can send me nice photos and pleasant things, and they have done that also.
anyhow, any advice would be helpful.

Boanerges

Hi BW! If it were me I would tell my dad that I really appreciate him keeping in touch and I really enjoy hearing from him. I would then ask him to be a little more careful about the jokes he is sending you as you find them offensive. Let him know that this in no way affects your feelings towards him and that you really look forward to hearing from him. He should be able to understand. If his feathers d get a little ruffled it probably not last. Anyway those are just my thoughts. I will be praying for you and your family, your brother Larry.

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Christian Commando

Very good Boanerges-

Exactly right for how to approach this.

God Bless!!

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Warrior of God