I always appreciate reading your writings so much. It's the only substack I always read when it arrives in my inbox. You give me much to think about and often research historically. And I always appreciate what might be described as your autistic transparency and honesty. I relate deeply and struggle with the fact that so few people are like this.
I am sorry that you have struggled so much. It's hard when stepping inside a church opens wounds. Your writing here triggered my memory of how I first met you. I had heard "bad" things about you online but you showed up somewhere on FB and we had mutual friends so I sent a friend request to see what you were actually like. Imagine my surprise to find you were nothing like you had been accused of. You are a delightful and compassionate person.
A good reminder to me to not listen to gossip or take seriously the accusations of others. How unjust that I ever just accepted what I heard at face value. Please forgive me! Your love for Christ and His Church is transparent despite your persecution in the Church. I have witnessed so much horrible behavior in the Church of Christ over the decades but it still surprises and saddens me how very much we fail to be Christ to each other and to live out the Gospels.
I certainly hope you remain in the Orthodox Church despite all you have endured. I struggle to work out my own salvation after my own very hurtful and crushing experiences. I have only found peace when I choose to focus entirely on my own sins.
I really appreciate the mention of gestalt reasoning. It's difficult for me to explain to other people how my mind works, and even when I do, there's a lack of understanding. It can be extremely frustrating. But I'm always glad to see it mentioned online and I hope more people will learn about it and have more empathy for those whose minds work differently.
God bless you for your faithful service and leadership in spite of the obstacles that ignorant and misguided brethren have thrown your way. When discouraged from laboring for Christ because of things fellow Orthodox Christians do or fail to do, I take comfort from these words of St. Maria of Paris: "I get very depressed... I could desist, if only I could be convinced that I stand for a truth that is relative." I pray you will be connected to more and more people in the Orthodox Church who will support and encourage you, and that the fellowship of the Saints will guide and encourage you as well. I know of several teachers in my parish who will be interested in the curriculum you have been developing.
In my rush of the morning, I admit I skimmed part of this and need to return. But thank you for being you, even when that presents a cross.
You and your presence made it seem a bit safer and less scary to return to the Orthodox Church. And I am grateful. Yes... church, like any home can also be painful. Reopen old wounds. But I'm grateful for the part you played, albeit unknowingly, of helping me reapproach something as central to my sense of belonging, healing, calling, and reconciliation as an adult.
I always appreciate reading your writings so much. It's the only substack I always read when it arrives in my inbox. You give me much to think about and often research historically. And I always appreciate what might be described as your autistic transparency and honesty. I relate deeply and struggle with the fact that so few people are like this.
I am sorry that you have struggled so much. It's hard when stepping inside a church opens wounds. Your writing here triggered my memory of how I first met you. I had heard "bad" things about you online but you showed up somewhere on FB and we had mutual friends so I sent a friend request to see what you were actually like. Imagine my surprise to find you were nothing like you had been accused of. You are a delightful and compassionate person.
A good reminder to me to not listen to gossip or take seriously the accusations of others. How unjust that I ever just accepted what I heard at face value. Please forgive me! Your love for Christ and His Church is transparent despite your persecution in the Church. I have witnessed so much horrible behavior in the Church of Christ over the decades but it still surprises and saddens me how very much we fail to be Christ to each other and to live out the Gospels.
I certainly hope you remain in the Orthodox Church despite all you have endured. I struggle to work out my own salvation after my own very hurtful and crushing experiences. I have only found peace when I choose to focus entirely on my own sins.
I really appreciate the mention of gestalt reasoning. It's difficult for me to explain to other people how my mind works, and even when I do, there's a lack of understanding. It can be extremely frustrating. But I'm always glad to see it mentioned online and I hope more people will learn about it and have more empathy for those whose minds work differently.
Bravo and thank you.
God bless you for your faithful service and leadership in spite of the obstacles that ignorant and misguided brethren have thrown your way. When discouraged from laboring for Christ because of things fellow Orthodox Christians do or fail to do, I take comfort from these words of St. Maria of Paris: "I get very depressed... I could desist, if only I could be convinced that I stand for a truth that is relative." I pray you will be connected to more and more people in the Orthodox Church who will support and encourage you, and that the fellowship of the Saints will guide and encourage you as well. I know of several teachers in my parish who will be interested in the curriculum you have been developing.
In my rush of the morning, I admit I skimmed part of this and need to return. But thank you for being you, even when that presents a cross.
You and your presence made it seem a bit safer and less scary to return to the Orthodox Church. And I am grateful. Yes... church, like any home can also be painful. Reopen old wounds. But I'm grateful for the part you played, albeit unknowingly, of helping me reapproach something as central to my sense of belonging, healing, calling, and reconciliation as an adult.