One little production note: unless I am pinned under a very large object, I usually have something to say. For better or worse, I do.
So when I don't write on this blog, it's because there are things so troubling, so deeply painful, that I just don't know what to say. I am pinned under something huge.
Right now, my parents have to move. How many within his congregation are handling that situation and this man of God is faithless and sickening.
There have been many times I've wanted to comment on just how horribly badly a pastor can be treated, but I know my father's spirit and sensibility, and I'd be representing my emotions, not his.
As this sickening tragedy develops and the truth comes to light, I'll share it with you. For the time being, pray for Bat and Christa - two people who have turned their lives over to God.
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Greg, it is becoming so hard to keep slient. I have been asking God to give me the proper words to express the damage they are causing my parents. I know that I am not in any way peotic in my words, but all that is coming to mind is that they will have their day. Their day with the LORD will come and HE will ask them.."do you remember when you did this to my child? I gave you every opportunity to make this right in Me and through Me and you failed."
ReplyDeleteThey will have their day.
M
Mom and Dad taught us well: Satan is all around us. Carry each other's burdens. Don't give up, fight the good fight. Things of this earth can be joyful and we should share that joy. Things of this earth can be painful but through Christ we are victorious. Thanx for saying it, M...and saying it just the way it should be said. They will have their day.
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I am a daughter of a Pastor myself. I know all too well the often lack of compassion that people you love and worship with can show. My heart goes out to Bat and Christa, and all of your family. Many prayers are being prayed for you all.
ReplyDeleteDeuteronomy 31
6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.”
I think this passage means so much, in hard times I often think of those words, I believe that they were spoken by Moses to all of Israel when Joshua was to take his place. But I believe it to be true for us, today as well, "...for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” Even when those you believed would always be there for you, somehow disappoint you and let you down, God never left nor will he. That is a comfort to me. I hope for you it is as well.
God bless.
I, too, have worked in ministry for many years and am familiar with such trials and have seen injustice toward pastors. Justice will happen. I know an awesome "pastor turned attorney" if they need to be hooked up.
ReplyDeleteok, so I'm driving to mom/dad's to help yesterday and just praying about it all, and this song comes on the radio. (Switchfoot, 'This is Home') Although I read these incredible books by C S Lewis, I missed the latest movie, and was not in the right frame of mind to remember which story fit the lyrics. Instead the lyrics spoke directly to mom and dad's situation. How? I struggled at first with this, since their home is literally being taken from them right now. But then you've got the whole "home is where the heart is" thing, and...there it is: Mom and Dad's hearts are with Jesus. You know, "I'm but a stranger here, heaven is my home"...
ReplyDeleteSo, as I drove and listened and my mind raced randomly (or not so) through this, I guess the point became a little more clear that God is moving them to a better place for now until He takes them home for real. This physical dwelling, where SO MUCH has happened, all the memories, all the realities...the last 28 years...it wasn't really home, I guess. Sure, God gave us glimpses of our real home while they've been there, but now He's giving us glimpses of the enemy and He's moving them (Mom and Dad) on..
'And I got my heart
Set on
What happens next
I got my eyes wide
It’s not over yet
We are miracles
And we’re not alone'
And while I spent the last few hours packing up tangible pieces of Mom and Dad's stuff, I'm reminded that God hardened Pharoah's heart to get Moses and His people out of slavery with a flourish of His power. Maybe He's doing the same here...
And yes, M, Pharoah had his day of reckoning...but not before Moses, the Isrealites, and all their STUFF were well on their way...to a new home.
Just pray for strength, patience, peace and health through it all.
Not all of us in Bat and Christa's congregation agree with what's going on. Many of us are looking for ways to help them deal with the emotions and energy needed for this move. This family has so much love and faith and forgiveness in them that I feel so small compared to them. You are all in my heart and I pray God will see all of us through this and this congregation does what is best for all.
ReplyDeleteYou are all in my prayers.
Carol