A horror story . . .

Last night I sat through a four hour hate session. I can't even begin to describe how devastating that was. It will take years for this community of faith to recover. Character assassination is far too kind for what took place. My pastor, friend, mentor was absolutely brutalized by some immature, spiritually deceived people who were convinced that they were being agents of God. They confronted some character and behavior patterns that in reality are present. But these are things that have already been confessed and significantly changed, things that are present in all of us, and things that are so far afield of church discipline issues that it's not even funny. These people (terrorists?) were convinced that they were speaking out of love, but make no mistake, it was nothing prettier than gang rape. People who have been too cowardly to do the right thing got sucked into the gang and had their way with a vulnerable victim who demonstrated the humility to submit to this brutality. Any attempts to ease the situation with clarity and sanity were dismissed, shouted down, insulted, and then ignored. I am absolutely disgusted. I hate that I work for these people right now . . . and really, the only things that keep me going are the love and support of my amazing wife, and the fact that I know I don't really work for these people.

It's Thursday afternoon now. Some time between now and Sunday morning, I'm supposed to find a happy face to put on. Aw, screw that! I'm going to tell the truth. This church is in very very bad shape right now, and it's going to take a long series of miracles to make it right. I may be dead by the time that happens.

Lest I be hopeless and despairing, I now remind myself of some important things:
1. God is still God.
2. God is still good.
3. God is able to defend the defenseless.
4. God will share His glory with no other.
5. God is worth pursuing.
6. My mourning will turn to dancing one day.
7. Following Jesus is still the best thing I've ever chosen to do.
8. Tomorrow is my day off.
9. I have really great parents who adjusted their lives to listen to me and give me their wisdom this morning.
10. P.O.D. at loud volume is a healthy way to release feelings of aggression.
11. God's not done with me yet . . . even if I have to be here to allow him to do his amazing work in me.
12. Two words: chocolate pudding.