Over my 70+ years in the C of C, daughter, granddaughter, and wife of an elder, I have come to believe the adage “If they love you, it doesn’t matter what you say; if they don’t love you, it doesn’t matter what you say.” We are generally only seriously influenced by people we like/love who like/love us.
Wade, my lone regret at this early point in your writing is that I have not read each installment. Why? Because your every word is amazing, well, there is that, it is instead that your willingness to be transparent, authentic, humble, and in a number of cases darn funny prompt me to think and reflect. Are there instances in life where I have acted insensitively, lacking grace, pridefully, etc.
I am more convicted each day that the most damaging thing to my witness is not that I made to ungodly, selfish decisions. Rather that I was unwilling to humble myself far upstream from those decisions to acknowledge the brokeness that is inherent in who I was/am/and will remain this side of perfection. Confession, unvarnished, facts laid bare confession to another Christian brother, my wife, my kids, friends, whomever I have sinned against is a critical element of freedom. It is my saying, "God, even if person I confessed the matter to tells someone - YOU are my protector - and I trust that YOU will protect me, grow me, and stand by me - no matter what! Might it be messy temporarily? Probably. However, I am in this for the short term fix (aka avoiding consequences) or to grow in faith and keep my eye on eternity?
Thank you for your example, generosity of spirit, and investment in more that you likely including each of us who read your posts.
To continuing to grow, led by the Spirit, time in the Word, and words from Godly others (like YOU).
Oh Wade, finally the opportunity to apologize for being so critical of your efforts to minister to those of us back in your early days at Sterling Drive. I can only speak for myself as I had dug my heels in and held tight to the box I put God in. Please know any efforts you you put forth to further the kingdom of God is never in vain. As I grow to know who God is there by learning who I am, I cringe at my younger ignorant unmerciful self. Please forgive me for any harsh criticisms that were really a reflection of changes I needed to make and just misdirected to you.
Hi Melanie! Thanks so much for this comment. When I wondered if there might be some healing to be found in sharing my reflections, I never anticipated this. Who among us doesn’t have more than a few cringeworthy moments when looking back on our younger selves? Grace given and grace received. I’m thankful for when and where our paths intersected and have taken us. Heather and I send our best to you, Steve, and your family.
Over my 70+ years in the C of C, daughter, granddaughter, and wife of an elder, I have come to believe the adage “If they love you, it doesn’t matter what you say; if they don’t love you, it doesn’t matter what you say.” We are generally only seriously influenced by people we like/love who like/love us.
Wade, my lone regret at this early point in your writing is that I have not read each installment. Why? Because your every word is amazing, well, there is that, it is instead that your willingness to be transparent, authentic, humble, and in a number of cases darn funny prompt me to think and reflect. Are there instances in life where I have acted insensitively, lacking grace, pridefully, etc.
I am more convicted each day that the most damaging thing to my witness is not that I made to ungodly, selfish decisions. Rather that I was unwilling to humble myself far upstream from those decisions to acknowledge the brokeness that is inherent in who I was/am/and will remain this side of perfection. Confession, unvarnished, facts laid bare confession to another Christian brother, my wife, my kids, friends, whomever I have sinned against is a critical element of freedom. It is my saying, "God, even if person I confessed the matter to tells someone - YOU are my protector - and I trust that YOU will protect me, grow me, and stand by me - no matter what! Might it be messy temporarily? Probably. However, I am in this for the short term fix (aka avoiding consequences) or to grow in faith and keep my eye on eternity?
Thank you for your example, generosity of spirit, and investment in more that you likely including each of us who read your posts.
To continuing to grow, led by the Spirit, time in the Word, and words from Godly others (like YOU).
Thank you for
Oh Wade, finally the opportunity to apologize for being so critical of your efforts to minister to those of us back in your early days at Sterling Drive. I can only speak for myself as I had dug my heels in and held tight to the box I put God in. Please know any efforts you you put forth to further the kingdom of God is never in vain. As I grow to know who God is there by learning who I am, I cringe at my younger ignorant unmerciful self. Please forgive me for any harsh criticisms that were really a reflection of changes I needed to make and just misdirected to you.
Hi Melanie! Thanks so much for this comment. When I wondered if there might be some healing to be found in sharing my reflections, I never anticipated this. Who among us doesn’t have more than a few cringeworthy moments when looking back on our younger selves? Grace given and grace received. I’m thankful for when and where our paths intersected and have taken us. Heather and I send our best to you, Steve, and your family.