tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post5899889193070471899..comments2024-01-17T02:39:06.048-05:00Comments on rude truth: an open letter on the unity of the churchJJThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14920416765778868736noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post-14983377005919119232011-04-20T16:35:45.750-05:002011-04-20T16:35:45.750-05:00Thank you, Mollie!Thank you, Mollie!JJThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14920416765778868736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post-71802210499043604972011-04-20T16:25:41.160-05:002011-04-20T16:25:41.160-05:00I've read most of this blog and am randomly co...I've read most of this blog and am randomly commenting on this one because you, as stated by so many, are telling my story, too. I'm so heart-wrung by all of this, and thankful to God that you are so much more eloquent than I. Thank you for being a voice for all of us. I'll tell you what I told the ACU Bible department's graduating women at our Senior Blessing; "Don't be afraid, and don't give up."MollieRMShttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17939401012745028059noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post-45872983266430197392008-07-11T02:41:00.000-05:002008-07-11T02:41:00.000-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post-62703501619152591512008-07-02T17:40:00.000-05:002008-07-02T17:40:00.000-05:00Fortunately Clare's whole life she's only been par...Fortunately Clare's whole life she's only been part of churches who do practice gender equality in public roles and leadership. CCfB has been a real blessing in that way for me and for her too. Brent and I have talked a bit about how it would be different in other places. But for right now, the desire to stay put within my home church tradition is a great deal easier because it does not involve compromising on the matter of gender justice in my daughter's immediate and formative spiritual experience. It's also my hope that in seeing Christianity practiced in the Anglican tradition as well as the CofC that she'll always be aware that there is more than one way to do things, and that this will counter the residual, implicit messages about women's status in the CofC tradition as a whole that might come through.<BR/><BR/>I'm very aware that I am sheltering in a "cleft of the rock" at the moment, with CCfB. So I figure I better just take advantage of it and count my blessings!JTBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05977180734561873789noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post-16513702557995127972008-06-29T10:37:00.000-05:002008-06-29T10:37:00.000-05:00This issue is a tough one for me.In many ways, I'v...This issue is a tough one for me.<BR/><BR/>In many ways, I've found that my thoughts on this issue reflect the myriad of feelings I have about friends who stay in difficult marriages. On the one hand I look at a friend in a difficult marriage and think, "Her perseverance is amazing, sometimes hero-like. Even though her understanding (and can I say love to some extent?) of her spouse goes unrequited, she sticks it out. Maybe, over time, her patient and loving endurance will make a difference in her husband's heart and the way he looks at his wife, and perhaps it already has. Wouldn't that be amazing."<BR/><BR/>But most of the time I'm looking at a marriage such as this and thinking, "Why is she staying? His disregard for her as a person borders on neglect. Sometimes it even appears emotional-abusive. What does she think is gained by staying? And (my biggest concern)-- what does she think her kids are learning through this process? That it's okay to be dismissed and looked down upon (even though it's inferred and not necessarily stated as such)?"<BR/><BR/>I don't have the long, childhood history with such a movement, so I can't relate from that perspective, but I get what you're saying (our church has moved a notch or two towards gender equality since our coming, but it certainly could stand to move a few more). But I still can't figure out which way is best, especially now that I have children of my own who pick up on everything (sometimes especially if it's inferred since they're often left to draw their own conclusions).<BR/><BR/>My questions for you-- what does your husband think? And what do you both think as a couple about this now that you have your own daughter? Is your husband okay with you bringing your daughter to church with you year after year if this issue remains unchanged? (I guess I'm assuming within that last question that Brent would prefer your daughter to be exposed to a church that espouses and practices gender equality...)<BR/><BR/>Thanks for sharing this heart-felt and moving letter. We're kindred-spirits in many ways.R-Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04625504314284631333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post-68617355843002654072008-06-12T13:24:00.000-05:002008-06-12T13:24:00.000-05:00I really appreciate this post. You have expressed...I really appreciate this post. You have expressed what I know many of us feel in a very eloquent and beautiful way. Thank you.Carolynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12522356911872707211noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12478084.post-43629869117799759342008-06-11T13:56:00.000-05:002008-06-11T13:56:00.000-05:00You are not there alone my friend. There are a lot...You are not there alone my friend. There are a lot of us trying to make that same choice and debating which way to go. To stay in or go next door. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for your thoughts and your faithful endurance. Hopefully some of us will make a difference for future generations.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com