I know 😔

Same. The OT, especially, seems to make more sense as a reflection of the ways God’s people conceived of God rather than a consistent or accurate representation of God’s character.

(Makes me nervous to say that though, considering it could label me a heretic in my former circles😅)

I’m reading “becoming the pastor’s wife” (so good!) by @bethallisonbarr.bsky.social
and also Frederick Buechner’s “the longing for home”

The Library Book looks great! Just added it to my list

I’m so thankful it could encourage you. And yes, trusting a new community is incredibly hard… I can understand why many people decide not to try again. Hoping you can find a safe place to land 🙏

Isn’t it a great word?! 😂
and thank you for reading! It’s amazing to look more closely at these stories and realize how much we’ve overlooked.

amazing! But why stop with just a trilogy? 😉

That would be a pretty serious threat

😉

Yikes, so sorry you’ve gone through something like that. And thanks for the background — I suppose we’ll see if any more info comes out…

Wow! Well, I’m impressed with your effort to find common ground. Do you think she really is who she says she is…? The info about her “real identity” looks pretty bad

a safe church is one where members feel a sense of ownership and responsibility, where they truly function as a family rather than as consumers who passively receive a service designed and produced by professionals.

My post this week explores this:

joylaprade.substack.com/p/church-fam...

to and for one another. A healthy family pitches in to make a meal together, and to tidy up afterwards.
A healthy family comes to the table expecting to give, not just to take.
I've been asking the question "how can you know a church is safe?" & this experience gave me one answer:
4/

not they were asked.
That night made me start re-thinking my expectations for what "church family" is supposed to be. I'd previously been part of a close-knit church, a seemingly loving community — where I was abused & abandoned.
This dinner reminded me how “family” means having responsibility
3/

stacking chairs and taking out trash. Others were wiping down tables, and a group of women had started washing dishes in the church kitchen.
Far more people were at work than had officially volunteered.
Over time, I found this was simply how that church ran: nearly everyone pitched in, whether or
2/

Instead of a wimp, I would say you're probably wise. There are enough people saying harsh things already! 😅