tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post2254481863379483906..comments2023-12-31T05:01:58.031-06:00Comments on Young Stranger: A Tender Mercy of the LordJohn Gustav-Wrathallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03557940681381951271noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-50452479121508303262010-02-05T13:37:29.574-06:002010-02-05T13:37:29.574-06:00Sara - thanks. There are plenty of gay friendly c...Sara - thanks. There are plenty of gay friendly churches in town. But this is the place where I feel the Spirit the most intensely, and where I feel called to be.John Gustav-Wrathallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03557940681381951271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-25488865818216227212010-02-05T12:56:26.396-06:002010-02-05T12:56:26.396-06:00REading this and the post about the incident itsel...REading this and the post about the incident itself...well, I don't want to sound critical, but this is pretty harsh - you're not allowed to talk? It seems sort of mean, you are obviously sincere and moved by something.<br /><br />Why did he say yes once, but then later say no? And even if there are rules like that, as the leader, doesn't he have the authority to decide that people can speak if they feel a calling? <br /><br />And isn't there maybe a more liberal branch you can go to? As far as I know, there are even gay friendly Catholic parishes...sarahttp://sarainisrael.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-68922960368743721332009-05-10T18:24:00.000-05:002009-05-10T18:24:00.000-05:00HEY, so I read you post where you bore your testim...HEY, so I read you post where you bore your testimony but I don't think I commented on it... I look up to you that is for sure... Hey I tried to email you and it wouldn't go through??? can you contact me...? thanksCadencehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14678644975979787364noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-35578709173940612332009-05-05T07:45:00.000-05:002009-05-05T07:45:00.000-05:00Bravone -- it's interesting you think of me as pos...Bravone -- it's interesting you think of me as possessing these spiritual gifts. Because for very many years, it seemed to me like my main gift was anger and frustration.<br /><br />I think you're right... I have received so many "gifts" in the truest sense of that word. This experience was a gift, because it showed me that the Lord loves me and knows my name and wanted me to have this opportunity to bear my testimony. It showed me that even though for a long time I was a very angry and impatient person, the Lord is turning those weaknesses into strengths. It also showed me how those gifts of patience and gratitude have enabled me to receive other gifts I might not otherwise have received, like a loving relationship with my bishop. And although I have had to make some effort to respond to or receive or cultivate those gifts (in response to the guidance of the Spirit), there is no question as to who their ultimate source is.John Gustav-Wrathallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03557940681381951271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-15593236255246678102009-05-04T23:50:00.000-05:002009-05-04T23:50:00.000-05:00John, you continue to amaze me. Maybe I am just h...John, you continue to amaze me. Maybe I am just hard hearted, but I might have been offended. You seem to always look for reasons to look for the good and positive. Sometimes I don't get you. Maybe I am just jaded. I admire you so much. I don't think I could be a understanding and full of the spirit as you are. <br /><br />This Sunday our lesson was on gifts of the spirit. You have great spiritual gifts that permit you to live without anger, hatred, and offense. You have gifts of love, understanding, meekness, humility, and compassion. <br /><br />Thank you for being such a fine example to me. Every time I read your blog, I grow. Thank you.Bravonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02762204502534599107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-74708474872833178792009-05-04T15:46:00.000-05:002009-05-04T15:46:00.000-05:00Beck, the beauty of this situation was, I don't be...Beck, the beauty of this situation was, I don't believe it was difficult for him at all. He knows how I regard him, and he knows my desire to respect his role as bishop and the rules of the Church. It was a needed clarification, but it was given and received in a spirit of love. He said a number of things that reassured me of his concern for my welfare -- both temporal and eternal. So I actually feel much closer to my bishop now than I did before the exchange! I feel very blessed.John Gustav-Wrathallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03557940681381951271noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2018387523779914474.post-83945927703743051042009-05-04T14:52:00.000-05:002009-05-04T14:52:00.000-05:00I can imagine how hard this was for a sensitive bi...I can imagine how hard this was for a sensitive bishop to explain to you, but obviously the two of you are in tune with the spirit and both are edified. <br /><br />I wish it didn't have to be this way for you, and this tender mercy essentially notes that the Lord feels that way as well.Beckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06159223254071653666noreply@blogger.com