Wow, that was a surprising conversation!

[Critters2]

A parishioner just came to my office in tears...said she's been upset since the whole Jeremiah Wright thing broke. She told me that I've preached things that people could take out of context and make me sound un-patriotic or radical feminist or all kinds of things that Fox News wouldn't approve of. She's been worried that what happened to Wright could happen to me. "You never know who's in church, she said". She was affirming me and my preaching, but worried about what it would sound like to others.

I assured her that, first, in a church the size of ours, we actually DO know who's in church and I'm not worried about spies. Secondly, Fox News won't care what I say until a)she invites 8700 of her closest friends to worship with us, and b)one of those 8700 church-going folks runs for president. I also told her that I'm prepared to take whatever criticism comes from my preaching. I try to be careful about what I say in the pulpit, in terms of it being true to scripture and the tradition. And then I rest in the knowledge that the Holy Spirit and I can get through anything Fox News, or the odd disgruntled deacon, can throw at us.

It really was very sweet to see her concern for her pastor. Very affirming and kind and nice. She clearly thought of my preaching as good and prophetic and challenging...and worried about my well-being because of it. Too bad more of the prophets didn't have this kind of support.

One of those "I may be doing something right" moments.

[Rabrrrrrr]

1. And it's exciting to me to see that someone else realizes how easy it is to condemn

by taking things out of context.

Hell, someone could take my above statement and turn it into "Rabrrrrrr says he's glad it's easy to condemn!"


Good for you for having that support!

[RevCheesehead]

2. Wow!

This just makes me happy!! :bounce:

[Kajsa]

3. This is very touching, critters.

She sounds like a wonderful, caring person who is very concerned about our current state of affairs
and about you.

It is indeed a "may be doing something right" moment for you.

:D