wintersolstice
Member
Several years ago (oh, like 8 or so), I was attending church services regularly. I was involved in worship, social justice work and social activities. The congregation was a big part of my life adding learning, spiritual enrichment and fun.
Most people in the congregation were open-minded, friendly and tolerant but a small number were very narrow-minded and mean-spirited. They began to attack my husband for his views which were more liberal than this group was comfortable with. At first I tried to overlook their criticism but their harshness grew and spread. They insisted that all congregation members hold their conservative interpretations. As their criticism continued, I became more and more angry.
Now, when people criticize me or treat me badly, I can deal with it and move forward. But, if anyone treats my family members cruelly, it brings out the "Mama Bear" in me and I get really angry and want to strike back to defend and protect the people I love.
Anyway, I dealt with this unfortunate situation by leaving the congregation. So did my husband. He moved on to another church and moved forward. He was finished with the whole matter, shaking the dust from his sandals. Unfortunately, I could not. I remained angry and resentful and did not return to church.
I thought about it for a long time. I considered my long absence from church as my sabbatical. But really, I missed the social contact with a congregation. I tried a few times to attend other congregations, but it just didn't feel right. I made several false starts but I just wasn't ready.
I now realize that I need to put this situation behind me and reconnect. So, I have chosen a congregation and a date to return. I will attend with my husband.
I hope that I have grown and learned from my sabbatical and can move forward in peace and love. I am older and more certain about who I am, what I need and what I can offer. I am ready to make a new start and establish a relationship with a new congregation.
So, here I go....
Thanks for listening!
Most people in the congregation were open-minded, friendly and tolerant but a small number were very narrow-minded and mean-spirited. They began to attack my husband for his views which were more liberal than this group was comfortable with. At first I tried to overlook their criticism but their harshness grew and spread. They insisted that all congregation members hold their conservative interpretations. As their criticism continued, I became more and more angry.
Now, when people criticize me or treat me badly, I can deal with it and move forward. But, if anyone treats my family members cruelly, it brings out the "Mama Bear" in me and I get really angry and want to strike back to defend and protect the people I love.
Anyway, I dealt with this unfortunate situation by leaving the congregation. So did my husband. He moved on to another church and moved forward. He was finished with the whole matter, shaking the dust from his sandals. Unfortunately, I could not. I remained angry and resentful and did not return to church.
I thought about it for a long time. I considered my long absence from church as my sabbatical. But really, I missed the social contact with a congregation. I tried a few times to attend other congregations, but it just didn't feel right. I made several false starts but I just wasn't ready.
I now realize that I need to put this situation behind me and reconnect. So, I have chosen a congregation and a date to return. I will attend with my husband.
I hope that I have grown and learned from my sabbatical and can move forward in peace and love. I am older and more certain about who I am, what I need and what I can offer. I am ready to make a new start and establish a relationship with a new congregation.
So, here I go....
Thanks for listening!
