I have stories to tell how religion has been difficult for me.
It’s Sunday morning and upon my waking this morning, having my morning coffee, I grabbed paper & pen & began to write. When I woke up the story of the lady at the well came to my thoughts. How Lost she felt, an outsider who didn’t want to draw attention to herself. She was very sad & lonely, feeling as though she was not good enough, unseen, ashamed, … but Jesus loved her without condition. without judgement. He listened to her & he found her.
You said one morning at church Karl how “We can’t sin enough to make Jesus not love us.” WOW.
When I hear of “stories” of how people are treated within churches,
when I hear of “stories” of how people treat one another between Sundays,
when I hear of “stories” of how people who have stopped going to church as they were talked about, judged because of their live choices or partner choices,
when I hear of “stories” of pastors dividing & causing separation based on their “opinion”.
when I hear of “stories” like this I wonder if they have read or “missed” the “stories” of how Jesus has loved & loves us ALL unconditionally.
Karl, when you speak, whether in church or at my home, when you and Elaine come to visit, or at the grocery store or getting your mail or maybe on one of your walks & you come upon a person or a stranger, you speak with love. You smile. You extend a helping hand if needed, without hesitation. You do not ignore,judge,shun or dismiss anyone. The way you open your arms to everyone, speaks volumes when you speak no words. Your arms are open wide. Unconditional love, acceptance,without judgment. Your character is well known far & wide. And it’s the same, far and near. I have heard of “stories” about you Karl. Karl is the nicest man. Words used to describe you I have heard loving, caring, kind, happy, devoted, compassionate,non-judgemental, patient, humble, friendly, always time to make me feel important. To EVERYONE. (Colossians 3:12) I have “stories” of being ignored, not heard, looked down upon, judged, shunned, mistreated by Christians even pastors. I have “stories” of what it’s like to be lost, lonely, not good enough, an outsider. I am the one these “stories” are about.
You found me & the story has changed. I am no longer lost, alone, bullied, shunned, unimportant. You Karl Ingersoll are a “TRUE” example of what a person should be between Sundays. If there were more people like you, such a christlike person, how many happy “stories” there would be to tell. I am grateful & proud to be your friend. I am beyond grateful that you found me & made my “story” have a happy ending. Love & Light
The scripture is one you read this morning at church after I had written this. When you read it I thought of that lady at the well and I know how amazing she must have felt as she was spoken to with such love, kindness, compassion, humility, meekness & patience. I know how amazing she felt as those qualities are those that you speak & show, that you clothe yourself with.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]
