Author: Robert D

Una Canción Nueva: Mark 10:11-12

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“He said to them, ‘Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her; and if a wife divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.’ ”

Mark 10:11-12, Common English Bible

In October we remember Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am reading and reflecting on both my experiences and the thoughts of others about domestic violence during this month. This action is important to me as a survivor of domestic violence.

In the past, when I thought about divorced people, I didn’t understand that a divorced person is a person who needs to be loved. I didn’t understand how much pain a person could feel when life separated them from their spouse. The pain is horrible. I didn’t understand and read Jesus’ words without compassion.

When I read Jesus’ words today, I understand that Jesus rarely spoke about life in order to teach people to help bring harsher laws into their lives. Divorced people need compassion and Jesus wanted people to avoid grief and sorrow.

When I think about these words today, I have compassion for divorced people, including myself. I needed physical, spiritual, and mental security that I didn’t have. Jesus loves me and would be glad that I chose to live when I wanted to crawl into a hole forever.

«El que se divorcia de su esposa y se casa con otra, comete adulterio contra la primera —respondió—. Y si la mujer se divorcia de su esposo y se casa con otro, comete adulterio.»

Marcos 10:11-12, Nueva Versión Internacional

En Octubre recordamos el mes de concientización sobre la violencia doméstica. Estoy leyendo y reflexionando sobre ambas mis experiencias y los pensamientos de otra sobre violencia doméstica durante este mes. Esta acción es importante para mi como un sobreviviente de violencia doméstica.

En el pasado, cuando pensaba sobre personas divorciadas, no entendí que una persona divorciada es una persona que necesita que se ame. No entendí cuánto dolor una persona podía sentirse cuando la vida lo separaba de su parido.  El dolor es horrible. No entendí y leí las palabras de Jesús sin compasión.

Cuando leo las palabras de Jesús hoy, entiendo que Jesús hablaba raramente sobre la vida para enseñar a las personas a ayudar traer leyes más crueles en sus vidas. Las personas divorciadas necesitan compasión y Jesús quería que las personas evitaran el duelo y la pena. 

Cuando pienso sobre estas palabras hoy, tengo compasión por la gente divorciada, incluyendo a mí. Necesitaba seguridad física, espiritual, y mental que no tenía. Jesús me ama y estaría contento de que yo elija vivir cuando fuí a querer meterme en un agujero para siempre.

Una Canción Nueva: Psalm 26:1-8

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“Establish justice for me, LORD, because I have walked with integrity. I’ve trusted the LORD without wavering. Examine me, LORD; put me to the test! Purify my mind and my heart. Because your faithful love is right in front of me– I walk in your truth! I don’t spend time with people up to no good; I don’t keep company with liars. I detest the company of evildoers, and I don’t sit with wicked people. I wash my hands–they are innocent! I walk all around your altar, LORD, proclaiming out loud my thanks, declaring all your wonderful deeds! I love the beauty of your house, LORD; I love the place where your glory resides.” Psalm 26:1-8, Common English Bible

In October we remember Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am reading and reflecting on both my experiences and the thoughts of others about domestic violence during this month. This action is important to me as a survivor of domestic violence.

One problem with situations where people are engaged in domestic violence is the silence about people who are survivors of domestic violence. We see the people who commit violence and work to bring justice, but we forget about the survivors who die every day in their thoughts.

I like the psalms because they say that the Lord saw, sees, and will see that the world needs justice. The Lord does not forget the survivors who heard cruel lies, were beaten, and will need years for healing.

Hazme justicia, SEÑOR, pues he llevado una vida intachable; ¡en el SEÑOR confío sin titubear! Examíname, SEÑOR; ¡ponme a prueba! purifica mis entrañas y mi corazón. Tu gran amor lo tengo presente, y siempre ando en tu verdad. Yo no convivo con los mentirosos, ni me junto con los hipócritas; aborrezco la compañía de los malvados; no cultivo la amistad de los perversos. Con manos limpias e inocentes camino, SEÑOR, en torno a tu altar, proclamando en voz alta tu alabanza y contando todas tus maravillas. SEÑOR, yo amo la casa donde vives, el lugar donde reside tu gloria.» Salmo 26:1-8, Nueva Versión Internacional

En Octubre recordamos el mes de concientización sobre la violencia doméstica. Estoy leyendo y reflexionando sobre ambas mis experiencias y los pensamientos de otra sobre violencia doméstica durante este mes. Esta acción es importante para mi como un sobreviviente de violencia doméstica.

Un problema con situaciones cuando personas haciendo con violencia doméstica es el silencio sobre las personas que son sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica. Vemos a las personas que hacen violencia y trabajamos para traer justicia, pero olvidamos a los sobrevivientes que mueren todos los días en sus pensamientos.

Me gustan los salmos porque dicen que el Señor vio, ve, y verá que el mundo necesita justicia. El Señor no olvida las sobrevivientes que escucharon mentiras crueles, fueron golpeadas, y necesitarán anos por curación. 

Una Canción Nueva: Job 2:4-9

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The Adversary responded to the LORD, “Skin for skin–people will give up everything they have in exchange for their lives. But stretch out your hand and strike his bones and flesh. Then he will definitely curse you to your face.” The LORD answered the Adversary, “There he is–within your power; only preserve his life.” The test intensifies The Adversary departed from the LORD’s presence and struck Job with severe sores from the sole of his foot to the top of his head. Job took a piece of broken pottery to scratch himself and sat down on a mound of ashes. Job’s wife said to him, “Are you still clinging to your integrity? Curse God, and die.” Job 2:4-9, Common English Bible

In October we remember Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am reading and reflecting on both my experiences and the thoughts of others about domestic violence during this month. This action is important to me as a survivor of domestic violence.

The story of Job is a story with many difficult parts. The story asks us to believe that the Lord chose to talk to Satan about a very good man named Job. The Lord chose to allow Job to experience many very bad things.

Among the terrible things that the Lord allowed Job to do, Job’s wife reproached Job: “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Let’s get right to the point: It’s not cool when a person says those things to a person who has a lot of problems without those words. Those words are words of violence and cruelty. A wife who says those things doesn’t love her husband. A husband who says the same things doesn’t love his wife. No person who says those words doesn’t love the person on the receiving end.

—¡Una cosa por la otra! —replicó Satanás—. Con tal de salvar la vida, el hombre da todo lo que tiene. 5Pero extiende la mano y hiérelo, ¡a ver si no te maldice en tu propia cara! —Muy bien —dijo el SEÑOR a Satanás—, Job está en tus manos. Eso sí, respeta su vida. Dicho esto, Satanás se retiró de la presencia del SEÑOR para afligir a Job con dolorosas llagas desde la planta del pie hasta la coronilla. Y Job, sentado en medio de las cenizas, tomó un pedazo de teja para rascarse constantemente. Su esposa le reprochó: —¿Todavía mantienes firme tu integridad? ¡Maldice a Dios y muérete! Job 2:4-9, Nueva Versión International

En Octubre recordamos el mes de concientización sobre la violencia doméstica. Estoy leyendo y reflexionando sobre ambas mis experiencias y los pensamientos de otra sobre violencia doméstica durante este mes. Esta acción es importante para mi como un sobreviviente de violencia doméstica.

El cuento de Job es un cuento con muchas partes difíciles. El cuento nos pregunta creer El Señor eligió conversar con Satanás sobre un hombre buenísimo que se llama Job. El Señor decidió permitir a Job experimentar muchas cosas malísimas.

Entre las cosas malísimas que el Señor permitió poder a Job, la esposa de Job reprochó Job «¿Todavía mantienes firme tu integridad? ¡Maldice a Dios y muérete!»

Vamos a ir directamente al punto: No es chulo cuando una persona dice aquellas cosas a una persona que tiene muchos problemas sin aquellas palabras. Aquellas palabras son palabras violencia y crueldad. Una esposa que dice aquellas cosas no ama a su esposo. Un esposo que dice las mismas cosas no ama a su esposa. Ninguna persona que dice aquellas palabras no ama a la persona que recibe.

Una Canción Nueva: Psalm 23

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“The LORD is my shepherd. I lack nothing. He lets me rest in grassy meadows; he leads me to restful waters; he keeps me alive. He guides me in proper paths for the sake of his good name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no danger because you are with me. Your rod and your staff– they protect me. You set a table for me right in front of my enemies. You bathe my head in oil; my cup is so full it spills over! Yes, goodness and faithful love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the LORD’s house as long as I live.” Psalm 23, Common English Bible

In October we remember Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am reading and reflecting on both my experiences and the thoughts of others about domestic violence during this month. This action is important to me as a survivor of domestic violence.

In truth, all the grass in my life is not peaceful or green. Sometimes the grass in many parts is green and healthy, but other parts are brown and scorched by the sun.

My soul aches when I think about the past and when I think about my children. I understand that we live in this country where women are hurt and were hurt because they were women. The situation for women is very bad and I wish it were different.

It is true, but men don’t need to be subjected to the same evils we don’t wish on women. To choose between those two options is a false dichotomy. When we choose to live with domestic violence for females, males, or non-binary people, we choose to ignore people from places with torrential waters and torment.

The psalm was written to be a word of hope for people walking in dark valleys. The psalm was written to be a strong word for people who are afraid when they are around enemies. We love Psalm 23. Can we bring the wonderful gifts of the psalm to all people who are hurt by domestic violence?

“El SEÑOR es mi pastor, nada me falta; en verdes pastos me hace descansar. Junto a tranquilas aguas me conduce; me infunde nuevas fuerzas. Me guía por sendas de justicia por amor a su nombre. Aun si voy por valles tenebrosos, no temo peligro alguno porque tú estás a mi lado; tu vara de pastor me reconforta. Dispones ante mí un banquete en presencia de mis enemigos. Has ungido con perfume mi cabeza; has llenado mi copa a rebosar. La bondad y el amor me seguirán todos los días de mi vida; y en la casa del SEÑOR habitaré para siempre.” Salmo 23, Nueva Versión Internacional

En Octubre recordamos el mes de concientización sobre la violencia doméstica. Estoy leyendo y reflexionando sobre ambas mis experiencias y los pensamientos de otra sobre violencia doméstica durante este mes. Esta acción es importante para mi como un sobreviviente de violencia doméstica.

En verdad todo el pasto en mi vida no es tranquilo o verde. A veces el césped en muchas partes es verde y sano, pero otras partes son marrones y chamuscar del sol.

Mi alma me duele cuando pienso sobre el pasado y cuando pienso sobre mis hijos. Yo entiendo que vivimos en este país donde las mujeres reciben danos y recibieron danos porque eran mujeres. La situación de las mujeres es malísima y yo deseo que sea diferente.

Es verdad, pero los hombres tambien no necesitan recibir los mismos mal que no deseamos para mujeres. Para elegir entre esas dos opciones hay una falsa dicotomía. Cuando elegimos vivir con violencia doméstica para femeninos, masculino, o no binarios, elegimos ignorar personas de sitios con aguas torrentes y tormentos.

El salmo fue escrito para ser una palabra de esperanza para las personas que caminan en valles tenebrosos. El salmo fue escrito para ser una palabra fuerte para personas que tienen miedos cuando están cerca de enemigos. Nos encanta el salmo 23.  ¿Podemos traer los buenísimos regalos del salmo a todas las personas que tienen el dano de violencia doméstica?

Una Canción Nueva: The Silent Message

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In October we remember Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am reading and reflecting on both my experiences and the thoughts of others about domestic violence during this month. This action is important to me as a survivor of domestic violence.

These sentences are a thought from the introduction to the book “Telling the Truth: Preaching about Sexual and Domestic Violence” by editors McClure and Ramsay:

“The silence, however, is not really silent. It sends a clear ‘hands off’ message to victims, perpetrators, and bystanders. At the very least, this silence communicates to victims that they are alone with their suffering. To perpetrators it says that the church does not hold them accountable for their evil actions. To bystanders it says that it is okay to remain on the sidelines of a brutal and sometimes brutal game.”

It’s true. The silence is deafening. God’s people have voices for many things, but the silence when people experience domestic violence is deafening. Together with the people of the world, the song of silence is deafening.

No person deserves that silence. These people already experience radical evil, pain, and violence. Why don’t God’s people speak out about this radical and silent evil?

I get nauseous when I see my abuser wearing a t-shirt that says “This Pastor Loves You” as I remember the pain and hurt of the past. Why are you silent, God’s people? Why didn’t you speak up?

En Octubre recordamos el mes de concientización sobre la violencia doméstica. Estoy leyendo y reflexionando sobre ambas mis experiencias y los pensamientos de otra sobre violencia doméstica durante este mes. Esta acción es importante para mi como un sobreviviente de violencia doméstica.

Esta oraciones son un pensamiento de la introducción del libro “Telling the Truth: Preaching about Sexual and Domestic Violence” por los editores McClure y Ramsay:

“Sin embargo, el silencio no es realmente silencio. Envía un mensaje claro de ‘no intervención’ a las víctimas, a los perpetradores y a los espectadores. Por lo menos, este silencio comunica a las víctimas que están solas con su sufrimiento. A los perpetradores les dice que la iglesia no los hace responsables de sus malas acciones. A los espectadores les dice que está bien permanecer al margen de un juego brutal y a veces mortal.”

Es verdad. El silencio es ensordecedor. El pueblo de Dios tiene voces para muchas cosas, pero el silencio cuando las personas experimentan violencia doméstica es ensordecedor. Juntas con la gente del mundo, la canción de silencio es ensordecedora.

Ninguna persona merece ese silencio. Esas personas ya experimentan mal radical, dolor, y violencia. ¿Por qué el pueblo de Díos no habla sobre este mal radical y silencioso?

Me estoy mareando cuando veo a mi abusadora llevando una camiseta que dice “Este pastor te ama” y recuerdo la pena y dolor del pasado. ¿Por qué el silencio, el pueblo de Dios? ¿Por qué no habló?

Una Canción Nueva: Singing about Pouring Water

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“I’m poured out like water. All my bones have fallen apart. My heart is like wax; it melts inside me. My strength is dried up like a piece of broken pottery. My tongue sticks to teh roof of my mouth; you’ve set me down in the dirt of death.” Psalm 22:14-15, Common English Bible (CEB)

In October we remember Domestic Violence Awareness Month. I am reading and reflecting on both my experiences and the thoughts of others about domestic violence during this month. This action is important to me as a survivor of domestic violence.

These sentences are a though from the introduction to the book “Telling the Truth: Preaching about Sexual and Domestic Violence” by editors McClure and Ramsay:

“These psalms are the words of our tradition, words spoken and prayed in worship. They are laments and petitions uttered by victims of radical evil, pain, and violence. These whispers, cries, and prayers are not only to be spoke by victims or survivors of violence. The people of God has spoken these words together across time, as if to say, ‘We the congregation, will not keep silent’ in the face of such violence.”

I would like to hear these words and psalms more in the church and from the mouths of God’s people. I often feel alone as a survivor of domestic violence. Often both my masculine words and my masculine experiences are dismissed or labeled as pitiful. God’s people can speak these words without the shame I feel and experience.

No healthy person wants or desires an experience with domestic violence. Often those experiences are experiences with people in their families and their friends. Those experiences are horrible and awful. Survivors of domestic violence already work hard to survive and do not need to speak up when it is difficult to live with their experiences.

Could you please speak louder, people of God? Wake up! We need your support and your voices.

«Como agua he sido derrarmado; dislocados están todos mis huesos. Mi corazón se ha vuelto como cera, y se derrite en mis entrañas. Se ha secado mi vigor como una teja; la lengua se me paga al paladar. ¡Me has hundido en el polvo de la muerte!» Salmo 22:14-15, Nueva Versión Internacional (NVI)

En Octubre recordamos el mes de concientización sobre la violencia doméstica. Estoy leyendo y reflexionando sobre ambas mis experiencias y los pensamientos de otra sobre violencia doméstica durante este mes. Esta acción es importante para mi como un sobreviviente de violencia doméstica.

Esta oraciones son un pensamiento de la introducción del libro “Telling the Truth: Preaching about Sexual and Domestic Violence” por los editores McClure y Ramsay:

“Estos salmos son las palabras de nuestra tradición, palabras pronunciadas y rezadas en el culto. Son lamentos y peticiones pronunciadas por víctimas del mal radical, el dolor y la violencia. Estos susurros, gritos y oraciones no deben ser pronunciados únicamente por víctimas o sobrevivientes de la violencia. El pueblo de Dios ha pronunciado estas palabras en conjunto a lo largo del tiempo, como si quisiera decir: ‘Nosotros, la congregación, no nos quedaremos callados’ frente a tal violencia”.

Me gustaría escuchar más estas palabras y salmos en la iglesia y en las bocas del pueblo de Dios. A menudo me siento solo como un sobreviviente de violencia doméstica. a menudo ambas mis palabras masculinas y mis experiencias masculinas son descartadas o tildadas de penosas. El pueblo de Dios puede pronunciar estas palabras sin la pena me siento y experiencia.

Ninguna persona sana desea o desea una experiencia con violencia doméstica. A menudo aquellas experiencias son experiencias con personas en sus familias y de sus amigos. Aquellas experiencias son horribles y malísimas. Los sobrevivientes de violencia doméstica ya trabajan duro para sobrevivir y no necesitan hablar cuando es difícil vivir con sus experiencias.

¿Podría hablar más alto, pueblo de Dios? ¡Despabílate! Necesitamos su apoyo y sus voces

Querido Jesús: Santiago 1:17-25

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Durante los dos meses pasados, escribí cartas para la auditoría de la membresía iglesia. No tuve el tiempo para escribí aquellas cartas y este blog.Necesite a escribir las cartas pero acabí con todas cartas jueves.

“No se contenten sólo con escuchar la palabra, pues así se engañan ustedes mismos. Llévenla a la práctica.” Santiago 1:22, NVI

Querido Jesús, a veces en el pasado, yo tuve que eschuchar y responder de tú palabra en tiempos malos que no elegi. Aquellos momentos fueron horribles y malísimos.

Este día es buenísimo y puedo elegir vivir con tu palabra cuando sea fácil. Puedo preparar para dias futuros durante estos momentos. Aunque puedo escucharte y nunca practicar las cosas te dice, a no deseo engañarme con practicos estúpidos. No es bueno cuando escucho sin elegir a practicar.

Me des sabiduría en este día y ayudame a elegir escuchar antes de los días malísimos cuando no podré elegir con sonsideración. Amén.

For the past two months I have been writing letters for the church membership audit. I have not had the time to write those letters and this blog. I needed to write the letters but I finished all the letters Thursday.

“Do not be content with merely hearing the word, for you are deceiving yourselves. Put it into practice” James 1:22, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, at times in the past, I had to listen to and respond to Your Word in bad times that I did not choose. Those times were horrible and very bad.

This day is a good day and I can choose to live with your word when it is easy. I can prepare for future days during these moments. Even though I can listen to you and never practice the things you say, I don’t want to fool myself with stupid practices. It is not good when I listen without choosing to practice.

Give me wisdom this day and help me choose to listen before the terrible days when I will not be able to choose thoughtfully. Amen.

About Anonymous Letters (Sobre Cartas Anónimas)

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I received an anonymous letter yesterday. Probably, the letter was written to help us with the life of the church. My problem with the letter was this letter had a lot of accusations about the church and the people in the church. The letter had many words except the name of the person writing the letter. The letter did not have a way to have a conversation about the writer’s problems with the church or the people of the church.

I am no stranger to conversations about problems with the church or church people. Conversations like those in the letter are very normal in my pastoral life, but those conversations are two-way. An anonymous letter is not a two-way conversation. The accusations in the anonymous letter could not lead to a healthy conversation because all the problems it presents are others people’s problems. Only one person did not have a problem: the writer.

Anonymous letters rarely help make things better. Rarely, anonymous letters help the writer to have courage, but those letters hurt all the people who receive the hurtful words with no two-way conversation. In my opinion, anonymous letters are hurtful and irresponsible because they are usually self-centered and selfish.

It is possible that this anonymous letter was written with good intentions, but the letter was written to a person who received many messages with bad intentions in the past. I am a survivor of gaslighting and I have no way to be sure anonymous messages are not sent with the same intentions that my abuser had because such messages have already happened in past years.

Sorry, anonymous, friend, but I can’t consider your thoughts without your identity. Please, find courage and write again with your name.

Yo recibe una carta anónima ayer. Probablemente, la carte estuve escribe a nos ayudar con la vida de la iglesia. Mi problema con la carta estuvo esta carta tuvo muchas acusaciones sobre la iglesia y las personas en la iglesia. La carta tuvo muchas palabras excepto el nombre de la persona que escribe la carta. La carta no tuvo una vía para tener una conversación sobre aquellos problemas del escritor con la iglesia o la gente de la iglesia.

Soy no extraño a conversaciones sobre problemas con la iglesia o la gente de la iglesia. Las conversaciones tan aquellas en la carta son muy normales en mi vida pastoral, pero aquellas conversaciones son de doble dirección. Una carta anónima no es una conversación de doble dirección. Las acusaciones en la carta anónima no pudieron conducir a una conversación sana porque todas las problemas que presenta son problemas de otras personas. Solamente una persona no tuvo una problema: el escritor.

Cartas anónimas raramente ayudan a hacer cosas mejores. Raramente, las cartas anónimas ayudan al escritor a tener valor, pero aquellas cartas malan todas las personas que reciben las palabras hirientes con no conversación de doble dirección. En mi opinión, las cartas anónimas son hierientes y irresponsables porque están usualmente egocéntricas y  egoístas.

Es posible que esta carta anónima estuviera escrita con intenciones buenas, pero la carta estuviera escrita a una persona que recibiera muchos mensajes con intenciones malas en el pasado. Estoy un superviviente de luz de gas, y no tengo una via a tener certeza mensajes anónimas no son mandaron con las mismas intenciones que mi abusador tuvo porque mensajes tan ya pasaron en el años pasados.

Lo siento, amigo anónimo, pero no puedo a considerar sus pensamientos sin su identidad. Por favor, obtiene valor y escribe de nuevo con su nombre.

Querido Jesús: Efesios 1:3-14

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«En él tenemos la redención mediante su sangre, el perdón de nuestros pecados, conforme a las riquezas de tu gracia la cual Dios nos dio en abundancia con toda sabiduría y entendimiento.» Efesios 1:7-8, Nueva Versión Internacional (NVI)

Querido Creador, tus palabras en Salmo 24:10 me hablan: «¿Quién es este Rey de la gloria? Es el Señor de los Ejércitos; ¡él es el Rey de la gloria!”

¡Te sabo que es verdad! Jesucristo es la imagen visible del Dios invisible. En Jesús, tengo esperanza porque las acciones y palabras de Jesús me muestran que esta persona fuiste, eres, y serás el Rey de Gloria. Jesús tuviste viviendo el fé, esperanza, y amor que necesito permanentemente en mi vida. Quiero a vivir como él, con sus fé, esperanza, y amor.

En mi comprensión, toda mi existencia se centra en mi entrañas. Yo se en mi pensamientos que eres el Rey de de Gloria. A veces mis entrañas son perturbadas y pongo mi conianza en otras cosas. Lo siento por aquellos momentos.

Ayudame a persuadir a mi entrañas a confiar como son mejores partes de mis intenciones y mi corazón. Te pregunto estas cosas segun la esperanza de la Espíritu Santo. Amén

“In him we have redemption through his blood, the pardon of our sins, according to the riches of his grace which God has given to us in abundance with all wisdom and understanding” Ephesians 1:7-8, translated from NVI

Dear Creator, your words in Psalm 24:10 speak to me: “Who is this King of glory? He is the Lord of Hosts; he is the King of glory!”

I know it’s true! Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. In Jesus, I have hope because Jesus’ actions and words show me that this person was, is, and will be the King of Glory. Jesus lived the faith, hope, and love that I need permanently in my life. I want to live like him with his faith, hope, and love.

In my understanding, my entire existence is centered in my gut. I know in my thoughts that you are the King of Glory. I know in my heart that you are King of Glory. Sometimes, my insides are disturbed and I put my trust in other things. I’m sorry for those moments.

Help me persuade my insides to trust the best parts of my intentions and my heart. I ask you these things according to the hope of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Salmo 24

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«Quien es así recibe bendiciones del Señor; el Dios de su salvación le hará justicia. Tal es la generación de los que a ti acuden, de los que buscan tu rostro, oh Dios de Jacob» Salmo 24:5-6, Nuevo Versión Internacional (NVI)

Querido Jesús, deseo que mis manos siempre limpiaron y mi corazón siempre pero. Ayer hablábamos de mi vida, mis niños, y mi ex esposa. Anoche miré por el amanecer de la mañana y por la esperanza de tu misericordia. Hoy no sé cual es mi camino. Cuando las personas egocéntricas están luchando conmigo, deseo obtener tu paz con todo mi corazón.

Quería verte en los días pasados. Quería  verte, me Redemptor, cuando estuve sufriendo de patadas a mis tripas ¿Dónde estuiviste cuando necesituve ayudarme?

Quiero confiar en tus palabras en Salmo 24. Quiero estar confiando. A veces, no te comprendo. A veces, mi esperanza y mi duda luchamos dentro de mi. Quiero verte porque «soy un hombre de labios impuros y vivo en medio de un pueblo de labios impuros». (Isaías 6:6) Quiero tú ayudame porque mis pensamientos susurran que la charla es barata y me dices nunca tus palabras son baratas.

Esta es una plegaria longa en Español para mi. Estoy complicado y está plegaria es muy complicada. Quiero hablar claramente contigo de estas cosas, pero mis pensamientos se están confundiendo y son difíciles. No logro quedarme en silencio porque tengo responsabilidades pastoral al hablar de estas cosas para romper en silencio. Cuando otras ven mis palabras deseo dar valentía a ellos. Dividas mis palabras en esta plegaraia y ayudame a tener la misma valentía de que les ofrezco otras. Amén

“Whoever is like this receives blessings from the Lord; the God of their salvation will give them justice. Such is the generation of those who come to you, of those who seek your face, O God of Jacob.” Psalm 24:5-6, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, I wish that my hands were always clean and my heart always clean. Yesterday we were talking about my life, my children, and my ex-wife. Last night I looked for the morning dawn and for the hope of your mercy. Today I don’t know what my path is. When self-centered people are fighting with me, I wish to obtain your peace with all my heart.

I wanted to see you in the past days. I wanted to see you, my Redeemer, when I was suffering from kicks to my guts. Where were you when I needed help?

I want to trust in your words in Psalm 24. I want to be trusting. Sometimes, I don’t understand you. Sometimes my hope and my doubt fight inside me. I want to see you because “I am a man of impure lips and I live in the middle of a town of impure lips.” (Isaiah 6:5) I want you to help me because my thoughts whisper that talk is cheap and you tell me your words are never cheap.

This is a long prayer in Spanish for me. I am complicated and this prayer is very complicated. I want to talk clearly to you about these things, but my thoughts are getting confused and difficult. I can’t stay silent because I have pastoral responsibilities to talk about these things to break the silence. When others see my words I want to give them courage. Divide my words in this prayer and help me to have the same courage that I offer others. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Marcos 5:21-43

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«No tengas miedo; nada más cree» Macros 5:36, NVI

Querido Jesús, te quiero decir cuanto te escucho, pero tengo miedo en mi vida. Yo creo cosas otras; a veces contra mi deseos. Me deseo ir rumbo a la perfección, pero a menudo no progreso. Tu hablaste pero a menudo yo no comprendí y todavía no comprendo.

¿Cuanto tiempo más tengo que esperar a comprender? ¿Cuando el el momento de mi comprensión? Te amo pero mi acción no es graciosa para mi. Me amas pero a veces no me amo porque a menudo no hago el bien que quiero. Estoy muy frustrado conmigo.

A veces me pregunto de qué color fue tu manto. ¿Pude tocar tu manto? ¿En ese momento, pude comprender las cosas que no comprendo? ¿Soy la mujer enferma o la niña que está murienda? ¿Soy son ambas personas?

O estoy equivocada y soy la persona que tú mandas a las que te amas. Tú mandas unda persona que comprende que esta vida es difícil. Tú mandas a ir una persona que comprende que a menudo este mundo no es bello o bueno para todas las personas. Les amas y invatame a les amo.

Últimaente, es posible que ambos sean posibles. Les amas y me amas. Yo no comprendo pero es posiblemente que no es necesario para mi saber. Te amo y quiero progresar a la perfección en tu amor. Gracias para escuchas me. Amén

“Do not be afraid; believe nothing else.” Marcos 5:36, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, I want to tell you how much I listen to you, but I have fear in my life. I believe other things; sometimes against my wishes. I want to be on the path to perfection, but I often don’t make progress. You spoke but often I did not understand and I still do not understand.

How much longer do I have to wait to understand? When is the time for my understanding? I love you but my action is not funny to me. You love me but sometimes I don’t love myself because I often don’t do the good I want. I’m very frustrated with myself.

Sometimes, I wonder what color your cloak was. Could I touch your cloak? At that moment, could I understand the things I don’t understand? Am I the sick woman or the dying girl? Am I both persons?

Or I’m wrong and I’m the person you send to those you love. You send a person who understands that this life is difficult. You send a person who understands that often this world is not beautiful or good for all people. You love them and invite me to love them.

Ultimately, both may be possible. You love them and you love me. I don’t understand, but it is possibly not necessary for me to know. I love you and I want to progress to perfection in your love. Thanks for listening to me. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Salmo 130

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«Escucha, Señor, mi voz. Estén atentos tus oídos a mi voz suplicante  Si tú, Señor, tomaras en cuenta los pecados, ¿quién, Señor, se mantendría en pie? Pero en ti se hallas perdón y por eso debes ser temido.» Salmo 130:2-4, Nueva Versión Internacional (NVI)

Querido Señor, tú me deimiste a mis pecados y me ayudaste cuando no era posible para me ayudí. Tu dio a tu Hijo Unico para que me salvo de mis pecados y mis faltas. Tú me dio a mí tu Espíritu Santo para que me no caminí solo. Tú me dio y me doy muchas cosas buenas porque tú me amas.

En este momento cuando estoy enfermo con la enfermedad de la pandemia de años pasados, escuchame cuando te lo pregunto a ayudame con mi cuerpo. Libres mis canales de orjeas cuando tengo demasiados mocos. Aflojame mis músculos cuando mi cuerpo tiene dolor. Ayudame, mi Héroe. Amén.

“You hear my voice, Lord. Let your ears be attentive to my pleading voice. Lord, if you would take sins into account, who would stand Lord? In you is found forgiveness and you should be feared.” Psalm 130: 2-4, translated from NVI

Dear Lord, you redeemed me from my sins and helped me when it was not possible to help myself. You gave your Only Son to save me from my sins and my faults. You gave me your Holy Spirit, so that I would not walk alone. You gave me and you give me many good things because you love me.

At this moment, when I am sick with the pandemic illness of past years, listen to me when I ask you to help me with my body. Free my ear canals when I have too much snot. Loosen my muscles when my body is in pain. Help me, my Hero. Amen.

Querido Jesús: 2 Corintios 8:7-15

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«Ya conocen la gracia de nuestro Señor Jesucristo, quien era rico y por causa de ustedes se hizo pobre, para que mediante su pobreza ustedes llegaran a ser ricos» 2 Corintios 8:9, NVI

Querido Jesús, ya conoces mi espíritu a veces es pobre y débil. Quiero ser rico en gracia y fe, pero mis pies caminí en fango y aguas residuale ayer. Estoy derramando cosas sucias sobre los sitios a donde ya me limpiaste.

Las personas que frustaron mi pensamiento y sueñas no son las personas que deciden mis acciones hoy. Como los Corintios en el pasado, necesito hacer lo que necesito hacer. Soy responsable de mi vida y necesito decidir adonde seré caminar. Como los Corintios en el pasado, a veces no me gustan mis vecinos especialmente cuando me molestan y me mienten. Especialmente cuando estoy enojado, necesito decidir mis acciones cuidadoso y vivir con tu amor.

Sin ti, no es fácil vivir con integridad. Con ti, no es muy facil pero es posible. Tu yugo es ligero pero la reja del arado es densa y pesada. Ayudame como lo ayudaste los Corintios en el pasado. En tu nombre robusto, mi Salvador y mi Redentor. Amén

“You already know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, who was rich and for your sakes. He became poor and through that poverty, you became rich.” 2 Corinthians 8:9, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, you already know my spirit is sometimes poor and weak. I want to be rich in grace and faith, but my feet walked in mud and sewage yesterday. I am spilling dirty things on the places where you already cleaned me.

The people who frustrated my thinking and dreams are not the people who decide my actions today. Like the Corinthians of old, I need to do what I need to do. I am responsible for my life and I need to decide where I will walk. Like the Corinthians in the past, sometimes I don’t like my neighbors, especially when they bother me and lie to me. Especially when I am angry, I need to decide my actions carefully and live with your love.

Without you, it is not easy to live with integrity. With you, it is not very easy, but it is possible. Your yoke is light, but the plowshare is dense and heavy. Help me as you helped the Corinthians in the past. In your mighty name, my Savior and my Redeemer. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Marcos 4:35-41

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«¿Por qué tienen tanto mideo?–dijo a sus discípulos–, ¿Todavía no tienen fe?» Marcos 4:40, Nueva Versión Internacional

Querido Jesús, me preguntas “¿Por qué tienen tanto mideo?” Tengo reir cuando te pienso de tus palabras. Esta vida tiene tantas razones a collecionar miedos especialmente cuando no te veo tu amor fiel. Es fácil a quedarme perdido en mis miedos, pero me preguntas a pienso a tus palabras sobre mi fe.

Tu pregunta es una pregunta muy buena. ¿Dónde está mi ef? Ayer fue un buen día pero yo no sé qué será mañana. Hoy es una día cuando me pregunto de la fuerte de mii fe, pero mñana es misteriosa y no soy un profeta que conozco todas las cosas allá.

Cuando viví con fe en el pasado tuve felicidad. Quiero vivir con felicidad y gozo en estos días. Yo quiero caminar todas la vias en mi vida contigo.

Ayudame y guárdame mi vida de mis dudas. Tu sabes que estoy pensando y que estoy haciendo. Tu sabes dónde estoy caminando y cuando estoy hundimiento en mis dudas. Gracias a ti, mi Dios, estoy viviendo. Amén.

” ‘Why do y’all have so much fear?’ Jesus said to his disciples. ‘You still don’t have faith?’ ” Translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, you ask me, “Why are you so afraid?” I laugh when I think of your words. This life has so may reasons to collect fears, especially when I don’t see your faithful love. It’s easy to stay lost in my fears, but you ask me to think about your words about my faith.

Your question is a very good question. Where is my faith? Yesterday was a good day but I don’t know what tomorrow will be. Today is a day when I wonder about the strength of my faith, but tomorrow is mysterious and I am not a prophet who knows all things there.

When I lived with faith in the past, I had happiness. I want to live with happiness and joy in these days. I want to walk all the paths in my life with you.

Help me and save my life from my doubts. You know what I’m thinking and what I’m doing. You know where I’m walking and when I’m sinking in my doubts. Thanks to you, my God, I am living. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Salmo 9:9-20

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«Al Señor se le conoce porque imparte justicia; el malvado cae en la trampa que él mismo tendió» Salmo 9:16, NVI

Querido Jesús, ¿Cuál es tu discernimiento de mi? Cuando tú caminas en este mundo, tu traes justicia contigo. ¿Te traes justicia para mi o contra mi? Estoy haciendo lo mejor que puedo con mi vida pero soy un humano normal. ¿Que traes para mi?

Estoy esperanzando que tú traes cosas mejor de que merezco. No me conozco adónde obtengo esta esperanza, pero tengo esperanza de que me amas y quieres mejores cosas para mi acá en esta vida. Merezco nada en mis ojos, pero te escucho tus canciones de amor y gracia. ¿Quién puede decir alguna cosa contra tus palabras de amor y gracia?

Si, que verdad. San Pablo escribi: «Pues estoy convencido de que no la muerte no la vida, no los ángeles ni los demonios, no lo presente no lo por venir, no los poderes, no lo alto ni lo profundo, no cosa alguna en toda la creación podrá apartarnos del amor que Dios nos ha manifestado en Cristo Jesús nuestro Señor».

Si, es verdad y estoy en esta Creación. No puedo apartarme del poder del Espíritu Santo. No merezco que me amas pero es verdad. Gloria a Dios. Hallelujah. Amén.

“The Lord is known because he dispenses justice; the evil one falls into the trap that he himself set.” Psalm 9:16, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, what is your discernment of me? When you walk in this world, you bring justice with you. Do you bring justice for me or against me? I’m doing the best I can with my life, but I’m a normal human. What do you bring for me?

I’m hoping that you bring better things than I deserve. I don’t know where I get this hope, but I have hope that you love me and want better things for me here in this life. I deserve nothing in my eyes, but I hear your songs of love and grace. Who can say anything against your words of love and grace?

Yes, how true. As Saint Paul wrote: “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything in all creation will be able to separate us from the love that God has shown us in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Yes, it is true and I am in this Creation. I cannot depart from the power of the Holy Spirit. I don’t deserve that you love me but its true. Glory to God. Hallelujah. Amen

Querido Jesús: 1 Samuel 17:32-49

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《Dios guardará tus entradas y salidas desde ahora y para siempre.》 Salmo 125:8 en El Libro de Oración Común (Protestant, Episcopal Church, 2022)

Querido Jesús, las batallas en mi vida no son mis batallas. Mis manos pueden golpear las personas que me atacan, pero  no necesito responder con violencia. Las batallas en mi vida son para el Señor.

Yo recuerdo tus palabras para nuestras vidas en mi biblia:《esos confían en sus carros de guerra, aquellos confían en sus corceles, pero nosotros confiamos en el nombre del Señor nuestro dios.》

Yo recuerdo la verdad en mi vida que no neceisto responderle a personas rotas con violencia o furiosa. Las batallas en mi vida son del Señor y para el Señor. Puedo responderle a las personas y problemas con fuerte confío en el Nombre del Señor nuestro dios. Jesuscristo, no  necesariamente me necesito a responder cuando te puedes.

Jesucristo, tus palabras son basta para las situaciones en mi vida. Tu proteges mis entradas y salidas desde las batallas espantosas ahora y mañana y siempre. Amén

God will guard your comings and goings from now on and forever.” Psalm 125:8, Translated from “El Libro de Oración Común”

Dear Jesus, the battles in my life are not my battles. My hands can hit people who attack me, but I don’t need to respond with violence. The battles in my life are for the Lord.

I remember your words for our lives in my Bible: “Some trust in their chariots, some others trust in their warhorses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.”

I remember the truth in my life that I do not need to respond to broken people with violence or fury. The battles in my life are from the Lord and for the Lord. I can respond to people and problems with strong trust in the name of the Lord God. Jesus Christ, I don’t necessarily need to respond when you can.

Jesus Christ, your words are enough for the situations in my life. You protect my comings and goings from the dreadful battles now, tomorrow, and forever. Amen.

Querido Jesús: 2 Corintios 5:6-10, 14-17

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«Por lo tanto, si alguno está en Cristo, es una nueva creación. ¡Lo viejo ha pasado, ha llegado ya lo nuevo!» 2 Corintios 5:17, NVI

Padre Celestial, mi vida vieja ha pasado y estoy trabajando para saber cómo ya será vida nueva. Yo Quiero tener tu Palabra adentro de mi vida. Yo puedo a sostener tu verdad y promesas cerca de mi porque tú ayudame y amame.

Todo lo que es viejo y roto en mi cuerpo celestial ya quedó recreado con tu amor, pero mi vida en este mundo aún necesito trabajo. Mi Salvador, cuando tropiezo, estoy embarazoso con mis faltas y mis problemas. Por favor, ayudame.

Ayudame a saber esta verdad: vivimos en fe y esperanza, no por vista o por miedo. Estoy segura tu escúchame cuando estoy asustado. Tu comprendes las cosas de que mi pienso en esos momentos y ya siempre amame. Gracias Jesucristo. Te amo y tu amame. Amén

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation. The old has gone: it has become new!” 2 Corinthians 5:17, Translated from NVI

Heavenly Father, my old life has passed and I am working to know what the new life will be like. I want to have your Word inside my life. I can hold your truth and promises close to me because you help me and love me.

Everything that is old and broken in my heavenly body has already been recreated with your love, but my life in this world still needs work. My Savior, when I stumble, I am embarrassed with my faults and my problems. Please, help me.

Help me know this truth: we live in faith and hope, not by sight or fear. I’m sure you listen to me when I’m scared. You understand the things that I think about in those moments and you always love me. Thank you Jesus Christ. I love you and you love me. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Marcos 4:26-29

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«Sin que éste sepa cómo, y ya sea que duerma o esté despierto, día y noche brota y crece la semilla.» Marcos 4:27, NVI

Quérido Jesús, sin que sabo, mi vida ya brota y crece. No sé cómo o porque mi vida es importante, pero es importante para ti, Yo no comprendo tu amor para mi. Tu me planta en tu jardín y deséame a crecer.

No todos del mundo me amas. Algunos dicen: «Él es el peor del mundo. Quisiéramos tomar la Agua Vida desde él.» No quiero tener sed. Por favor, no escuchas a las personas per amame con mis faltas. Tienes amor por aquellas personas que dicen aquellas cosas. Enseñame a amar aquellas personas también.

Tenemos que vivir juntos en tu mundo. Enseñarnos a vivir con amor por nuestros vecinos. Plantanos, brotanos, y crecenos hasta que estamos maduro. En tu nombre magnifico. Amén.

“Without knowing how it happens, as they sleep and as they rise, day and night, the seed buds and grows.” Mark 4:27, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, without me knowing, my life is already sprouting and growing. I don’t know how or why my life is important to you, but it is important to you. I don’t understand your love for me. You plant me in your garden and wish me to grow.

Not everyone in the world loves me. Some say: “He is the worst in the world. We would like to take the Water of Life from him.” I don’t want to be thirsty. Please don’t listen to those people, but love me with my faults. You have love for those people who say those things. Teach me to love those people too.

We have to live together in your world. Teach us to live with love for our neighbors. Plant us, sprout us, and grow us until we are ripe. In your magnificent name. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Ezequiel 17:22-24

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«Al árbol verde lo seco y al seco, lo hago florecer.» Ezequiel 17:24, NVI

Querido Creador, quiero vivir este día en paz, pero estoy secando en el sol de esta vida. Mis pies sienten que la tierra es seca y quiero tu lluvia. Hace calor. Ayudame, Agua Viva.

Salvador, me enseñas. Cuando tengo sed, ayúdame a beber agua buena. Cuando tengo sed, enseñame el Rio de tus Benediciones. Cuando estas me plantando  en más altas, regálame el Agua de tu Amor.

Tengo sed de ti y tu amor. Gracias, Creador, para mi esperanza que descansa en mi vida contigo. Cuando las brisas y tormentas están cerca de mi, ayúdame a tener fe en tu amor y fuerte manos tan yo puedo confiar a ti y beber la lluvia. Amén

“I’ll dry out the green tree and the parched one I will bring to blossom” Ezekiel 17:24, translated from NVI

Dear Creator, I want to live this day in peace, but I am drying in the sun of this life. My feet feel that the earth is dry and I want your rain. It’s hot. Help me, Living Water.

Savior, teach me. When I am thirsty, help me drink good water. When I am thirsty, show me the River of your Blessings. When you are planting me on higher ground, give me the Water of your Love.

I thirst for you and your love. Thank you, Creator, for my hope that rests in my life with you. When the breezes and storms are near me, help me to have faith in your love and strong hands so I can trust and drink the rain. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Salmos 51 y Romanos 6:1-14

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«Crea en mí, oh Dios, un corazón limpio y renueva un espíritu firme dentro de mi. No me alejas de tu presencia ni me quites tu Santo Espíritu» Salmos 51:10-11, NVI

Querido Jesús, no estoy bajo la Ley. No estamos bajo la Ley porque tú Espíritu  Santo nos lleva bajo la gracia. En  cuanto a nos vida, vivimos para Dios con humilidad. Tenemos que vivir con la fe, la esperanza, y el amor, pero no tenemos que vivir con miedos de muerte

Podemos a vivir con miedos de muerte. Es fácil a vivir con miedos de muchas cosas que no controlamos. No necesitamos a vivir con los pecados fáciles y normalment de esta vida por qué tenemos tu Espíritu Santo.`

Gracias por tu amor, nuestro Creador y Vida. Regalanos tu bendiciones y purificanos. Amén

“Create in me, O God, a clean heart and renew a stable spirit inside of me. Do not alienate me from your presence nor remove your Holy Spirit.” Psalm 51:10-11, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, I’m not under the Law. We are not under the Law because your Holy Spirit brings us under grace. As for our lives, we live for God with humility. We have to live with faith, hope, and love, but we don’t have to live in fear of death.

We can live in fear of death. It is easy to live with fears of the many things that we do not control. We do not need to live with the easy and normal sins of this life because we have your Holy Spirit.

Thank you for your love, our Creator and Life. Give us your blessings and purify us. Amen.

Querido Jesús: Salmos 51 y Efesios 2

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«Abre, Señor, mis labíos, y mi boca proclamará tu alabanza» (Salmos 51:15, NVI)

Querido Jesús, somos creados para buenas obras en tu gran amor. Tu crea en mi un corazón limpio, pero no sé cuál dirección a ir en mi vida. Quisiera a vivir con un espíritu limpio y bueno. Cuando deseo para cosas malo, purificame Cristo.

Tu eres mi esperanza y mi salvación. Cristo, conforme a tu gran amor, mi vida es importante. Abre mi corazón y limpiame con su gran amor. Gracias, mi Creador. Amén

“Open, God, my lips, and my mouth will proclaim your praise.” Psalm 51:15, translated from NVI

Dear Jesus, we are created for good works in your great love. You create a clean heart in me, but I don’t know which direction to go in my life. I would like to live with a clean and good spirit. When I desire bad things, purify me Christ.

You are my hope and my salvation. Christ, according to your great love, my life is important. Open my heart and cleanse me with your great love. Thank you, my Creator. Amen

Storybook Worship from March 3rd, 2024

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I realize that I share a lot of heavy stuff on here. Here’s one of the more delightful things I have been able to put together lately. I wrote the words and Adobe Firefly helped with the graphics with the example artistry being stained glass windows from my church so it matched the sanctuary’s color schemes.

If the toothbrush stuff throws you, we’re collecting dental supplies for Lent alongside other churches and groups to share with the beloved individuals and families coming into the Food Pantry housed in our church building.

Returning Resolution

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I’m resubmitting my resolution to the Annual Conference in 2024 that was ignored by the 2023 Annual Conference. Why? The reality is that we didn’t get to the work, but the work still needs to be done. Is it weird to submit a petition for 2028’s General Conference in 2024 before the General Conference in 2024? Possibly. Will it be considered out of order? Probably. Will I lift it up anyway? Yes. What better way to celebrate “National Be Heard Day”? (Yes, I know it is about advertising, but I see a nudging where others see an ad campaign to get small businesses to pay for more advertising. An advertising campaign to get small businesses to spend more on advertising: that’s a bold strategy)

Will it be rejected out of hand? Probably. It is pretty early to consider the subject, so I guess I will have to bring it up again. That’ll be three times I’ve raised the issue. Then maybe four times. Then possibly five times. I wonder how many times it will take before it becomes clear the goal is raising the issue because we met a resolution on the unethical use of silence around IPV with even more deafening silence.

Also, before I bore you, here’s a helpful set of resources if you’re a church official and have asked yourself how you would even begin to ascertain if there’s a problem in your setting or even how you go about home visitation. It could possibly be really helpful for a Safe Sanctuaries training for those working with vulnerable adults. It includes tools for assessing how prepared you are and how your tools are working. Kudos, Minnesota Department of Health: thanks for the help.

Title: Domestic Violence and Intimate Partner Violence Awareness

Since the 2016 publication of the Book of Resolutions and Book of Discipline, the United States’ Center for Disease Control has released information through their publication “The National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey: 2016/2017 Report on Intimate Partner Violence ” indicating that almost one in two women (47.3% or 59 million) in the United States and more than 40 percent (44.2% or 52.1 million) of U.S. men reported contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking victimization by an intimate partner at some point in their lifetime.

On a global scale, for the year ending March 2022, the Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated that 1.7 million women and 699,000 men aged 16 years and over experienced domestic abuse in the last year. This is a prevalence rate of approximately seven in 100 women and three in 100 men for that single year. In addition, while numbers are not equally reported with the same statistical standards across various cultures and communities, the World Health Organization has stated that slightly less than 1 in 3 women (30%) have experienced sexual violence. It can be inferred that this issue is global in nature and should be addressed more thoroughly by our Book of Resolutions and our Book of Discipline.

Whereas The United Methodist Church is already on record as stating: “We recognize that family violence and abuse in all its forms—verbal, psychological, physical, sexual—is detrimental to the covenant of the human community.” (2016 Book of Discipline ¶ 161.II.H)

Whereas The United Methodist Church is already on record naming sexual violence and abuse as sins and pledging to work for their eradication (“Domestic Violence and Sexual Abuse,” 2000 Book of Resolutions; “Violence Against Women and Children,” 2008 Book of Resolutions).

Whereas The United Methodist Church is called to express itself both carefully and clearly in matters that affect all people of sacred worth which includes both those who experience and perpetrate acts of contact sexual violence, physical violence, and or/stalking victimization. (2016 Book of Discipline ¶ 161.II.H)

Whereas it is statistically probable that whenever any given United Methodist Church within the United States gathers more than 40% of people in that community may have experienced (or may experience in the future) contact sexual violence, physical violence, and/or stalking victimization regardless of their gender, sexual, and/or cultural identities. It is also statistically probable that whenever a congregation of The United Methodist Church gathers around our world, around 30% of the women gathered within our communities may have potentially experienced gendered violence.

Whereas there may be cultural norms and mores that allow certain aspects of these actions to go unreported or unspoken due to the gender, sexual, or cultural expectations placed on individuals of sacred worth by forces outside of those individuals both within and without church communities.

Whereas there are places within our Church and cultural spaces where the silence is deafening, especially when there are often comorbid conditions that can further complicate conversation (i.e., mental illness, addiction, toxic expectations, etc.).

Whereas there should be places within our Church and local churches where individuals can find support, affirmation, and resources from the church community during moments when abuse may be clouding the ability to research church stances, affirmations, resolutions, and resources.

Whereas the Book of Discipline is one resource that touches every level of our connectional church and is one place where our church looks for guidance when considering the nature of our ministry together as a “Nurturing Community.” The Book of Discipline ¶161 on “The Nurturing Community” is one place where we acknowledge that we are called to help people of sacred worth who may be facing the difficult and isolating experiences previously mentioned.

Therefore be it resolved that the 2028 General Conference insert the statement (bold) into Book of 19 Discipline, ¶161.H:

“We recognize that family violence and abuse in all its forms—verbal, psychological, physical, sexual—is detrimental to the covenant of the human community. We recognize that these forms of insidious violence affect people of sacred worth of every gender, sexual, and cultural identity. These detrimental acts are often overlooked, ignored, downplayed, or met with silence. We encourage the Church to provide a safe environment, counsel, and support for the victim and to work with the abuser to understand the root causes and forms of abuse and to overcome such behaviors. Regardless of the cause or the abuse, both the victim and the abuser need the love of the Church. While we deplore the actions of the abuser, we affirm that person needs God’s redeeming love.”

Telling our Stories again (and again)

/ Robert D / Leave a comment

“I’m convinced that they told this story about Peter because Peter himself insisted on telling it over and over again. It became so associated with Peter and his ministry that not to tell the story would have been a great disservice.”

Rev. Adam Hamilton, “Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple”

I have become utterly convinced, like Rev. Hamilton, that the best stories I have ever shared have been stories of weakness on my own behalf. Two days ago, we shared the story about how the foolishness of God is greater than the wisdom of the world. I have to admit that my story is a foolish story.

I am a minister in recovery from alcoholism who is divorced. I struggle to communicate with my former partner and I rarely see my kids. I have a lot of struggles in my life and I am really open about all of them, but I don’t share because I want pity. I share because the stories show the Way I have found a path out of the darkness. The stories are an invitation to life.

How? Jesus works through my weakness. To borrow from the epistles, I have this treasure in a jar of clay. I share these stories because the power of God doesn’t come from me. It comes from God.

When I share communion I share about the unfermented fruit of the vine because everyone should come to the table. There is rarely a person who walks through the doors of our church who does not understand that God can and will heal them even from the hardest of situations. I have become an advocate for the addicted, the brokenhearted, the lonely, and the grieving. My strongest advocacy comes through sharing my story with all of the failures within it.

Peter knew what he was doing. I seek to do the same.

Our church is offering a short-term Bible study for the season of Lent. While many studies for the season traditionally focus on spiritual practices or on the stories of holy week, this year we are reading “Simon Peter: Flawed but Faithful Disciple” by Rev. Adam Hamilton. The idea of the study is that we might consider how we follow Christ in our lives while considering the life of this flawed follower. These blog posts are designed with a principle I have learned from recovery work: “We identify with the stories of others and try not to contrast.” We grow more and live with greater serenity when we look for what we share in common with someone with whom we might otherwise disagree.