The stench in their storehouse

[Florence]

Thanks to all of you for your kind replies to my first post. For a few days there, I felt like I was in a time-warp back to the first abusive church I attended. It was such a feeling of panic and entrapment to hear those kinds of things again.

What has really surprised me the past couple of days is that I feel such a sense of empowerment. And the reason, I think, is because this time when I was told, "You are going to have to measure up," after I had a couple of days to come back to my senses, I was able to say to myself and to the senior pastor (in an email) that I will not allow him or anyone else to throw anything from the past in my face or to hold it against me. I told him that if he/they want to let the past rot in their storehouse, they can live with the stench, but I will not. I will only focus on the good things that God is sowing and reaping in my life today.

I also told him that none of us is or ever will be perfect in this life, but that I choose to acknowledge that I am unable to measure up to anyone's standard but that I will glory only in the cross of Jesus (Gal. 6:14) and that I am so very sorry that isn't enough for him and the other church leadership.

Of course, I haven't received (nor do I expect to) a response. But, I must say, I haven't felt this confident and secure in my position as a child of God and as a person of value in a long time. Could it be that God used this experience to bring me that much closer to a place of healing?

Blessings,
Florence

[Jubileesong]

Wow, Florence...way to go!!! I'm so proud of you! I think you've taken such a great step. Many times here in the forum, I hear people speak of fear that they don't want to get involved with other churches or anything because they're afraid that they will be abused again. I have often said that I believe we here are better detectors of those kinds of things than we might give ourselves credit for and I think you proved it! I mean - you know when someone's giving you a religious or abusive line. Good for you!!!

God doesn't temp us - but in His masterful sovereignty, I do believe He can use ANYTHING for our good... I don't think He sits up in heaven plotting and planning for our next hard time - but He sees it coming and He knows how to turn it around for our good! It's an incredible blend of us having free will and Him having perfect control - can't quite get my brain around it - but I see it all the time (just like I can't see the wind, but I know it's there because of the effects).

Keep walking the walk...keep looking to Christ and remembering that feeling of confidence you have right now. Don't let anyone take it! You are a child of the KING...that makes you a PRINCESS - don't forget it! :0)

Hannah

[Jerry]

Oh Man Florance!!!!!!!
Way to go!!!!!!!! YOU ARE,,,,you'll pardon the expression,,,,KICK ASS!!!!! :D Telling them they can sit in their own stink!!!!,,,,,,,,THAT is truely inspired!!!!!!!You are one cool lady :cool: a welcome addition to this board ;)
Love Jerry

[Oopsie Daisey]

Thanks to all of you for your kind replies to my first post. For a few days there, I felt like I was in a time-warp back to the first abusive church I attended. It was such a feeling of panic and entrapment to hear those kinds of things again.

What has really surprised me the past couple of days is that I feel such a sense of empowerment. And the reason, I think, is because this time when I was told, "You are going to have to measure up," after I had a couple of days to come back to my senses, I was able to say to myself and to the senior pastor (in an email) that I will not allow him or anyone else to throw anything from the past in my face or to hold it against me. I told him that if he/they want to let the past rot in their storehouse, they can live with the stench, but I will not. I will only focus on the good things that God is sowing and reaping in my life today.

I also told him that none of us is or ever will be perfect in this life, but that I choose to acknowledge that I am unable to measure up to anyone's standard but that I will glory only in the cross of Jesus (Gal. 6:14) and that I am so very sorry that isn't enough for him and the other church leadership.

Of course, I haven't received (nor do I expect to) a response. But, I must say, I haven't felt this confident and secure in my position as a child of God and as a person of value in a long time. Could it be that God used this experience to bring me that much closer to a place of healing?

Blessings,
Florence
Dearest Florence:

I was sharing with my brother earlier how your words on another thread brought things into perspective just about the time he was about to tell me what my perspective would be and as I read your post, I couldn't help but think how I wished I had just a thread of your backbone and your Christian thoughts. If only I could have some IV with it.

I am so glad you found the forum and those you have talked to the past few days not as warped. As you can tell from earlier posts by me, I still have a long way to go but I admire you and your approach and I admire your backbone.

God Bless,
Melanie