Act 2 will be written today

[Florence]

I will be seeing the pastor of my church today - he's co-officiating at a funeral at the church where I work. I have no idea if I will be within waving, smiling, speaking, or hugging distance, but I am sure our paths will cross. I have heard nothing from him since I emailed him and told him I would not subject myself to attempting to reach the bar that he is holding (and that if he chooses to keep rotten stuff, he can deal with the stench). So, I'm a bit nervous as to how this encounter might go.

It's amazing to me that I still feel shame at the thought of him even looking at me - even though I know in my heart that my only fault has been to refuse to accept the abusive behavior of his staff and now of him personally. I wonder if this shame I feel will show, or if I will be able to exhibit the victory I have in Jesus, the joy of knowing I am God's child, and the ability to extend the same loving grace to this pastor that he has been unable to extend to me.

I am hoping that I will be able to heap lots of burning coals . . . if that shame doesn't paralize me.

Florence

[Jerry]

.

It's amazing to me that I still feel shame at the thought of him even looking at me - even though I know in my heart that my only fault has been to refuse to accept the abusive behavior of his staff and now of him personally. I wonder if this shame I feel will show, or if I will be able to exhibit the victory I have in Jesus, the joy of knowing I am God's child, and the ability to extend the same loving grace to this pastor that he has been unable to extend to me.

I am hoping that I will be able to heap lots of burning coals . . . if that shame doesn't paralize me.

Florence

Dear Florance,,,
Don't you dare let any shame show,,,,you know darn well it's counterfit!!!!!!!!....I am not saying you don't feel it,,,,,you know what I mean ;) I doubt he will extend much grace,,,,,,,,he's too ignorant.... :rolleyes:
Love Jerry

[Oopsie Daisey]

Florence:

One of the things my ex-pastor taught me that was we were taking the defensive when the enemy should be taking that and we should be the offense. Funny he should mention that because now I have to take that approach where he concerned and seems as though with all that you have been through that the defense is where he should be and possibly even squirming himself at the thought of bumping into you. Hold your head up high and know that you have the rights that God gave you.

Oopsie Daisey

[Theodora]

I will be seeing the pastor of my church today - he's co-officiating at a funeral at the church where I work. I have no idea if I will be within waving, smiling, speaking, or hugging distance, but I am sure our paths will cross. I have heard nothing from him since I emailed him and told him I would not subject myself to attempting to reach the bar that he is holding (and that if he chooses to keep rotten stuff, he can deal with the stench). So, I'm a bit nervous as to how this encounter might go.

It's amazing to me that I still feel shame at the thought of him even looking at me - even though I know in my heart that my only fault has been to refuse to accept the abusive behavior of his staff and now of him personally. I wonder if this shame I feel will show, or if I will be able to exhibit the victory I have in Jesus, the joy of knowing I am God's child, and the ability to extend the same loving grace to this pastor that he has been unable to extend to me.

I am hoping that I will be able to heap lots of burning coals . . . if that shame doesn't paralize me. Florence


Good morning, (((Florence)))--

I've just read your post in response to Reg so have some more background about your situation. Thanks for what you have shared here. It does seem that you're making terrific progress in your healing from past abuse. I am impressed with what seems to be a clear understanding of what may be going on in your present church and with your being in touch with your feelings.

As it happens, I'm also dealing with the aftereffects of having been publicly shamed----mostly by avoiding the person who did this to me so far!---so I was wondering how you got through seeing this person again. I like the idea of "exhibiting victory" and "extending grace" --- though at the moment, I don't feel able to do that in my situation.

I hope YOU are stronger and more at peace today for having been able to be at an event which had potential to "trigger"---and that all went well.

Grace and peace--

Theodora

[Florence]

Funniest thing! The only time I crossed paths with this man - well, okay, we didn't "cross paths" per se, but we did "eye-ball" one another. I came out of the women's restroom which is beyond the men's restroom. Someone had propped the men's room door open and there he was! I was a bit taken aback - kind of like the emperor's new clothes, you know what I mean? Believe me, I am not making this up! He did an admirable job avoiding me the rest of the afternoon. God really does have a sense of humor.

[Jerry]

Funniest thing! The only time I crossed paths with this man - well, okay, we didn't "cross paths" per se, but we did "eye-ball" one another. I came out of the women's restroom which is beyond the men's restroom. Someone had propped the men's room door open and there he was! I was a bit taken aback - kind of like the emperor's new clothes, you know what I mean? Believe me, I am not making this up! He did an admirable job avoiding me the rest of the afternoon. God really does have a sense of humor.

Dear Florance,,,
I LOVE IT!!!!!!!...Come to think of it ,,,Of course I would "Love it",,,,,,I have a sick mind :D :rolleyes:
Love Jerry