Bittersweet Graduation Party!

[simka2]

So dh and I went to a graduation party for a student from our old SA church. The pastor of that church is gone, but not without basically destroying it. The families we shared life with for many years have all been scattered to various churches in the community.

Iwas shaking when we pulled into the parking lot...going back to the old community...knowing I would see people I haven't seen since the pastor went down in burning flames :) Knowing that there was that akwardness of sa pastor said sick things about us...then destroyed himself...so sick things probly weren't so true.

It was tough going at first...there was another family there...the dad had stood up to sa pastor after we left...and so the sa pastor had tried to destroy him as well. The pain was still right there in the glistening eyes! Then family after family student after student began to come and give us hugs and chatter and be so excited that we were there! At one point there 4 staff pastors that sa pastor tried to ruin all together...and there was joking about having a staff mtg :)

When I left I felt good...it wasn't as bad as I thought...our reputation is restored. But I began to grieve all over again. I didn't have a choice in leaving these people...sa pastor took that away...I missed so much of their lives over the last few years!

Were in a much healtheir church now...but I genuinely loved those people...urrrgh I hate grief!!!!

[Hope 98]

Were in a much healtheir church now...but I genuinely loved those people...urrrgh I hate grief!!!!

I think this is what a lot of us, if not all of us feel. And I think it's a huge part of what causes us the pain we feel.

[beginagainrose]

OH, Simka! .... I SO rejoice with you...what a gift; some vindication at least.
I'm sorry that it brought a fresh wave of grief over you. Grief is such a strange journey. You never know when the next wave will hit. Do you think this might go beyond social plesantries? Would you be interested or willing to pursue restabishing friendships with any of these people. It would be scary but talk about overcoming...I will sure be praying about this for you.

[simka2]

thanks guys!!!! yes there is room for these relationships to continue...and they will in there own way :) Just sad about what was lost...but I gained a lot too!

[beginagainrose]

I think you are being cautiously optomistic; at least that is what I think I am hearing...and I would be quick to add - rightfully so. When people who knew us and saw what was happening and refused to stand up for us... that is still a betrayal. Even silence is "joining with the enemy" in my view. I hope this will become a joyful surprise in time. May the Lord direct your steps.:)

[dougjb]

Hi simka2
There is a pleasantness in vindication. In the sense that when the thorn or the source of one's distress is gone and the gracious healing and restoration suddenly comes flowing in. Even though there are people who are very good at troubling the waters, but when they are gone those water just seem to start calming down and people can again reconnect again as a community. I hope the reconnection continues and everyone is better and stronger for it. It sounds like a good time that we pray for healing of relationships - I will pray for you.

dougjb
some food for thought