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Jeff's avatar

Joshua,

On the few Sundays I shared with you and your family, while visiting from out of town, I found you genuine in your faith and passionate about your ministry.

After spending countless Sunday mornings in various churches over the last half century, I've experienced similar trouble with church more than once.

Because of this, I have learned to lament over the church, something I have found to be deep within the history and heart of God's people. Biblical lamentation is a cry (of pain or sadness) or complaint (of injustice) leading to hope.

I encourage you to continue to give voice to your lamentations, while holding on to hope, guarding your heart against resentment lest you allow a root of bitterness to grow. I hear your sadness and pain, and understand your complaint, while not sensing any bitterness..so far.

If you will continue as you are, you will find lamentation to be a means of grace and growth, strengthening your faith, enabling you to encourage others to find, and use, their voice as well.

May you continue on your pilgrimage with hope, for our King has gone before us to prepare an everlasting place, a place we call home.

I look forward to seeing you there.

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Christina's avatar

There is so much language here that resonates in my experiences. I'm so tearful in reading this, but grateful for the way that you process and communicate about the difficult things - you encourage and empower me.

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