Being a Homey!

In the 17 months we've been in Alexandria, we have had some mild experiences with what it means to not be a 'homey', that is, one who is from Alexandria. Today we really had a greater experience of what it is like to be an outsider. It was a brutally painful day.

Of course, nobody likes confrontation, so we avoid it by avoiding one another. Let me say that it was nobody from FBC. I have noticed that there are times when some things don't go the way I think they should, and at times I have learned it is the fact that we are not from Alexandria.

Because of some things we have done to help our kids, we found ourselves in a very different, a very weird situation. I won't go into details. Let me just say, respect one another, love one another, don't look with skepticism at others who want to do good. We want to do good, and at times to do this, you need to indicate what is not good, with a willingness to be part of the solution, but when that happens, you get labeled. If we were homey's we would have the 'right' to speak out.

I am angry at what this means for Joshua and Zachary. When it comes to sports will they be looked over, will teachers look at them differently, how will life be different for them because they are not from this town? I am not fooling myself, we all have issues, I am not exempt, in fact, nobody is. Joshua and Zachary have done nothing wrong, other than be themselves.

Why is it we cannot walk up to one another and simply say something that is on our hearts and minds, doing it with love and grace. Instead we brutally avoid one another and tell the world about it, and make it very obvious we are not happy with one another.

Lastly, I've seen it in our church, and I need to tell you it disgusts me. In fact, it does more than disgust me, but some of you would be angry at the words I use to describe the anger I feel about this type of behavior by 'so called Christians.' I'd like to wake them out of their narcissistic prideful arrogant slumber. Yes, I'm a little passionate about this!!

While people are dying and going to hell, we act like a bunch of jerks. Ever wonder why the world does not want to be in the church? Sometimes we just need to take a good hard look at ourselves.

. . . Okay, I'm done venting, I'm still angry, but as Isaiah said, "this too shall pass. . ." . . . I hope.