That crazy, crazy church!

Oh, that crazy, crazy church!

Decades ago, I found myself so disappointed with the church that I had to choose between "the church" and "not the church." I chose "not the church."

I chose wrongly.


The consequences of that choice are still affecting me today. When I realized the error of that first choice, another choice loomed in front of me.

I had to choose to either be a "good" church member and be "just fine," while living a broken life behind others backs, or I had to choose to be transparent while working at making the church better. Reluctantly, I chose the latter.

It hasn't been easy. I knew I would open myself to trust people who would slander me, to forgive people who would not extend the same grace to me, to serve people who would never be satisfied, and to work for people who would not show thanks or appreciation. I knew I would be genuine to disingenuous people. I knew I would be honest to the dishonest. When I chose to rejoin church, I chose to be lied to, walked upon, used up, tossed aside, and hurt by people who should do the opposite. It hasn't been easy.

You know what else I've found? I've found I'm not alone. There are other people in the church who want to see it become the Bride of Grace it's supposed to be. There are others who work to build unity and trust within the church. I've found people who are honest and genuine. I've found people full of grace for my failings. I've found people who serve at any cost. I've found people who trust me when I don't deserve it.

It's up to us. Do we choose to be "just fine"? Or do we risk being transparent? Do we risk being hurt or do we leave?

I don't know about you, but I'm not leaving.