Things at the church have been going pretty good. There's a unity in the church since Thanksgiving that we have not had before. It's great!
Right now, we do not have an internal CA. But the old CA is still out of it... You remember the one, who went around telling lies on dh, tried to get dh in trouble w/ the presbyter, etc. Well, after LEAVING the church 4, yes FOUR months ago, he is still at it. He is STILL calling up people in our church & telling them who knows what. So, can you please try to help me understand? Why would a "Christian brother" keep doing this? So, he didn't get his way. He left the church. He is totally out to DESTROY dh & the church. WHY?
At Christmas, we went to our sectional pastor's Christmas party. We had a Christian comedian there. He told us that instead of sitting up night's stressing over people, we should just say "It's a mystery to me" and go about our business. Well, I've been doing this. But sometimes, like today, this CA just really gets to me.
I think everybody has had somebody like this in their church at some time or other. We all have our baptism by fire.
I agree with the comedian. I know it's hard but we have to develop a posture like that or we'll die (from stress) or if we live we'll make ourselves crazy. My husband doesn't lay awake at night about anything anymore. He came to the place a few years ago where he just said, 'if I can't control it, it's no use staying up over it.' If he can control it then he just doesn't whatever he has to do to change it. As for me I'm more of a worrier. But I've gotten a lot better through the years.
You have to come to the place where you realize that some people are "bad" Christians. What I mean by that is, they don't represent the Lord very well or follow his teachings entirely. A great book to read is, "When Bad Christians Happen to Good People" by Dave Burchett. I have also heard that Beth Moore has a good book on this subject though I have never read it.
I understand what you are going through. I've been there before, and we have just dealt with a situation in our church with someone. And just like you, we are experiencing greater blessing and unity than ever. But it is still an irritation. And you have to hold your head up, walk through it and lead strongly. Cry in private, cry to us here on the web, cry to your pastor friends but whatever you do, don't let the church see you sweat.
We're here for you, Trace. Remember, though he is out to destroy your dh and the church, we stand with you that no weapon formed against you will prosper and every tongue that rises up against you will fall. We cancel the enemy's assignment over your dh, you and the church.
Thank you Deanna for your words. I do pretty good most of the time, but when I heard the CA is "back at it," the old pain resurfaced. It doesn't help that I'm an analyzer by nature w/ a background in psychology. It is my nature to find out the "why's" of this man's behavior, and hard to say "it's a mystery to me." But I am trying. As I tell dh, it's easier for me to handle now that he is out of the church. At least I don't have to look at his face at church anymore. But I would love to yell at the guy "WOULD YOU JUST GET OVER IT & GROW UP!"
The Burchett book sounds interesting. I think that is one that I'm going to have to find.
Thanks for letting me vent & for your encouragement.
I read Deanna's comments and it ministered to me. We do stress a lot over "stuff" that goes on, but the Lord really has it in his hands. Good teaching.
