In the words of the great theologian of Tennessee, “I hope life will treat you kind. I fully recognize that many of my colleagues and even congregations I served, might take another path. Many have held weddings, and funerals of people they cherish. Many have raised children, gone through confirmation, and received the Sacrament of Baptism and Holy Communion. May we allow each other time and space to grieve, so that we can live no matter which path is taken? Let us hold in mind, that many have spent their entire life within a specific church. One dolly-ism comes to mind, “if a bird and fish fall in love, where will they make a home?” No matter the decision or the path, we continue to have this in common, John Wesley’s General Rules: “Do No Harm, Do Good, and Attend Upon the Ordinances of God.” Let us strive daily to live these rules in our lives and churches. It seems that my denomination, its leaders, members, and clergy are at a crossroads. Though I have not always agreed with my denomination at times, I will not abandon the denomination I have spent my life or the covenant I made at my ordination. I am so much better and have a deeper understanding of God’s love and grace because of how the United Methodist Church witnessed the love of Christ to me.įor these reasons and more, I will remain United Methodist. The United Methodist Church provided much-needed prayers that sustained me and my family during times of sorrow, uncertainty, and struggle. The United Methodist Church prayed for my family as we journeyed to China to adopt our oldest daughter and celebrated with us as we welcomed our miracle baby into the world. For nearly 23 years, the United Methodist Church, provided housing, health insurance, and salary to support me and my family. I have been privileged to serve in Hart, Abilene, Rule, Haskell, Vernon, and Midland within the United Methodist Church. The United Methodist Church would invest in me so that I could attend Duke Divinity School and would support me throughout the ordination process. Within this congregation, I would answer a call to full-time ministry. FUMC Aspermont would be a safe place for me to explore and ask questions about faith and a calling. A place where I always felt loved and accepted. This would be the church I made a profession of faith and was baptized. In 1979, FUMC Aspermont would become my home church. Both sets of my grandparents attended United Methodist Churches in their communities of Jayton, and Aspermont. I even remember riding my bike to Agape to attend activities. Our family would soon attend a new neighborhood church, Agape UMC in Lubbock. My earliest memories of the church began at St. I have been part of the United Methodist Church all my life. I know that in and through my grieving, I will choose to live. I have even found myself and permitted myself to grieve and weep. It grieves my soul and heart what is taking place within the United Methodist Church. It seems we have forgotten that second commandment that Christ himself gave us in Matthew 22:39, “ A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.” Sadly, the popular motto is, “If you disagree with me, you must be the enemy.” Healthy, respectful, and Christian dialogue has too often gone by the wayside. It appears that forgiveness is in short supply in today’s world. The song was Dolly’s way of expressing to Porter Waggoner that it was time for her to embark on her solo career. No matter the version you have downloaded by Whitney Houston or Dolly Parton, the song, “ I Will Always Love You”, is a song of forgiveness and letting go. Whitney Houston I Will Always Love You lyricsĪnd I hope you have all you've dreamed of.The most iconic, popular, and, perhaps, misunderstood song was written in 1974.
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