Comments on: Why We Can’t Wait

By: Grandpa

Grandpa — Thu, 24 Jan 2008 03:44:19 +0000

Aaron, don’t worry about commenting in Erika’s blog space - that is part of the power and value of this blog. Tom, also - this is a public forum. It is about Erika and her immediate family, but it is about her friends, colleagues and many others who have found it to be a source of wisdom. I enjoy reading it, partly to keep in touch with the doings of the family, and partly because Erika is a wonderful writer who finds spiritual truths in the midst of babies, diapers, princess dolls and trucks as well as the chaos of the ‘hood. This has been an important discussion, and there have been many opinions expressed. I, like Erik, have selfish reasons to want them to move. I have tried to keep those out of the discussion, probably unsuccessfully. I hear you, Aaron, when you lament the loss of good people. I have a strong sense of commitment to people and projects that I get involved with, and also lament people that leave too easily or too soon. But I also understand that sometimes it is time to go. The hard part is recognizing it and letting go. It sounds like Catherine is wrestling with that very question. I don’t know if Tom is right about doing too many hard things, but I do think that there comes a time when one’s effectiveness is gone because one’s misgivings (or fears) get in the way. That is a good time to make room for someone new. I appreciate all of the comments from all of you, and am glad that you all recognize the love that was interlaced in my comments.

By: Tom

Tom — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 04:12:32 +0000

Sorry Erika and Catherine.

Got caught up in a public blog that–at least in this instance–turned out to be a private family conversation without clear signposts for those of us outside the family.

I take the fact that we all have personal and ideological axes to grind as a biblical given.

Gotta listen to family members and ideological influences and then make decisions on the basis of what we think God’s doing in our own lives.

I just think trying to do too many really difficult things usually doesn’t turn out very well.

Nothing pejorative intended. Just the opposite. Cool and unusual family, without a doubt :^)

By: Kacie

Kacie — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 19:17:01 +0000

Yep, just to respond, fear is legitimate and I think Grampa responds with the sensitivity that is much needed in times like this! I think he’s looking out for his family, which is beautiful.

By: aaron

aaron — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 18:28:41 +0000

thanks Erika for your kind words and for understanding my intent and to you Catherine as well. Thanks for the prayers!

Grace and Peace,

By: Catherine

Catherine — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:59:25 +0000

The phrase “everybody has an ideological or personal ax to grind” feels too pejorative to me, in this context. I personally didn’t feel that about anybody’s remarks here. I perceived that everybody was responding with genuine love and concern, hopeful that maybe personal experience could be helpful to friends who have a hard calling, whatever the specifics. I know that’s what motivated me to speak about issues I often keep guarded (thank you, Erika, for that recognition), and I sensed exactly the same even from those who were offering a slightly different emphasis.

Kacie and Pastor Aaron are both added to my prayers — those of us who have been there do pray with special ferocity for people in the firing line. Intercession is one way our ministry goes on.

By: erika

erika — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:09:24 +0000

Aaron, Kacie and Catherine,

Thank you for your own vulnerability in sharing here as well. I am always grateful for the sharing of thoughts and experiences and understanding that can take place here, even if in a limited form. It is a good thing to have different voices weighing in on what is complicated at best, which must certainly be true of our callings from God.

Catherine, your words ring true concerning seasons and the incomprehensibility of calling at times…thanks too for your gracious response to our beloved Grandpa.

By: erika

erika — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:04:23 +0000

Thanks, Erik. We miss you guys tons and Mercy still goes around singing the Shrek theme song…

By: erika

erika — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 16:02:35 +0000

Grandpa,

Of course you know that I receive your words with the love and concern and care that we so deeply appreciate from you guys. Thank you for speaking your own heart as I have likewise sought to do here in this space.

By: Erik

Erik — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 08:19:42 +0000

We want y’all to move, but for totally selfish reasons. We just love to be with you and it’s a little hard from here. So, if it’s makes it any easier, I’ll cruise down, help you pack, drive with Doug back up here, help you unpack, and enjoy a pleasant Haubitfull life making music and playing with the kiddos.
But, since i aint in charge around here and these posts are more serious than I usually care to be, I’ll just say that we love ya’ll and wish to be alongside you no matter where you are.

preferably at McMennemins :^)>

By: Tom

Tom — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 06:16:18 +0000

I don’t want to oversimplify or downplay the wise advice you’ve gotten through the thread.

Everybody has an ideological or personal ax to grind.

But maybe you just have too much on your plate :^)

Sometimes stress makes us say things and make decisions we regret in the future.