This entire story captures so much of what I’ve felt watching the church handle abuse, power, and accountability. It’s heartbreaking how often protecting the institution takes priority over protecting people. The image of the fence being an illusion hit hard — that’s exactly how it felt when I finally stepped outside of the version of faith I grew up in. Thank you for putting language to that tension.
Brilliant. Thank you so much, you are going from strength to strength, or whatever it's called ;)
With regard to those 'warning' other sheep about the dangers of things 'out there', Suzie's story reminds me of something I wrote on Facebook a few weeks ago:
"[It’s] so sad; [legalists] are still clinging to the side of their swimming pool, shouting unheeded and unnecessary warnings to those who are out in the deep waters of faith and living life to the full". I don't know if sheep like swimming, but Suzie is one of those out swimming and enjoying herself :D
Hello, Christy! You gained a new follower on Substack and Instagram today. Me! I came here to see what your spicy parable was all about. It's a true story. Hard relate...and, I loved it. Happy to be here.
Oh boy. This hits HARD. I have a DCTalk tee shirt around here somewhere signed by all three members from a concert I went to when I was sixteen. Tait signed it then wiped his sweaty forehead on it, making a joke about my new tee shirt having afro sheen on it. He was my favorite member of DCTalk after that.
Thank you for always speaking truth, Christy. Even when it hurts.
It’s really sad. And even more sad is that people knew about it or hints of it for years but never said anything. 😢 Not keeping people accountable doesn’t help them.
This is so good. We need more parables. Soren Kierkegaard is one of my heroes, and he often resorted to parables in trying to reach his blinded, nominal Christian nation of Denmark. You might enjoy this similar parable of sorts I wrote last year, about a whistleblower that no one listened to: https://open.substack.com/pub/onceaweek/p/womanly-trouble?r=16589c&utm_medium=ios
I loved how you framed the obvious of what is taking place in the evangelical world through the eyes of this little sheep. I always look forward to reading your posts.
Don’t get discouraged, you are making a difference. I look forward each week to your Sunday morning email. It starts my week off on an insightful note. I get where you are coming from, I am in education and was raised in a strict SBC home. Your writing has been very meaningful to me as I shake off the past.
Don’t worry about people who unsubscribe, Christy. There can be many reasons. You just keep being you and sharing about the abuse. It will embolden some to think for themselves, and hopefully, go to the Shepherd and talk with Him about their particular sheep pen. Is it healthy? Only He can reveal the truth to them and then show them what to do after that.
This entire story captures so much of what I’ve felt watching the church handle abuse, power, and accountability. It’s heartbreaking how often protecting the institution takes priority over protecting people. The image of the fence being an illusion hit hard — that’s exactly how it felt when I finally stepped outside of the version of faith I grew up in. Thank you for putting language to that tension.
You are so very welcome! Thanks for reading.
Brilliant. Thank you so much, you are going from strength to strength, or whatever it's called ;)
With regard to those 'warning' other sheep about the dangers of things 'out there', Suzie's story reminds me of something I wrote on Facebook a few weeks ago:
"[It’s] so sad; [legalists] are still clinging to the side of their swimming pool, shouting unheeded and unnecessary warnings to those who are out in the deep waters of faith and living life to the full". I don't know if sheep like swimming, but Suzie is one of those out swimming and enjoying herself :D
Yes! I love your analogy too!! Freedom is a wonderful thing. 😊
Hello, Christy! You gained a new follower on Substack and Instagram today. Me! I came here to see what your spicy parable was all about. It's a true story. Hard relate...and, I loved it. Happy to be here.
Aw, thanks for letting me know, Rita! 😊
"Michael Tait”
Oh boy. This hits HARD. I have a DCTalk tee shirt around here somewhere signed by all three members from a concert I went to when I was sixteen. Tait signed it then wiped his sweaty forehead on it, making a joke about my new tee shirt having afro sheen on it. He was my favorite member of DCTalk after that.
Thank you for always speaking truth, Christy. Even when it hurts.
It’s really sad. And even more sad is that people knew about it or hints of it for years but never said anything. 😢 Not keeping people accountable doesn’t help them.
I would buy it when you would make this story into a book.
Loved this post. Thank you, just what I needed to hear today.
Thank you! So glad it spoke to you.
I once wrote a piece called "Jesus Rebel with a Cause". It may still be on my personal blog. www.my-coffee-with-christ.com
Thanks for sharing this!
This is so good. We need more parables. Soren Kierkegaard is one of my heroes, and he often resorted to parables in trying to reach his blinded, nominal Christian nation of Denmark. You might enjoy this similar parable of sorts I wrote last year, about a whistleblower that no one listened to: https://open.substack.com/pub/onceaweek/p/womanly-trouble?r=16589c&utm_medium=ios
Thank you!
I loved how you framed the obvious of what is taking place in the evangelical world through the eyes of this little sheep. I always look forward to reading your posts.
That was really good. Sometimes a story hits, like nothing else can!
Thanks! 😁 I’ve already lost subscribers. Sometimes a story hits. 🤦🏻 Problem is, I don’t think they even see it.
I subscribed because of this story!❤️
Yay! Thank you!
It spoke to me and was wonderful just what I needed. Thank you!
Thank you for letting me know that! 💕
You are welcome!! 💕
Don’t get discouraged, you are making a difference. I look forward each week to your Sunday morning email. It starts my week off on an insightful note. I get where you are coming from, I am in education and was raised in a strict SBC home. Your writing has been very meaningful to me as I shake off the past.
Don’t worry about people who unsubscribe, Christy. There can be many reasons. You just keep being you and sharing about the abuse. It will embolden some to think for themselves, and hopefully, go to the Shepherd and talk with Him about their particular sheep pen. Is it healthy? Only He can reveal the truth to them and then show them what to do after that.
Thank you! It’s always a little disheartening when I have known them personally. 😬 I appreciate this. 💕