A short update, and some insights. There was one family at Milestone, in particular, that my own children dearly loved. Although it's been quite awhile since we were there, they still write letters and talk about this family regularly. They asked me, a month or so ago, if I could contact the parents and see if they might visit with their friends again. I was hesitant to do so but realized that refusing to do so would make me more like the people at Milestone who betrayed our friendship that I wanted to be. So, I dutifully sent emails and facebook messages, reminding my children that the answer would probably be "no." I didn't want them to get their hopes up.
A month or so went by with no word so I assumed they didn't even think us worthy of a response. But the other day, I did get a response. Of course, the answer was "no." Who'da thunk it?
As I was discussing this with my husband, I noted that church is a business. The market is saturated and everyone needs more market share. I reflected that Jeff Little simply loved reading business management books. I understand why, now. He was building a business and trying to figure out how to get people on board with pushing his product (not Jesus. His church building.).
I also began to reflect that, had our dear friends attended a different church (which never would have happened in all likelihood because we were all so busy recruiting for our own church and spending time with those at our own church), their reaction would have been completely different. I can't think of one person at Milestone Church, had we known them through some other entity, would have stopped being friends with us, or called us liars, or tried to pin the blame on us in some way. I can only imagine warm hugs, love, and compassion from those, our dearly beloved.
That was a frightening vision because I saw clearly, again, how people are really convinced that they are following Jesus but are, in fact, simply following a pastor. I sincerely doubt that the family who were once our dear friends have ever stopped to consider what their reaction might have been had they not been attending the very same church. Would friendships be lost? Surely not. What a pathetic imitation of Father's love for us. Good grief.
On a lighter note, however, it is my pleasure to say that I am still walking closer to Father these days. And not in that weird Christiany way by which most people mean that they are praying more. I am "getting" the message of Jesus more and more, I think. The key word to me these days is "light." The world can be a very dark place. The church not excepted. Jesus was the light of the world. As are we.
In keeping with this sentiment, I tried valiantly to respond to my former friend with love and kindness while pointing out the complete absurdity of the loss of friendship based on a building attendance choice. I really was nice. Honestly.
And, while I miss my friend, I am relieved that her children won't be around my children anytime soon, tainting them with the falsified love that their family embodies or the religious ideals that keep people clean on the outside but whitewashed tombs inwardly. I'm really praying for a day when we can love and be loved in truth and wholeness based on nothing other than the idea that he who is loved much, loves much. Perhaps that day will come in my lifetime. If not.... they have to spend eternity with us anyway! Ha!
