Bruxy's Blurbs
Quick thoughts from my seat on the bus
I love Jesus. He introduces me to the God of second chances (and seventy times seven chances). Sometimes I have thoughts that aren't directly about Jesus, but hopefully influenced by Jesus. Thoughts about life, about love, and maybe even about the legal system. I'm sharing those more personal updates here.
Not "Not Guilty"
My case was dismissed. How humbling. On the one hand, I was looking forward to "my day in court" to establish my innocence. I also know that for some people who don't know what to think about me, hearing a "not guilty" decision at the end of a trial would help them heal. On the other hand, I know many people would continue to believe the worst (or best) about me regardless. Many minds seem already settled. I also know that those who lean into my life, take the time to get to confront me, rebuke me, challenge me - I listen to them and they are the people I am accountable to, not those who judge from a distance. And so, I am ready to move forward in loving, accountable, caring community.
Power
Having power and abusing power are different things.
I was a pastor, I am an old white male, and I have communication gifts. All markers of power. Throughout much of history, old white religious leaders with influence have been the cause of so much pain. I understand how, to many, I represent the trigger to their former trauma. I seem to be the nexus of many people's discontent. But there are different kinds of power that I do not possess, like the power of an assertive personality, the power of persistence, or the power of self-confidence, for instance. I lack these. I have to work hard to approximate these traits. Yet, I do not assume that naturally self-confident, assertive people are automatically abusive. Thank you for not assuming the same about me.
Having power and abusing power are different things.
