How about a little resurrection around here?
You were released from your position as Branch President. I don’t know what the proper things is to say. Congratulations? I’m sorry? Good luck? Thank you? Really, I think I’d say a little of each.
Thank you for your service and your seeking to do right by god and for the branch. The type of dedicated service you have given is a deeply sacred offering. It took sacrifice, love, humility, patience, and a measure of endurance through the wrestle. I am so glad for the ways you have been stretched and the ways you have come to know god as you faithfully served alongside him.
Good luck in the future which, at this point is pretty mysterious. That’s my fault and I apologize. I trust that whatever you do or wherever you are, you will be the steady, thoughtful, wise friend I know you as.
I’m sorry for any way that I have or do hold you back. I’m sorry this experience is over if you feel there was something left undone. I hope you can be merciful with yourself; just as merciful as you are toward me.
And congratulations. Job well done. May you feel the relief of a burden lifted and may you retain the lessons learned and the blessings received.
I love you, Boy. I love what you do and how you do things. I love how your mind works. I love how you are thoughtful and gracious towards others even when they don’t deserve it. I love how you father our kids. I love the home you have built with me. I love how you love me.
I wrote out some of my beliefs, intending to share them with the branch the other day, but then I chickened out. I don’t like speaking in any spotlight and I also don’t relish feeling like a misfit, both reasons for my chickening out. After I heard Sister Snedecor share her testimony with so much reverence and conviction, hitting all the traditionally expected points of beliefs, I was relieved that I chose to stay seated ultimately. I still think there is something valuable in sharing one’s deeply held hopes and understandings of the world, so I’ll awkwardly copy my written statement here and share it with you.
To me, god is love. I find god in my experiences with people, when I give and when I receive service, in my family, in music, and in the woods or by the water. I have hope that there is more to this life than meets the eye. I find peace and deep meaning in following the example of Jesus. I understand intimately the pain of watching those you love suffer and die. I find peace in god sometimes, while other times I really rail against the suffering that seems senseless. I’ve found that even when I’m bitter, I feel loved, I feel a divine pull towards goodness and hope. I choose to have faith that good things will come.
L
