I am fascinated by this series Jess.It makes me think of a fellow AA member,passed away unfortunately, who I dubbed “the Irreverent Reverend”. He became a Methodist Minister after becoming sober. Everybody loved him! He was down to earth, humble, loving and exhausted. At a church workshop he brought to our attention the phrase “paradigm shift”. Hmmm. Most didn’t want to go there. He retired soon after, at a relatively young age. I recall another AA friend telling me that previously he had confided a desire to become a martyr. I think he kinda got what he wished for. His retirement consisted of illness after illness. It seemed to me that a paradigm shift in the area of clergy and service was going to be long and difficult. I get an image of an ancient, weary dinosaur being prompted to MOVE, to slowly reveal its swollen misshapen underbelly, and yield to the vulnerability it presents. AA tells us that EGO stands for Edging God Out. I remember Jerry (my minister friend) sharing that after attending a huge convention of clergy, he came away with the sense that maybe 10% of them were what he’d consider spiritual. The rest seemed to be wrapped up in dogma and politics. There you have it. I think what made a difference for him was a truly loving wife at his side. Bless you Jess. I’m happy for and your family, and so appreciate your brave heart and spirit!
A very interesting perspective.
Of course, the loneliness of a priest’s life is well known; and, you can sense something is missing when you come into contact with most of them.
I grew up in Ireland, at a time when the land and most facets of life were controlled and influenced by the clergy.
Even back then, many lay people were sympathetic to the lonely life led by priests.
Thankfully we have now developed into a much more secular society.
Chris 🔵
I am fascinated by this series Jess.It makes me think of a fellow AA member,passed away unfortunately, who I dubbed “the Irreverent Reverend”. He became a Methodist Minister after becoming sober. Everybody loved him! He was down to earth, humble, loving and exhausted. At a church workshop he brought to our attention the phrase “paradigm shift”. Hmmm. Most didn’t want to go there. He retired soon after, at a relatively young age. I recall another AA friend telling me that previously he had confided a desire to become a martyr. I think he kinda got what he wished for. His retirement consisted of illness after illness. It seemed to me that a paradigm shift in the area of clergy and service was going to be long and difficult. I get an image of an ancient, weary dinosaur being prompted to MOVE, to slowly reveal its swollen misshapen underbelly, and yield to the vulnerability it presents. AA tells us that EGO stands for Edging God Out. I remember Jerry (my minister friend) sharing that after attending a huge convention of clergy, he came away with the sense that maybe 10% of them were what he’d consider spiritual. The rest seemed to be wrapped up in dogma and politics. There you have it. I think what made a difference for him was a truly loving wife at his side. Bless you Jess. I’m happy for and your family, and so appreciate your brave heart and spirit!