It has been a while since I have last posted, and nearly 5 years since I first posted.
On reflection much has changed, and at the same time, things are still the same. I have been single for most of this period. But I have my own roof and have enjoyed the task of making the place my own. I am also a Godfather, and love my friends for bestowing such an honour upon myself. They are like family.
I have had the privilege to come in to contact with many nice people as a a result of this blog, and have even met some in person too. Some I plan to meet one day when I venture out into the world outside of Australia. One day 🙂
I have been criticized by some, accused of being a coffee catholic and leading people astray. At the end of the day, people have a conscience, and are expected to use it. The church has a problem where it focus’s its energy on things of a personal nature, on peoples personal morality, and are so focused on persecuting minorities such as the LGBT communities and and single or divorced women that for big issues such as poverty and fairness for others they often turn a blind eye. In many cases they become entangled in local conservative politics, or worse, protect their own transgressions. As far as child abuse in the Church goes, its far more heinous a sin for two people who love each other to sleep together, than the sexual abuse of a child by a member of the clergy. They are more entitled to forgiveness than a women who’s husband has abandoned her. Hypocrisy. I am not perfect, but neither is the institution that preaches to us each Sunday. The church is just as prone to corruption as any of us, and indeed it happens every day.
There have been times I have wanted to hit the delete button. There are things here that are painful reminders for me, things I’d rather forget. Then, out of the blue I will get an email from someone who share their story with me, and how they feel connected, that they are not alone. At the end of the day, that is what I set out to do when I started this. I felt alone, and disconnected, and wanted to help myself and others to feel that they are not alone out there. At the end of this day, it is bigger than just me.
I know I haven’t written in a while, and to some extent I lost the fire in my belly to continue writing on here. At times I’ve felt lost, or hopeless. But in some ways I am never truly alone, God sends someone into your life when you need it most. I am blessed to be surrounded by loving family and friends.
I hope to write more on here this year, we’ll see how things go.
Thank you to those who have reached out to contact me over the years, and for those that keep myself and others in their prayers.
Josh
