Obedience, inspiration, joy, and hope

Once again I have been ordered out of my quiet solitude by Miss Bossy Sassy Femme. Actually, I’m quite moved that she noticed. Reminds me of the conversation in which I told my stepmother that I had a blog (and then had to explain what a blog was) and she asked me, “Why would anyone care?” Well, it seems that somebody does and it’s one of the many reasons that I so value my friend.

Sometimes there’s just too much to write about, so I write nothing. It’s all I can do to keep the whirring in my head down to a semi-deafening roar. Still, since Sassy’s summoning I will endeavor to give some of the highlights since Easter.

Last week I happened to see a notice for a lecture as I walked by a church near work. The speaker was someone that I had heard of in the past but wasn’t very familiar with. The reason it caught my attention was that I had just spent the last couple of days on one of my favorite “Episcopal happenings” site (my term) and had noticed that quite a few of the commenters referenced James Alison. Well it turned out that he was speaking the next night at this church and on one of my favorite themes—“How can I be gay and Catholic?” (read Christian) I was stunned by the man’s intellect but even more so by the spirit of the man. There was such peace and lack of resentment, anger, or bitterness. I walked away in awe, inspired and filled with hope. I am working my way through one of his books and must say it’s like learning how to read again. I think that I’m probably only getting a fraction of what he’s saying but I keep seeing his gentle humble face and am moved to go a little deeper.

The next day I was on a plane to Vermont to attend my friends’ wedding aka holy union blessing. What an incredible honor and privilege it was to see these 2 men, one of whom is a priest, who have loved, honored, and supported each other for almost 17 years make a public commitment before God, family, and friends. It was such an inspiration and so incredibly normal and right. I honestly don’t have words to express the profound hope and joy I felt all last weekend.

Then of course there has been the heartbreak of this week, for which I truly have no words. Some things are simply impossible to understand. Please remember the students, families, and community of Virginia Tech in your prayers.

Those were some of the highlights. There is much more but I think this should be sufficient for now—ok Miss Sassy? If I’m more quiet than usual, it’s simply because I’m trying to get organized with regard to financial aid applications and trying to navigate the logistics of completely uprooting my whole life. Prayers would be much appreciated!