Renewal

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When I was asked by the editors of The Light to write an article with the theme of renewal and transition, I will admit I was more than just a little nervous. I knew that to properly tell my story I would need to reveal some rather personal aspects of the past few years. I struggled with whether anyone would be interested in my story, or even if I was qualified to discuss the weighty issues of renewal and rejuvenation during the season of Lent. In the end, I decided to reflect upon the past few years and perhaps my story will be familiar to some of you.
Most of you would not have recognized me about six years ago. I was living with my partner in a small house in Seattle. I had no friends, and I was in the midst of an abusive and unhealthy marriage. I volunteered at a few non-profits on Capitol Hill, but I was afraid to let anyone to get close to me. I was aloof and distant with other volunteers fearing that they would find out that I was failing in most aspects of my life. I was quite lonely and alone.
I was raised Roman Catholic, but I had not been practicing my faith for many years. Due to my desperate and unhappy life, I began a simple prayer. It became my mantra. I asked God to change my life. I emphasized that I wanted radical change, but I was unspecific. I asked for God to change my life, but I left the details up to God.
In 2007 my family discovered that my father had Stage Four Pancreatic Cancer. I returned to the Catholic Church and attended Mass sporadically. My father passed away in January 2008, and through that loss I rediscovered my faith.
My partner and I moved to Whidbey Island in 2009. My marriage was worse than ever, and my prayer for God’s intervention became more emphatic. I decided to find a faith community....

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... for Congregational Developments are gifts that have enriched my soul and given me perspective and guidance. My renewal and journey have no limits, and that is a very recent discovery.
My journey was enriched in 2013 when together we took the first steps towards establishing an Integrity Chapter at St. Augustine’s. It seemed inconceivable that I was not only accepted as a gay man within my faith community, but I and all LGBT parishioners are loved and assured that we are equal parts of the body of Christ.
My personal story may be unique to me, but the message of Christ’s love and the power of the Holy Spirit are true for all of us. The solemn season of Lent reminds us that Christ’s resurrection wasn’t meant for a few people, or even many people, Christ’s love is for all people. It took me almost 50 years to learn that; I am renewed and my personal journey continues.

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