Saturday, January 09, 2010

OMG: today was the day

I did it.  Still more to come, but I did it.

I came out to my board members today.  With the help and facilitation skills of some friends, I came out.

There were four who could not be there.  We'll clue them in later.  And carefully.

Of those there, each and everyone voiced loved, support, encouragement.  We don't care if your gay.

They said they will stand with me and coming out to our constituency.  They are willing!  And they don't want this to distract us from our core mission.  They want to move on but know there will be some reaction to deal with.

I cannot tell you how overjoyed, relieved, awed, and supported I feel right now.  Grace happens.

23 comments:

Neil said...

CONGRATULATIONS! I'm calling you right now!

Anonymous said...

Well done. Really pleased for you :-)

Java said...

Oh, what a relief! That's fantastic. I'm so pleased for you. This is so encouraging. Does this mean I can have some renewed hope for Christendom to accept homosexuality as normal?
Congratulations over and over and over again.

Ultra Dave said...

Glad to hear it! Good for you! Congratulations!

jim said...

Well done. It looks like your gamble paid off. I am very happy for you.

Birdie said...

How could they not? They know you for who you are and recognize you as a man whose heart is for God. And isn't that what matters? It is an answer to prayer.

Larry Ohio said...

I'm very happy for you Joe. I thought about you many times throughout the day, wishing for the best. I feel so very good for you!

BentonQuest said...

Yay!! I am so happy for you! God is good! Sounds like you have a great group there.

Jim said...

I'm very happy that things went well for you!

Go celebrate now!

Anonymous said...

This is GREAT news. Glad to hear that things are working out and they are showing you their support!

David@Montreal said...

Wonderful news!

'Grace happens-' yes indeed it does, and isn't it wonderful when folks surprise us with their grace?

Re Java's question, I'd suggest there's always grounds for hope- but it's one heart at a time. I take real hope from both the struggles and progress we're making in my own denomination.

Bravo Joe!

Jeff Shaumeyer said...

Phew.

Michael Dodd said...

Great news! Birdie says it for me -- How could they not under these circumstances?

The word verification for this comment is ablesse -- which I interpret today as you are awash in blessing.

manxxman said...

........there can now be peace in heaven.....I so proud of you.

Lemuel said...

How significant that this event happened on the weekend of the Baptism of our Lord - an event which signaled the beginning of his mission and ministry. Perhaps this your "Baptism" of dying to the old self and rising to the new may foreshadow a new direction, purpose and Grace in your mission and ministry.
What wondrous Love is this! HUGS!!!
Continued best wishes and prayers!

John said...

Angels we have heard on high sweetly singing o'er the plains...

How's that for a Christmas gift?

MICK said...

You were in our prayers, Joe. How could it not come out well for you.

...and you will continue to be in them.

Unknown said...

God is Awesome! He paved the way and will work the rest out!

A Troll At Sea said...

There.

How does freedom feel?

T@C

Juz said...

Well Done! It's a tough thing to do and I'm glad you've got such supportive friends. I hope your journey becomes easier. Thanks for sharing your blog with us.
Juz

Ice John's World said...

Just found your blog and first time comment here. Congratulations and well done!

Ur-spo said...

As usual, I am always the last in line to catch up on these things! I too wish you congratulations. brave man - you will do fine.

D Gregory Smith said...

"Grace happens", and you helped it by trusting in your own goodness, even for just a moment- that's all it needs.
XO, G