Today, I joined some friends in mourning the untimely death of a friend and brother.
In honor of privacy, I continue to keep (most) things anonymous.
This was a friend from my earlier life. Most of these friends are from my earlier life. Some of the friendships have been allowed to continue into my current life, but only a select few. The process of changing from devout-Christian to non-religious and non-monogamous doesn't leave much in the line of similarities. I don't want to worship like they do. I don't know how to have a similar worldview. I sometimes find it hard to explain the way I view relationships and love.
There was love here, for this departed friend. I also felt a lot of cynicism (naturally) because so much of the assurance and comfort given was placed in religion. I went to show my love and support for this family, and I do not shame them for their beliefs. I do not agree with the level of religious fluff that was added (all but an altar call, get it?) and honestly I appreciate most of it because it is in line with the beliefs of the deceased. He was incredibly devoted to Jesus and sharing love through prayer and care. He was outgoing mostly because he took evangelism seriously and had a heart for other people to see peace, know love. That is what makes this worth my time. I do not have to agree with you to see that you are honest and trustworthy. But for Christ's sake we don't need an unrelated sermon and hypothetical explanations of Heaven (sigh so Hollywood, melodrama..)
To the family, I sincerely mourn this loss. I expect you feel it the most. I know it is felt in so many of us. I hope you do not hear my critique as condemnation, but rather a form of expression of my own feelings.
I truly support you.
I truly value his love for Jesus and others.
I truly appreciated the expressions of sadness, sorrow, greif, and glimpses of laughter, joy, love, and fond memories.
In honor of privacy, I continue to keep (most) things anonymous.
This was a friend from my earlier life. Most of these friends are from my earlier life. Some of the friendships have been allowed to continue into my current life, but only a select few. The process of changing from devout-Christian to non-religious and non-monogamous doesn't leave much in the line of similarities. I don't want to worship like they do. I don't know how to have a similar worldview. I sometimes find it hard to explain the way I view relationships and love.
There was love here, for this departed friend. I also felt a lot of cynicism (naturally) because so much of the assurance and comfort given was placed in religion. I went to show my love and support for this family, and I do not shame them for their beliefs. I do not agree with the level of religious fluff that was added (all but an altar call, get it?) and honestly I appreciate most of it because it is in line with the beliefs of the deceased. He was incredibly devoted to Jesus and sharing love through prayer and care. He was outgoing mostly because he took evangelism seriously and had a heart for other people to see peace, know love. That is what makes this worth my time. I do not have to agree with you to see that you are honest and trustworthy. But for Christ's sake we don't need an unrelated sermon and hypothetical explanations of Heaven (sigh so Hollywood, melodrama..)
To the family, I sincerely mourn this loss. I expect you feel it the most. I know it is felt in so many of us. I hope you do not hear my critique as condemnation, but rather a form of expression of my own feelings.
I truly support you.
I truly value his love for Jesus and others.
I truly appreciated the expressions of sadness, sorrow, greif, and glimpses of laughter, joy, love, and fond memories.
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