tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post9139563422915536709..comments2023-09-30T05:42:51.940-04:00Comments on BLOGINTHENOW: From the HeartBishop Jim Swilleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17367155153494024919noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-72196415963868500252010-11-16T01:56:13.203-05:002010-11-16T01:56:13.203-05:00Pastor Swilley, when I found your story on AOL new...Pastor Swilley, when I found your story on AOL news, you brought a tear to my eye and profound sense of grace to my heart. It takes abundant courage – a blessing from the God you love, who loves you – to go against a popular, often hateful opinion and face the potential of your own alienation in order to save lives. I'm reminded of the question surrounding the Good Samaritan, "Who is my neighbor?" It's the man – the outcast – who showed mercy, and that is what you, through your own cross, have done. You may not physically die by this, but you have laid down your reputation and livelihood on an altar for another's sake, despite whatever consequences there may have been. That's the meaning of Christ's love.<br /><br />John 15:13 "No one has greater love than this, that one should lay down his life for his friends."<br /><br />I'd say God Bless you, but I believe he already has.Marynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-32263354892080904652010-11-15T20:59:49.974-05:002010-11-15T20:59:49.974-05:00Dear Pastor Jim Swilley,
I just watched the vide...Dear Pastor Jim Swilley,<br /> <br />I just watched the video of your message to your congregation about your sexual orientation. It was an authentic and powerful message for the congregation. But it was also an important and articulate message to the wider Church. I would like to thank you for your careful and care-filled words. At a time of great hypocrisy in the church, depression among gay youth, and tempered support for the LGBT community, you have decided to stand on the side of integrity, support, and boldness. Thank you. <br /> <br />I don't know how this will impact your ministry. But I know that God will continue to use you in good and faithful ways. In fact, I imagine God saying these words from Scripture about your ministry: "See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland" (Isaiah 43:19). May those sacred words be true in your life and ministry. May God do a new thing through you. And may God make a way in the desert that leads to all kinds of new blessings.<br /> <br />For what it's worth, you have my blessing and support - from one pastor to another.<br /> <br />Peace,<br /><br />Pastor Brian BrandsmeierPastor Brianhttp://faithucciowacity.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-90244416230483883742010-11-09T22:06:17.119-05:002010-11-09T22:06:17.119-05:00cool interview.. i love you guyscool interview.. i love you guysdgm2007https://www.blogger.com/profile/10081511927246532035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-59654924914292756632010-11-04T15:27:56.646-04:002010-11-04T15:27:56.646-04:00Speaking of Singapore, there are a number of inter...Speaking of Singapore, there are a number of interesting and moving videos regarding acceptance of GLBT people in that country posted on Youtube if you search using the words: Pink Dot Singapore. To me the best video is still the one created for the 2009 celebration of GLBT families in Hong Lim Park, entitled "Red + White = Pink." There are some other moving testimonies there as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-20224491980675040822010-11-04T05:50:23.372-04:002010-11-04T05:50:23.372-04:00Thank you for coming out. Thank you for having the...Thank you for coming out. Thank you for having the courage. <br /><br />If your church was in my area that is where I would go.<br /><br />God blessKris Khttp://kristenmomof3.xanga.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-84785436391270354062010-11-03T19:47:17.145-04:002010-11-03T19:47:17.145-04:00Greetings from S'pore. Thankyou for your incre...Greetings from S'pore. Thankyou for your incredible step of faith,courage and bravery.<br /><br />Had a visitor to a church once who was gay. Was led by the Holy Spirit to ask him out for coffee. I felt I needed to talk to him. He said no, but smiled at me saying that he is unlikely to come back again. He never came back... he committed suicide and I suspect came to church to reconcile with God.<br /><br />In Asia, we do really need your ministry.<br /><br />http://www.psa91.comGentle Lambhttp://www.psa91.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-64800453339740554692010-11-03T01:18:41.248-04:002010-11-03T01:18:41.248-04:00I so enjoy all of these comments. Sanity has alwa...I so enjoy all of these comments. Sanity has always been amongst us. <br /><br /> All are excellent. In particular O, comment, 1101, 705 PM. - “Two-spirit” people can also be referred to as ‘spirit’ people, or borderless, or ‘many-spirited’ and other terms. The point is that people have always existed that see, live like a prism, in a kaleidoscope – experience the reality through infinite expressions. If it can be said or written, a light similarity to how G-D sees. <br /><br />Singular fear is a contrast to peace and acceptance. Law and Love can coexist. In the end, law is subservient to Love. Jesus completed the law, submitted to Love. Thought or consideration that challenges law, is the same as acting it out in full physical reality, <br /><br />It has always been, The Spirit has always lived as us, before the foundation. <br /><br />I am pleased to be a witness.Erikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09639126458428187942noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-42378905367451191652010-11-02T23:59:27.208-04:002010-11-02T23:59:27.208-04:00God Bless You. Thank you so much for having the co...God Bless You. Thank you so much for having the courage to come out and be an inspiration and guiding light of love for so many of us. God bless you and thank you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-62204279800527819792010-11-02T19:56:53.287-04:002010-11-02T19:56:53.287-04:00Bish, Debye, DE, --- I just now saw the video!! (...Bish, Debye, DE, --- I just now saw the video!! (Nov.2) I had no idea what y'all were talking about. Guess I don't gossip. I agree(where 2 or 3 agree) that CITN and DE's church, are going someplace no other church has gone. Keep on listening to the truth from your spirit, which is connected to The Spirit. I am amazed that the truth is pulling me to be willing go with you, but I am.( like Tommy in the Philippines) I wish so much that there was a church, really open to all, all means ALL!!!!! I think now<br />more will feel the truth of the love of inclusion.<br /><br />Anon in North GAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-60837606963508610212010-11-02T19:44:27.139-04:002010-11-02T19:44:27.139-04:00Bravo! Thank you for being a breath of fresh air ...Bravo! Thank you for being a breath of fresh air in the greater Christian community. We are so used to being vilified by the religious right that your message comes as a shock -- A very powerful, uplifting shock. Thank you for your honesty and integrity.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-11174716830373039802010-11-02T19:40:37.976-04:002010-11-02T19:40:37.976-04:00Bishop,
As a straight, non-Christian, I have to s...Bishop, <br />As a straight, non-Christian, I have to say-<br /><br />Preach it. <br /><br />(and the haters? they need to head back to their holes and examine why their souls are so small.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-16735597904934667972010-11-02T17:24:43.544-04:002010-11-02T17:24:43.544-04:00I have to be honest and tell you that I had not he...I have to be honest and tell you that I had not heard of you before you were on the news, but after I heard what you did, I felt I had to write and tell you what a blessing you are to this world and to thank you so much for being honest. I know that had to be so very hard, all things considered, but God was certainly showing you the way. Bless you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-55727227607785207412010-11-02T16:02:56.779-04:002010-11-02T16:02:56.779-04:00Bishop Jim Swilley, you have done something amazin...Bishop Jim Swilley, you have done something amazingly difficult for anyone, let alone a man of your age and profession. I am proud of you. I am a huge supporter of our local gay community and I commend you for having the strength to be who you are and live your life. My father came out at the age of 61. Finally, after all of these years, he is able to fully be himself and is happier than I could have possibly imagined. Your God made you who you are, be proud :) I hope the difficult times pass as quickly as possible, and you and yours are truly happy. I salute you, Jim Swilley.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-22441196891391353832010-11-02T15:37:44.784-04:002010-11-02T15:37:44.784-04:00God bless you. I have left organized religion beca...God bless you. I have left organized religion because of the bigotry and unkindness and hypocrisy I see in the name of Christ . . . but it is something like this that restores my heart a little!!!!!!!Erica Orloffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16415925758466527671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-64648489286071716632010-11-02T14:24:32.349-04:002010-11-02T14:24:32.349-04:00Your courage and grace has restored my faith- in G...Your courage and grace has restored my faith- in God and in mankind. Thank you for that, I really needed it! <br /><br />I pray that you find comfort and hope in all of your supporters, and that your detractors someday see the error in their ways.Poor Lucky Mehttp://www.poorluckyme.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-37707696340866133892010-11-02T13:25:12.787-04:002010-11-02T13:25:12.787-04:00You are a hero and a great messenger of love and f...You are a hero and a great messenger of love and faith.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-25069588683125715552010-11-02T12:24:55.267-04:002010-11-02T12:24:55.267-04:00Bishop Jim
I applaud your extraordinary courage a...Bishop Jim<br /><br />I applaud your extraordinary courage and compassion in taking this stand for God's children. I pray for you and the work of all the faithful at CITN and for those who cannot see what a faithful act your coming out has been.<br /><br />Know that I consider you a brother in Christ and an ambassador of the Gospel of the most authentic variety.<br /><br />--The Rev'd Warren Hicks, St. Luke's Church, Worcester, MAAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11957609702864430910noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-73435596715726157442010-11-02T12:05:43.585-04:002010-11-02T12:05:43.585-04:00It is a very honorable thing to have come out like...It is a very honorable thing to have come out like this in the hopes of supporting gay kids and teens. I am sure it was not an easy thing, given your occupation. But I believe you will help save lives, and I am grateful for that. And I believe you will help at least some of your followers to come to realize that there is nothing wrong or sinful about being gay. So thank you for this brave and selfless act.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-30188265806622987272010-11-02T12:01:42.243-04:002010-11-02T12:01:42.243-04:00I'm an atheist, so you might expect me to gloa...I'm an atheist, so you might expect me to gloat about this "scandal", but all I can think of to say is how courageous and heartwarming I found your story. I watched the entire "coming out" sermon, and while you haven't convinced be one iota about God, I am convinced you are a good and honest man. More religious leaders should be like you.DaveDhttp://neitshade.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-59480678264997180162010-11-02T10:00:18.159-04:002010-11-02T10:00:18.159-04:00Thank you for your recently posted video...being h...Thank you for your recently posted video...being honest at such great cost...modeling honesty and transparency. I have been through the same and 4 yr later still isolated by those who choose fear over trust and love. It's all good and God is always there. I've found that without a doubt. I spent most of my adult life in ministry as well. Thank you for helping clarify for many, many other god-loving men like yourself, how our heart works when we love deeply in this other way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-81725654537652305612010-11-02T08:31:29.779-04:002010-11-02T08:31:29.779-04:00ACIM lesson from today:
The gift of Christ is all...ACIM lesson from today:<br /><br />The gift of Christ is all I seek today<br />What but Christ's vision would I use today, when it can offer me a day in which I see a world so like to Heaven that an ancient memory returns to me? Today I can forget the world I made Today I can go past all fear, and be restored to love and holiness and peace. Today I am redeemed, and born anew into a world of mercy and of care; of loving kindness and the peace of God.<br />And so, our Father, we return to You, remembering we never went away; remembering Your holy gifts to us In gratitude and thankfulness we come, with empty hands and open hearts and minds, asking but what You give. We cannot make an offering sufficient for Your Son. But in Your Love the gift of Christ is his.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-85730172767563939582010-11-02T08:30:00.330-04:002010-11-02T08:30:00.330-04:00My rhema word this morning:
As I awaken to a worl...My rhema word this morning:<br /><br />As I awaken to a world that screams at me: How awesome is this place - it was here all along but I did not SEE it...<br /><br />Have a Big God Day today...enjoy the transition and transformation as God navigates our ship as only the Creator of ALL things can...<br /><br />I particularly enjoyed the blog about Native Americans recognizing two-spirited people...those that recognize both genders in themselves...is this not the true definition of God...neither male nor female but all encompassing of both of those polarities...I feel this inside of me now more than ever...<br /><br />So looking forward to BB tomorrow...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-78992326477124358222010-11-02T00:23:21.850-04:002010-11-02T00:23:21.850-04:00I'm not used to having good things to say abou...I'm not used to having good things to say about an evangelical minister. I just want you to know that I *really* appreciate the personal courage you have exhibited by coming out this way. Now if I could only get my evangelical mother-in-law to listen to you instead of Rev. Hagee ... (I'm a bisexual woman married to a man. My MIL thinks I'm possessed by demons).Lisa Raynernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-65976966696504906682010-11-01T23:55:16.825-04:002010-11-01T23:55:16.825-04:00SO proud of you. Good for you for your bravery and...SO proud of you. Good for you for your bravery and courage of conviction. The society doesn't change until the people in the society change and you have brought us another step closer to a society where love for your neighbor is the rule. I am profoundly impressed and I hope that you feel only pride for the good thing you have done.Gordon Trimeshkohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16341483499013141310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-96114027914038785.post-2839972798897401462010-11-01T23:42:55.929-04:002010-11-01T23:42:55.929-04:00Pastor,
I'm not a man of faith, but I read yo...Pastor,<br /><br />I'm not a man of faith, but I read your story in the news and it moved me.<br /><br />Thank you for your courage and your example, and never forget that there are people pulling for you whether they're gay or straight, religious or not.Thadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03225639908824865271noreply@blogger.com