Ray,

Thank you for sharing part of your raw story too. And thanks for the encouragement you've offered me. It's one thing to put your story out there... It's another to receive such kind comments as yours to help bolster the courage to keep going.

"I’m very nervous because I don’t want to do a disservice to any of the kids under my watch."

I think this is a good thing. Nervousness can be useful. In this case, the fact that you have seen the ugly side of things before and are aware of how heart-breaking and nasty it can get, you can be more aware of how you are in relation to the kids you are working with.

The machine of ministry... Hm. I'd love to hear you elaborate on what that means. I have a pretty good idea but I'd love to hear your take.

"But I do know there is hope – not in the system, but because of the person of Jesus Christ and His people."

This is what has given me hope to. I had lunch with an old friend not too long ago, and I told him I had left my church. He was rather surprised. I told him I hadn't left religion altogether because there was something in Jesus' story that I wanted to hold onto. He was a remarkable individual who showed radical, scandalous compassion and love. That's what I want to be. If that's all Christianity can be for me right now, I think that's okay. (Considering that's the whole point anyway!)

Thanks for commenting. I deeply appreciate what you've said, Ray!