I am sorry to hear of all that has happened. I first read about it on Newspring’s blog, but I wanted to find the story of the other person and discovered it was you. You probably don’t remember me, but I was in your COM 101 class a couple years ago.

I have been attending Newspring for awhile, but before I came to college, my parents separated my Senior year due to my father’s affair. He was always in church every Sunday and I found out that he lived his life as a huge hypocrite. My mother, on the other hand, had a much more spiritually rich life, but didn’t make it to church as much because she was sick with Fibromyalgia a lot. When news came out about the affair, people at church seemed to side with my dad, because he had twisted the truth and they knew him better. My mom began getting letters and emails with verses that said “God hates divorce” and things about forgiveness. They had no idea what it was like to be living with it. I hated feeling like people were talking behind my back and being fake when I attended.

I had a lot of problems with the church, and I’m still trying to overcome them. All I can say is that the Church is a body of believers, but are still people that are flawed. We all make mistakes even as Christians. We aren’t perfect by any means, just forgiven.

On one side, I can see how many would turn hatred upon you because of this blog. It clearly states opposing opinions, and people always want to think they’re right, especially in a mass group. But I applaud opposition and questioning, with anything. It helps evaluate truth. I believe that opinions and different views should be discussed openly when it comes to faith, to truly search for substance.

I still attend Newspring, but I think all that happened to you and your family is wrong, and I hope that they will take more into consideration in the future and try to make it right someway. I am glad to see how you are handling it with grace and a good attitude. I am praying for you to remain strong. This whole situation is appalling.

-Leigh Hill

It’s another former student of yours just wanting to offer you a bit of encouragement and a friendly “hello!” You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers! You were always so kind to me when I needed it most and it will always be appreciated! I will continue to keep up with you by way of Pajama Pages.
P.S. Have a Merry Christmas!

Thanks for all this.

…Now whether I will re-open my Titter account “TheRealJDuncan” and continue my posting wholly depends on the grades I make on my finals, of course.