I try to live life as normal - do the homeschool mom thing, volunteer daily at the high school as accompanist and "choir mom", laundry, cooking, connect with my FB buddies, taxi mom - you know the busy mom gig.
Every once in a while, I get this flash in my mind: you are being sued by your former pastor, Chuck O'Neal, and church, Beaverton Grace Bible Church for $500,000.
What the heck? Could this be my imagination? Is this the most bizarre, insane, ridiculous thing ever?
And I'm reminded that there are three others who are also being sued who are most likely going through the same thing as me - being forced to "lawyer up" and spend time away from our families/lives in order to defend ourselves. This could be a long process - certainly months - it's already been two months. And for what purpose? Was there really no other way to deal with this?
Talk about a colossal waste of money and resources from everybody involved: pastor/church, attorneys, four defendants and their families, court system, etc.
My mom always taught me that hate is such a powerful word and to use it very carefully. I've thought carefully: I hate waste. I hate abuse. I hate when people are deceived by people who should be trustworthy. I hate when relationships are torn apart. I hate when my friends are sad. I hate when people question their faith because of false teaching. I HATE abuse. Yes, I just yelled.
The anger I get from this situation only motivates me to keep on blogging and keep telling the truth.
Although I am not one of the parties being sued, I too sometimes think the same thing. It's almost as though I were watching a soap opera or something - it's so outlandish it seems like there is no way it could be real. But it is :( You and the others involved continue to be in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteThank you! Soap opera is a good description.
DeleteTELL ME ABOUT IT! This is RIDICULOUS. And yes, that is a correct use of capitalization using proper netiquette. As one of the people being sued, I'd like to remind people that NONE of the people have access to $500,000. Two of them are mothers. Two of them are children of mothers, I know I don't make that much, even though I have a bachelor's degree. I'm pretty sure the other guy doesn't make as much as I do. What does Chuck think to gain from suing two mothers and two people that are in their early twenties???? Really?
ReplyDeleteMy sweet daughter, you are speaking to the choir. I love you. We will get through this. I have been so proud of how you have handled this situation.
DeleteI think he's a bully who's used to getting his own way. He doesn't know how to handle people who have left the cult and are thinking for themselves and have a venue to challenge his ridiculous lies. How will he control the thinking of his followers? Be careful....there is no one more dangerous than a bully who loses control.
ReplyDeleteIf my focus is right, the only one I should be fearing is God:
Delete"And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather, fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." Matthew 10:28, NKJV.
Your focus (and that of some of your commentors) on the amount of money that you are being sued for interests me. You go on and on about the amount of money as if it makes a difference. If they had only sued your for one dollar, would you have paid up and shut up?
ReplyDeleteI just stumbled on your blog today and have been reading through posts and responses. This is the first post I have responded to.... I simply wanted to tell you that I believe that God hates the very things you mention in this post that you hate. I want you to know that I will be praying for you as this ridiculous legal action (my opinion) moves forward. It is my hope that God's grace and mercy and peace will cover you, strengthen you and bring you joy in the days to come.... not just you, but also the other people named as defendants. May God bless you all.
ReplyDeleteThank you!!
Delete