Bethaney, this is just utterly beautiful in the deepest sense...thank you for taking something so tender and true and sharing it with us all. I know that takes a lot of vulnerability and strength. Your feeling of finding "home" in the Orthodox church - in an indefinable, experiential way - what a profoundly comforting feeling!!
And the journey from a la carte religious devotion (I was there too, friend), where the ego rules the day, to a surrender to Christ...what absolute peace.
I hope you'll keep us posted on your conversion, if you feel called to do so; it's a joy to get to learn more about the process. I've never attended an Orthodox liturgy, but am so curious about them. I've never managed to find a denominational expression of Christianity that feels like home to me, but rather local churches whose people feel like home...as you so beautifully said, who knows where the path takes us, but for now, that's where I'm at.
Thank you, Kristin! I feel very seen by your response. Thank you for that. It was a vulnerable share, but I also am grateful to have found the words to express it all. Writing, as I'm sure you can attest to, has a way of clarifying what often feels mysterious, swirly, and unnameable.
I do hope to write more about my conversion as it feels meaningful. If you're ever in Middle GA and want to tag along to liturgy with me, you'd be most welcome. ☺️
Bethaney, this is just utterly beautiful in the deepest sense...thank you for taking something so tender and true and sharing it with us all. I know that takes a lot of vulnerability and strength. Your feeling of finding "home" in the Orthodox church - in an indefinable, experiential way - what a profoundly comforting feeling!!
And the journey from a la carte religious devotion (I was there too, friend), where the ego rules the day, to a surrender to Christ...what absolute peace.
I hope you'll keep us posted on your conversion, if you feel called to do so; it's a joy to get to learn more about the process. I've never attended an Orthodox liturgy, but am so curious about them. I've never managed to find a denominational expression of Christianity that feels like home to me, but rather local churches whose people feel like home...as you so beautifully said, who knows where the path takes us, but for now, that's where I'm at.
Thank you, Kristin! I feel very seen by your response. Thank you for that. It was a vulnerable share, but I also am grateful to have found the words to express it all. Writing, as I'm sure you can attest to, has a way of clarifying what often feels mysterious, swirly, and unnameable.
I do hope to write more about my conversion as it feels meaningful. If you're ever in Middle GA and want to tag along to liturgy with me, you'd be most welcome. ☺️
Loved this Bethaney. Thanks for bringing us along the journey.
Thank you, Christa. Your encouragement is a gift!