Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should

Faithul readers,
Sorry to leave you hanging on the looming decision I wrote about in my last post.

I have come to a decision about my part on the leadership team. First of all I want to thank all of my community of saints that emailed, called, prayed and lifted Jessica and me up while we were mulling over all of the possible directions we could go. The last post that I submitted was an email that I had sent out to my ‘community of saints’. People who I look to for strength, hope and example. I was humbly blown over by the response.
Below are some snippets of the strength that they passed onto me:

“Love and light to you on this journey. Your intuition will never lead you astray. “

“My heart aches to know that this world is still filled with so much ignorance on this issue.”

“You have an opportunity here to make history and fulfill not only your dreams, but the dreams of others. Not everyone has the chance to make this big of an impact in the world. Think long and hard before you give it up. That being said, this is a big decision and it has the potential to really change you and Jessica's life.”

“You are held in so much love and support, you cannot fail! I'll pray you move forward with the humble confidence of knowing you are standing for justice, and you can't lose when that is the case.”

“It takes strength to stand up to an institution, even if we believe & KNOW that we are right and the institution is wrong. It's one thing to agree with Martin Luther King, Jr's statement: "The time is always right to do what is right."

“You have an army of family and friends who love, support and will back you no matter what. I know you'll do great things and I'm so proud of you!!”

“You have always been in our prayers and I don't doubt for a moment that you are called to ministry. What it looks like only God knows and will reveal to you in time.”

“Do not be afraid! He is with you always in all that you do, and your calling seems so strong I cannot imagine you failing in any way! I know God will show you and
Jessica the way and you have our unwavering support!!”

“Would you really want to keep so much about yourself quiet? Would it make you happy working within a church where people assumed you had a different sexual orientation than you do just because you are a pastor and pastors can't be homosexual (now)? I'll be honest and say I don't think you would be satisfied with it. I think that God will be able to use you so much more when you are able to speak openly about who you are, how you are God's beautiful, distinct creation, and what God has done in your life. It fills me with excitement to think about being able to fight for a fuller expression of God's love in the Church. I know that there is danger, but I also can only imagine how fulfilling it would be to one day say that you fought for the rights of others and won (As I truly believe the reconciling movement will with time). In short, I love you and support you in (and maybe even push you towards) this ministry, but I also understand how difficult it would be. If there is anything I can do to help let me know. Also, I know its a few years off, but when I can, you'll have my vote.”

“The fact of the matter is that we have some very ugly people in our churches. People are so afraid of this issue. People can say anything. And yet, the only way the church is ever going to change is for people to share their story, stand up and tell about the God who has called them and made them who they are, and work hard and painfully for change. It is going to take people like Harvey Milk to make it happen. If you feel called to it then I am not sure you can turn it down. God will keep calling.”

I’ve made my decision. I’ve enlisted.

"I’ve decided to be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power, to put on the full armor of God so that I can take my stand! My struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities. I am putting on the full armor of God so that I may be able to stand my ground. I will stand firm with the belt of truth buckled around my waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with my feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. With all of this, I will also take up the shield of faith, with which I can extinguish all the flaming arrows of those who will fight against me. I will put on the helmet of salvation and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. I will pray, in all occasions, in trials, in victories and in uncertainties. With this I will be aware and always continuing to pray for all of the saints fighting beside me.

Pray for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given to me so that I will be fearless and make known the unfathomable love of Jesus, for which I am an ambassador in chains.

Pray that I may declare it fearlessly, as I should."
(My verison of Ephesians 6:10-20).