The Point of No Return

[Pablo Rafael]

It was last summer that I decided I would "come out". I had planned on informing the school board of my sexual orientation at the end of the school year. That day is fast approaching, the end of this week. I must say I am getting rather stressed out about it.

I work at a wonderful school run by a LCMS (Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod) congregation. Lutherans in general are often fairly accepting of LGBT individuals, but the LCMS is a conservative, hard-line branch of Lutheranism that isn't very gay-friendly.

I really don't see any chance of keeping my job. If I am offered a contract for next year, I will be totally astounded. I am one who hates conflict, and I know that conflict will be forthcoming. So far the "coming out" process has been very positive. Everyone I have told has been fairly accepting and supportive. I had always thought that the work environment would be the tough place to "come out".

For me it is time to be honest about who I am. I have gotten tired of hiding in the closet. For too long the closet was the only place that a gay Christian was allowed to be. With God's help I hope to force people who are comfortable with their prejudices to take a closer look at them.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers the next few days please.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[Zerbie]

(((((((( Pablo ))))))))

Darlin' Pabs, I was wondering how you were just last night (as I stowed Pablo bear for the night.)

Will certainly hold you in good and prayerful thoughts.

You can change your mind about making a personal announcement to the school board if you want to, you know. You are not bound to an idea that seemed like a good one 12 months ago. Only do it if you really want to do it now.
:love::love::love:

[andrewlittle]

I really don't see any chance of keeping my job. If I am offered a contract for next year, I will be totally astounded. I am one who hates conflict, and I know that conflict will be forthcoming. So far the "coming out" process has been very positive. Everyone I have told has been fairly accepting and supportive. I had always thought that the work environment would be the tough place to "come out".

For me it is time to be honest about who I am. I have gotten tired of hiding in the closet. For too long the closet was the only place that a gay Christian was allowed to be. With God's help I hope to force people who are comfortable with their prejudices to take a closer look at them.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers the next few days please.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

From my experience with you, which extends slightly beyond the confines of this board, you are as Christian as Christians could possibly get. You are, my friend, a credit to the One who created you and deserve to be recognized fully as the authentic creation of our loving God.

As Zerbie said, the choice of how honest you need to be is yours - a choice that is ongoing and not carved in stone. I must say, from a particularly selfish place, that I would like to see you as "out" as out can be - because I think you confound any of the stereotypes and bias that our more conservative religious brothers and sisters like to use. You would be the perfect foil to their unGod-like opinions.

We will keep you in our prayers, my brother, and hope that your concern about your job is unfounded - I'll hope it, but I know your concern is based in the reality of the denomination for which you work.

I, for one, am a Christian who is proud to know you, and blessed in a great many different ways for it. Hopefully, they will realize the same thing.

tu hermano, Andy

[Rick336]

Pablo,

Challenging the contempt of society is a heroic act. It's not easy. But once you take that step you'll notice a greater sense of self-respect. That self-respect comes from being honest with yourself and others. And even though there will be some who disagree with your decision, they will respect you for being true to yourself.


"Happiness is the state of consciousness which proceeds from the achievement of one's values." - Writer Ayn Rand


We'll be there with you.:)




Rick

[Vanessa White]

No matter what your decision is, but I am with Andy, albeit selfish: the community deserves for you to be fully open, you deserve it for yourself, and it really has less to do in my mind with what you told yourself what you would do a year ago; it is great that you want to keep that commitment, but make what is the most emotionally safe choice for you, in the here and now. If that is coming out, we will be here to celebrate with you, comfort you, and love you for all of your beauty.

Prayers and warm thoughts are with you, my friend.......:love::love::pray:

[Gennee]

Pablo, I understand your trepidation and its natural. Most important is you have to feel comfortable with the decision. Some may not like it, but that comes with the territory. Being true to yourself is more important.

Gennee


:)

[keltic63]

my dear friend, it is your decision to make. Do you feel now that it is the time to do this? I've heard that some feel like they are drowning until they declare this truth about themselves. Is this where you are? If so, then now is indeed the time.

but if it isn't the time, you know that we support you as you explore the ramifications of remaining closeted at work, as well as if you decide to come out to those who may decide to end their contract with you.

many prayers going up for you,

S

[sailaway58]

Pablo,
I haven't been around lately but popping in and reading this only makes me realize how much those of us that are straight allies need to be vocal and affirming. You are a great cyber acquaintance and in my prayers tonight.
I only wish more people would listen.
Tim

[Pablo Rafael]

Thanks everyone for your prayers and support.

It makes me somewhat angry that I (or anyone) has to go through this. It is a totally unnecessary conflict. If we Christians only took the words of Jesus to heart and really put them into practice, then all people would be loved and cherished no matter what their sexual orientation. Why is it that the church is the main instrument of prejudice and discrimination?

It really is time to "come out". Being in the closet is no longer an option for me. As I have slowly come out to people over the past year, I have felt a weight lifting from me. I am totally convinced that it is time to be who God wants me to be and not try to hide it.

All through history there have been oppressed people. I guess it will never end. It is never fun to be in a group that is oppressed, however.

I picked up my Spirit and Song hymnbook yesterday to play something. Playing music is a help when I am stressed out. I opened to the song "My Life is in Your Hands". The refrain is this:

My life is in Your hands,
My heart is in Your keeping.
I'm never without hope
Not when my future is with You.
My life is in Your hands,
And though I may not see clearly,
I will lift my voice and sing,
'cause your love does amazing things.
Lord, my life is in Your hands.

It seemed that God was sending me a message of encouragement.
All will be well. I am sure of it. I just wish this were in the past so I wouldn't have to stress out about it.

Pablo

[Zerbie]

I love you, Pablo.

It will be in the past soon enough. Since it feels that now is indeed the time, how can you transform that energy of. . . is it apprehension? anxiety?. . . into something like excitement, anticipation, determination, maybe even inspiration? So that you will be radiating the most positive quality of energy you can imagine on Friday when you have the conversation.

We love you. What a tremendous thing you are doing. You have all of us behind you. Better than that, you know Who holds you up.
:love::love:

[paul]

Dear Pablo,

I echo your feelings of how rotten it is that there should be such a thing as "coming out," (at least, coming out of a closet...the idea of a gayla event, a grand Ball of some sort where we make ourselves available to the world sounds kind of fun really). ahem, I applaud your personhood, that you are unwilling to not be you in the world.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
:love:paul

[dsdrane]

Give 'em hell, Pablo!! :cool:;):tup::smashy::sing::whistleblower::cookie: :cowboy::pirate:

[I mean that figuratively, of course.]

:love:

[Pablo Rafael]

I will give an update on the "coming out".

I wrote a letter to the Board of Education and gave it to our principal yesterday. There are only three of us on staff. Both of the other teachers were very supportive. I work with two wonderful women. The three of us have worked together for 10 years or so. We always say that we are like a family, two sisters and a brother. (I'm the spolied youngest child. :D)

And again, as with everyone I have come out to, nobody was at all surprised. I guess it is more obvious than I think. :rainbow: People seem surprised that I am coming out, but nobody is surprised when I tell them I'm gay. Not one single person I have come out to has been negative. There will be some hostility, I know, but I have been greatly encouraged by the warmth people have shown so far.

It is another burden that has been lifted. I feel a lot better now. Just being honest and open is a great thing. The support of this online community has helped me out greatly during the past few days. I really feel I am not alone.

Now the Board of Education will have to decide on whether they (and the congregation) are willing to have an openly gay teacher on the staff. I think that is unlikely. The pastor is quite hard-line conservative, and I expect nothing but resistance from him. Fortunately I am in a fairly good financial situation so money is not a real concern.

Now the ball is out of my court. I don't have to worry about it anymore. I really feel that God has been leading me to come out. I am not one who often feels the God is leading me to go in a certain direction. This is one time, however, when I feel that God has really been directing me. I just need to trust and know that all will be well. God has it under control.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

P.S. I have two "rainbow fish" bumper stickers I am going to put on the vehicles today. Just a little statement that there are people who are gay and Christian at the same time.

[keltic63]

I'm so proud of you! I don't know what else to say......

[Rick336]

It makes me somewhat angry that I (or anyone) has to go through this. It is a totally unnecessary conflict.

I agree. But the more people like you come out and let the world see that most LGBT people are decent, honest, loving people, you're helping to pave the way for a more tolerant future for all LGBT people and hope of a better life.


Rick

[scott snedeker]

You a re a magnificent butterfly Having emerged from your crysalis!


The future belongs to you now! If your school and church know what they have, They will definitely keep the gem that you are! If not then they loose and you win because you will find a place that will embrace you. You have already won the biggest battle, the one within. You have earned the freedom to choose your destiny.


You are a hero of personal triumph over homophobia in this moment in time. It is a time that will be remembered as pivotal historical era in the evolution of civil rights in this and other countries all over the world.

I am privileged to know you! Who knows? One day a local historical story board at the school or town may mention the changes of which you are a part!

The struggle may be what you neede to grow in this way. Without it you would not have developed the eveoled sensibility that is now yours.

Love, Your brother,

[Vanessa White]

You have done a courageous thing, whether you see it that way or not. Even when we know it is the right time for us, our courage is what sees us through it. Good for you, and I am glad for you that you are trusting God to guide you in the right direction.

Drive your vehicles with pride......:love:

[matthewspeed]

[QUOTE=Pablo Rafael;56190]Thanks everyone for your prayers and support.

It makes me somewhat angry that I (or anyone) has to go through this. It is a totally unnecessary conflict. If we Christians only took the words of Jesus to heart and really put them into practice, then all people would be loved and cherished no matter what their sexual orientation. Why is it that the church is the main instrument of prejudice and discrimination? (/quote)


Pablo,

I,too have justifiable anger in my heart. Being involved with the right winged portion of the church for many years, has caused me a little bit of bitterness.(which I need to deal with). It will take couragous people like YOU, Pablo to make an impact. As I have told you many times in our conversations, you are a couragous man. That makes you so very attractive. (oops, did I just flirt?) As Andrew Little said in a recent thread, you are probably one of the best examples of a true christian we have on this forum. I am not knocking others of different faiths, but being a christian, I can see authenticity within my own faith. And Pablo, you ARE as authentic as they come!

God Bless you!!

-Matthew :)

[Daniel]

It was last summer that I decided I would "come out". I had planned on informing the school board of my sexual orientation at the end of the school year. That day is fast approaching, the end of this week. I must say I am getting rather stressed out about it.

I work at a wonderful school run by a LCMS (Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod) congregation. Lutherans in general are often fairly accepting of LGBT individuals, but the LCMS is a conservative, hard-line branch of Lutheranism that isn't very gay-friendly.

I really don't see any chance of keeping my job. If I am offered a contract for next year, I will be totally astounded. I am one who hates conflict, and I know that conflict will be forthcoming. So far the "coming out" process has been very positive. Everyone I have told has been fairly accepting and supportive. I had always thought that the work environment would be the tough place to "come out".

For me it is time to be honest about who I am. I have gotten tired of hiding in the closet. For too long the closet was the only place that a gay Christian was allowed to be. With God's help I hope to force people who are comfortable with their prejudices to take a closer look at them.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers the next few days please.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

Pablo- you are in my thoughts and prayers, and specifically, as I practice Tonglen, which is a Buddhist practice of giving and receiving. Much like the Jesus Prayer, it helps center one.

I mention this because my opinion (and it is only my opinion) is that any action you take is best taken when your heart is open and not being forced by your mind.

In sum: how does this decision feel to you? Do you feel calm about it? Centered? Ready for what may come? If not, I would reconsider you mind's decision. The heart has it's own timetable. It knows when and when not to take certain actions. I simply advise you to listen to what it is telling you in a deeper and more profound way.

Yes- staying in the closet brings you suffering. But you do not want- as I see it- to bring more suffering upon yourself by actions which you are not prepared to handle, both emotionally, spiritually and physically.

Another thing, your writing that you want to 'force' those who are comfortble with their prejudices to confront them give me great pause.

There is no force in non-violence except for the force of love, love which one must first have for onself, which is entirley difference that the force or the assertion of one's ego. I think you know what I am getting at here.

You cannot force anyone to accept you. Can you nuture the ground for others so that seeds can be planted. Yes!

When you are at peace (and are you?), then you will know what and what not to do and when and when to do it. So- in sum- I would suggest to you that you spend time in contemplation (deep relaxed contemplation) before your take any action.

I send you much love,

Daniel

[matthewspeed]

Yes- staying in the closet brings you suffering. But you do not want- as I see it- to bring more suffering upon yourself by actions which you are not prepared to handlem, both emotionally, spiritually and physically. Daniel

I can't speak 100% for Pablo, but we have had many deep conversations by phone and email concerning his decision. You are correct Daniel, one must be fully ready to deal with all aspects -physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pablo is ready. He has really come to terms with who he is and he is at peace. I am inspired by his courage. His close intimate relationship with Christ has lead him to this decision. I can only say this because I have gotten to know Pablo and I know he would not mind me responding to your thread.

I am impressed at the level of love and support that the members on this forum provide to all that are in need. I have sensed that for myself and I'm sure Pablo feels the same.

-Matthew :)

[missionarymiles]

I will give an update on the "coming out".

And again, as with everyone I have come out to, nobody was at all surprised. I guess it is more obvious than I think. :rainbow: People seem surprised that I am coming out, but nobody is surprised when I tell them I'm gay. Not one single person I have come out to has been negative. There will be some hostility, I know, but I have been greatly encouraged by the warmth people have shown so far.

Pablo,

You are a true hero. Thank you for your words of encouragement to me as I go through my own journey. I have been in an out with the internet as our team sets up shop in our new area of work. The spiritual warfare here is so real considering we are going to a place where there has never been a Christian.

Each day I wonder if I can lead this team knowing who I am and what my team would think if they knew. You give me courage to press on and wait on God and His leading. I do this as a missionary. I do this as a gay Christian. I can do this because of people like you who help light the paths.

MM

[Pablo Rafael]

In sum: how does this decision feel to you? Do you feel calm about it? Centered? Ready for what may come? If not, I would reconsider you mind's decision. The heart has it's own timetable. It knows when and when not to take certain actions. I simply advise you to listen to what it is telling you in a deeper and more profound way.

Another thing, your writing that you want to 'force' those who are comfortble with their prejudices to confront them give me great pause.

There is no force in non-violence except for the force of love, love which one must first have for onself, which is entirley difference that the force or the assertion of one's ego. I think you know what I am getting at here.


Thanks for your thoughts, Daniel. I really have no qualms about whether coming out is the right thing to do. I am stressed out about having to deal with the repercussions. I am a person who is not at all good in confrontational situations. But I am not willing to keep quiet and hidden any longer.

I don't know whether "force" is the right word. Coming out "forces" people in the church to discuss things that they would rather not discuss. I don't wish to cause problems for anyone, but I know that it will cause problems. If I didn't work in a conservative church school, it would be easier. The church needs to tackle the issue of homophobia. It won't do it unless someone upsets things a bit.


I can't speak 100% for Pablo, but we have had many deep conversations by phone and email concerning his decision. You are correct Daniel, one must be fully ready to deal with all aspects -physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Pablo is ready. He has really come to terms with who he is and he is at peace. I am inspired by his courage. His close intimate relationship with Christ has lead him to this decision. I can only say this because I have gotten to know Pablo and I know he would not mind me responding to your thread.

I am impressed at the level of love and support that the members on this forum provide to all that are in need. I have sensed that for myself and I'm sure Pablo feels the same.

-Matthew :)

Well said, Matthew. You can speak for me anytime. :D
I have been greatly encouraged by the warmth and encouragement I have found here. You all are a blessing.

And were you flirting with me in a previous post, Matthew?! :eek:
I just can't believe that; it is so unlike you. ;)


Each day I wonder if I can lead this team knowing who I am and what my team would think if they knew. You give me courage to press on and wait on God and His leading. I do this as a missionary. I do this as a gay Christian. I can do this because of people like you who help light the paths.


Thanks Miles, for the kind words. Being in the teaching ministry all my working career, I am wondering what avenue of ministry God will call me to next. I am convinced there will be day when being gay and Christian is non problematic. I firmly believe in the power of the Gospel to work faith in the hearts of people. That Gospel is for all including gays.

An update on the situation:
This coming week I have a meeting with the pastor of the church that operates the school where I work. I am not looking forward to it, but it is something that has to happen. The school board has discussed my letter. The school board members generally were not surprised at my being gay. It seems the reaction of everybody is "Knew that already." If I was planning on shocking everyone with this revelation, I am failing miserably. It seems like it is not going to be a situation of whether the school board thinks being gay is a problem, but whether they think the parents of the students will have a problem with it.

Now I am in a frustrating waiting period. I will be glad when all decisions are over and all meetings in the past.

I must say all in all it has been a more positive than negative experience so far. That is encouraging.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[matthewspeed]

And were you flirting with me in a previous post, Matthew?! :eek:
I just can't believe that; it is so unlike you. ;)[/COLOR]



Pablo,

Was I flirting?? Me?? Are you accusing me of being THAT forward? My, my, Pablo! :)

[matthewspeed]

Come on you two! All this flirting is making me uncomfortable! ;)


I'm sorry U-Dog, do you feel left out? We can have a flirting match here on the forums. We can pick the best "flirter!"

[keltic63]

An update on the situation:
This coming week I have a meeting with the pastor of the church that operates the school where I work. I am not looking forward to it, but it is something that has to happen. The school board has discussed my letter. The school board members generally were not surprised at my being gay. It seems the reaction of everybody is "Knew that already." If I was planning on shocking everyone with this revelation, I am failing miserably. It seems like it is not going to be a situation of whether the school board thinks being gay is a problem, but whether they think the parents of the students will have a problem with it.

Now I am in a frustrating waiting period. I will be glad when all decisions are over and all meetings in the past.

I must say all in all it has been a more positive than negative experience so far. That is encouraging.

Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers.

Tu Amigo, Pablo

the thing that bothers me about this is that it is so much like Don't Ask, Don't Tell. The response you've received so far is that no one is surprised, and if they aren't surprised, they've already thought about it, AND they haven't had a problem with it. So all you've done is said "I am who you think I am" and now it will jeopardize your job. that makes no sense, does it?

So, to reduce the situation to its simplest terms:
The leadership assumed you were gay and allowed you to continue to work in the teaching position. You confirmed for them that you are gay, and now they must decide if it's appropriate for you to continue working in that same teaching position. You haven't changed, and the only difference is that they have information about you that they had already presumed.

If the leadership, school board, co-workers thought you were gay, how could the parents not see this as well? and since at least some of them have met you, wouldn't they have voiced their concerns already?

[matthewspeed]

What has changed is that now Pablo is saying "This is who I am and I am not ashamed or embarrassed" Now if they don't act, they are saying "we think being gay is good" Before, They could think "Oh poor Paul he is obviously homosexual... but at least he knows that he is pathetic so he can still teach"

u-dog,

Well said. Even if the school assumed that Pablo was gay and just let it go, as long as he was quiet about it and kept that part of his life in the closet, then great! Let him teach! But what about Pablo bringing his partner to school functions? What if Pablo had his ring on his finger indicating his loving committed relationship to his partner/husband? Would he be able to announce that? What if another teacher noticed his ring and asked about it? Should Pablo have to lie to keep his job? What if Pablo wanted to have his husbands photo on his desk? These are simple non confronting things that heterosexual people do on a daily basis. If Pablo kept quiet, knowing that his gay orientation was well known, and as long as he kept it to himself, he could go on with his teaching position. But why should he have to always be careful to not really be himself. Why should he and his partner have to be careful when in public. God forbid anyone on the school board see him give his partner a kiss or a hug. Then he would be acting out on his accepted closeted perversion. Now we can fire him!

I could see this sort of scenerio happening. It happens all the time. What Pablo has done is ethical and right. He had to make the decision for himself. He was ready and I am inspired by his decision.

[Rick336]

What Pablo has done is ethical and right. He had to make the decision for himself. He was ready and I am inspired by his decision.

I agree Matthew. Pablo has set an example for all to follow. His values of courage, honesty, self-respect, and dignity are to be rewarded. To fire someone with these values would not only be a disgrace, but undermines the principles this country was built on.

Rick

[Zerbie]

Dearest Pablo/Paul,

You are wonderful. You are a wonderful, exemplary human being. I have great respect for you, and love you.
:love:

[tdogg]

Pablo,

I'm just now reading this thread, and you've been through so much since your first post! I'm really proud of and happy for you. Coming out is first a huge relief. That's what I got too - "DUH!" No surprises for most. It sounds like you do have people around who love and support you, that's so helpful.

The waiting is the worst, no? I'm sending up some prayers for you, that the school will do right by you and for the students. Obviously you are doing a great job teaching or they wouldn't have kept you on no matter what. I hope you can stay, but it sounds like you are prepared in case not. I'm keeping you in my prayers, that the waiting won't be too difficult and that God will bless you immensely whatever the school board decides.

:love::pray::love:

T

[Pablo Rafael]

I had the meeting with the pastor. It went just as I had thought. He was polite and listened to what I had to say. He agreed to read a book that I gave to him and watch For the Bible Tells Me So. I agreed to read the things that he gave to me. :reading: However, neither one of us were going to give in, and a compromise was not possible. I have to give him credit; he was kind and didn't try to hammer away with the six clobber passages. (I beat him to those right off). He seemed concerned about me even though he thought I was taking what he thought was a wrong path.

I didn't have much hope of keeping my job before, and I am certain that is the case now. Maybe it is time to try something new. I am just so worn out from stress at the moment that I will worry about the job hunting later.

I know that I am violating Lutheran Church Missouri Synod policy. The pastor didn't have much option unless he was willing to go against the flow of the synod. The LCMS allows almost no deviation from approved doctrine. It might ignore what it considers a minor point, but being gay is a MAJOR point for some reason. It doesn't really matter that I haven't DONE anything offensive, just BEING gay and not repenting of it is the problem. I must give the LCMS credit, however, in that even though it is a non-affirming denomination, the empasis on God's grace for all underlies all of its teachings.

I am going to be kind and gracious to people. I have a good reputation and am well loved in the school. I plan to let people know that the love that God has shown to me is also to be shown to others. The love that God showed to me by His death on the cross is mine to pass on. I pray that I will resist the temptation to repay evil for evil. The wall of homophobia is showing some cracks. If I had grandchildren, I would be hopeful that they would live in a society that values all people. The struggle is a long term project.

On to the next stage in life, I guess.

(Anyone have a job for an ex-school teacher in the mountains of southern Colorado? Preferably something easy with a three day work week, health benefits and a good salary.)

Tu Amigo, Pablo

[keltic63]

{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}

wish I could do that for you in real life. you need it about now. :love:

[Vanessa White]

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((HUGS))))))))))))))))) )))))))))))))))))

I will send some your way as well, Pablo. You are in my thoughts and prayers, as you pass through this transitional time of your life.

Please, hold onto a remember, that even though the Synod does not need much more to exclude than for you to simply be gay, not even having done anything terrible, it makes you all the more perfect in just being who you are, who God intended for you to be.

For what it's worth, I am so proud of you, and pray that the stress will ease soon, and that you will have a clear path before you.......

And, if you do hear about the three day work week option, please PM me: maybe I will have to move us ALL to Colorado for that kind of opportunity!

Sending much love to you, Vanessa :love::love::love::love:

[scott snedeker]

Your self esteem and spirit has grown too big for oppression.

The light of your being too beautiful to be buried under mud.

You are learning to be kind to your self because you are entitled to kindness and love.

You intellect too advanced for Lilputian slack-minded dogma to be worthy of your interaction.

Some time, a year or two from now you will wonder how you allowed yourself to tolerate it as long as you had. And realize you cannot stop your growth. Out of the rooting pot and into the Earth!

Love ya,

Scotty

[Rick336]

I didn't have much hope of keeping my job before, and I am certain that is the case now.

Pablo, you are a man with a lot of character. I admire your endurance through all of this.

To lose your job because you are gay is insanity. Chances are, religious intolerance like this is one of the reasons why in 2008, almost every major Christian denomination in America is losing membership. At the same time, the number of people who claim no religious affiliation is on the rise.

I think Americans are slowly wising up to the shameful hypocrisy of self-righteous churches that pick and chose verses from the Bible to justify their bigotry while completely ignoring others.

The church better see the writing on the wall soon or eventually there could be a lot more stained-glassed buildings up for sale, because Americans aren't as gullible as we used to be.


Rick

[Zerbie]

Oh, Pablo. :'(:love:

((((((((((((( Pablo ))))))))))))))

You belong in a place where your colleagues will stand up for you. For your being. Now that you are free from a place where that could not be, you are available for the right place to find you.

Sweet dear Pablo Paul, :love:, I too wish our hugs could be delivered in person. I just want to wrap you in a blanket and feed you some tea, maybe pop some corn and put on a movie and make you laugh.

Rest now, Pablo sweet heart. You have done a wonderfully courageous thing and I am sure that what happened to you, losing the job for *being,* is making an impression on many right now who will remember this as a moment when their eyes opened to injustice.

Now is the time for you to be gentle on yourself, reward yourself for your amazing courage, and get lots n lots of sleep. :love::love::love:

[matthewspeed]

My dear friend Pablo!!

You are such a kind hearted soul. You are a strong individual. You are couragous! I am so proud of you! The fact that you knew you would lose your job and still stood up for what you believe is very inspiring. Relax this Summer. You live in such a beautiful place -in the mountains of Colorado - soak it up! Enjoy Gods awsome creation. I will try to make it there to visit one day. I realize when you come to visit me, in boring ole Cincinnati, it wont be as majestic as Colorado's scenery, but I will make it a relaxful, comfortable visit for you.

You are LOVED!

-Matthew :)

[Matt Algren]

I'm so sorry to hear that you're being rejected like this, Pablo. In times like this I never know what to say (especially since I don't know you too well). It's a terrible injustice that a religious institution would fire someone for being different; it's antithetical to everything Christ is about. And yet, here we are.

I tend to think in music, and this song came to mind right away. I hope I'm not overstepping. (Link to hear the song for free) (http://www.rabbitroom.com/?p=769)


The Cut
by Jason Gray

My heart is laid
Under Your blade
As you carve out Your image in me
You cut to the core
But still you want more
As you carefully, tenderly ravage me

And You peel back the bark
And tear me apart
To get to the heart
Of what matters most
I’m cold and I’m scared
As your love lays me bare
But in the shaping of my soul
They say the cut makes me whole

Mingling here
Your blood and my tears
As You whittle my kingdom away
But I see that you suffer, too
In making me new
For the blade of Love, it cuts both ways

And You peel back the bark
And tear me apart
To get to the heart
Of what matters most
I’m cold and I’m scared
As your love lays me bare
But in the shaping of my soul
They say the cut makes me whole

Hidden inside the grain
Beneath the pride and pain
Is the shape of the man
You meant me to be
Who with every cut now you try to set free

CHORUS…
…With everyday
You strip more away
And You peel back the bark
And tear me apart
To get to the heart
Of what matters most
I’m cold and I’m scared
As your love lays me bare
But in the shaping of my soul
The blade must take it’s toll
So God give me strength to know
That the cut makes me whole

[sailaway58]

Hey Pablo,
I feel so empty right now, so sick of the debate, so hungry for your, and others acceptance.
My wife and I will continue to stand for you, and others, doing what we can to make a difference here in Indiana.
My prayers are with you.
Tim

[Pablo Rafael]

It might be self indulgent to talk about myself, but I thought I would give you an update on what has happened since I last posted on this thread four months ago.

All is going quite well for me. The school that I worked for didn't find a replacement for me by the start of the school year. I submitted a resume for the position in late August, but never heard anything back. I thought it was probably my last chance to make draw attention to the prejudice that exists in that congregation. They still haven't found a replacement for me. The teacher's aide is filling the position temporarily.

I have "come out" at church (Catholic). That was a non event. People already knew it. One of my friends said, "We have already had discussions about that." I go to both my church, Sacred Heart which is a 75 mile drive and also the little Episcopal church here in Creede when I am not driving down to "the Valley". Both churches are really nice to me and very cool in different ways.

I have moved to my mountain cabin and love living right up in the mountains. I am working at a little mom-and-pop grocery store. It is rather mindless work, but it is fun, and it is nice to have a low-stress job I can leave at the end of the day. Remember, when going grocery shopping Kentucky Belle Market in Creede has the lowest prices, the best service and the sexiest checkers! (I have been trying to get that to be our new advertising campaign, but people just laugh at me when I bring it up for some reason. :confused:)

My mom had some difficulty with the-gay-thing at the start. Then we had a rough stretch where she was willing to accept that I was gay, but couldn't handle me dating. But she has become one of my biggest supporters and is busy talking to people about gay-rights issues. I have a really awesome mom.

Being "out" has been totally worth it. The rough stretch is past and now I feel I can be myself for the first time in my life. People around me are supportive and other than the loss of the job, the whole thing has been fairly easy. It makes me wonder why I didn't "come out" decades ago.

Oh, and Keltic, you asked if I was just joking when I made that comment on the other thread about "my boyfriend". No, I'm not joking. And I'm not going to tell you any more. ;)

[tdogg]

Thanks for sharing your wonderful news!!! It sounds like things are working out and you're doing good. I'm really happy for you. Way to go! :D:love:

[scott snedeker]

Dear Pablo,


Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!


Your story today made my whole face smile!

[Pablo Rafael]

Ok I will break down and tell you all about my adorable boyfriend. (I talked to Dan; he said that I could.) You guys remember DanielRay who was on the forums awhile back?

He came out to Colorado from South Carolina in September. It was an awesome visit. He is warm and kind and is just the easiest person to be with. He is ruggedly good looking and has 0% body fat. (How does he do that?) September is still the heigth of summer here in southwestern Colorado. We got to go up in the high mountians, to the Sand Dunes NP, played frisbee golf, saw a play at the theatre. (Check out our world-class repertory theatre at "creederep.org") Also had dinner with the parents. He and my parents got along really well. Mom was a little tense at first, but Dan quickly won her over. (The guy is good, I tell you.)

Speaking of summer, I woke up this morning to snow on the ground. It seems to be a hint that summer is coming to an end. It will be all melted by noon, however.

It is so totally cool having a boyfriend. Plus he's such a totally cool boyfriend. Now there is that 2000 mile obstacle between Colorado and South Carolina.

[u-dog]

Pablo!

What a happy couple of stories!! I am so amazingly happy for you!! I hope that you and DR can navigate your relationship across the miles and find a way to stay connected in spite of distance. Love, as they say, will find a way! :)

[keltic63]

face it, Pablo, you caved in to my extortion skills. :mad: I was ready to go public with quite a different story and you decided to come clean so you could put your own spin on it!


are you sure you're not a politician?



:lol:


Thanks for sharing this with everyone. I wish you both well!