I’ve remained fairly silent on everything that went down last December. Many rumors have circulated and there has been a lot of speculation about what went on. Let’s just say, I don’t think I’ve ever been more let down by those in the church. I’m really not referring to any of the folks that read this… at least not that I know of.
Over the course of the almost three wears I worked at the job, I developed a very good friendship with a married female coworker. We grew to be great friends and had a lot in common, but nothing ever grew to be more than that. We hung out a lot, so people started talking, and we were even frustrated and discussed that we may not even be able to be friends because of all the rumors going around. Her marriage had been anything but easy (and a lot of marriages are difficult), but hers involved a cheating spouse and constant emotional abuse. That puts myself in a very difficult position. I want to be as good of a friend and supportive of her without ever violating any boundaries that are necessary amongst volatile relationships.
Well, I chose to go the high road. We stayed close friends, but after one night where she called me crying because her husband had asked for a divorce (of which he later renegged), we set up boundaries saying that we shouldn’t talk about her marriage or anything along those lines anymore, since I am not the one to be involved. Meanwhile, her husband was beginning to think that something was going on between me and her. He eventually called the church, accusing the two of us of having an affair. That, piled up with the rumors, was apparently enough to get me fired.
There was a discussion this morning about the Joseph story. I felt like I could closely relate. Joseph was in a sticky situation. He knew that if he didn’t come to Potiphar’s wife’s beconing he would piss her off and would get in trouble, on the other hand, he had his principles and knew he would be in trouble if he went to be with her as well. He chose the high road and ran, and it only lead to him being throw in jail. What’s the amazing part of the story is the constant little narrative inclusions of “And God was with Joseph.” A guy who was pretty well off and gets sold to some Ishmaelites, thrown in jail, and ignored is described as being “with God.” I think that’s where my frustration comes in. I don’t really get the sense of “and God was with Chris.” I hate it. I mean, I mentally know God hasn’t left me, but just feel a sense of dispair about it.
I was majorly let down by those that I spiritually respected, and that’s a tough blow to take, particularly when it may effect your whole career. I got fired for something that I didn’t do, but even if I had, the way they approached it couldn’t be farther from the Christ-like manner. I mean, if it were true, yes, removing me from the position I was in is acceptable, but there was not a grain of grace in anything that happened. No follow up by anyone. A few good friends have kept in touch, of which I thank you. But from those that I would expect to be shown God’s love from, I was only shown the door. “And God was with Chris?” Guess we’ll see if I will get to interpret the pharoah’s dreams.
