in reference and retrospect

So apparently the world reads blogs. Were any of you aware of that? I have to say this from the deepest and bottom-most crevices of my heart and mind, I really am sorry if I said anything in that last post that hurt anyones' feelings in any way. Not that what I was trying to get at is relevant now that no one has a point of reference, but I love all my friends. I really do. I don't understand compromise, most especially when it involves people I love. Perhaps my passion gets in the way of what I really am feeling and saying. I know that is a serious weakness, and I'd venture to say that it's even a fault of mine. If I've offended you or any of your friends in anyway, please accept my apology. I heard that someone was hurt by what I said almost an hour ago and my heart is still thumping a million miles a minute. Know that I look forward to sharing in the harmony of mind and spirit in the KoG with all my fellow humans, as Mr. Mike Fotenopulos, leader of the BHS trip to Spain next Spring Break, likes to call us. I am sorry and I love you.

Brad. Bradley Carl.

Mark and I decided to take Brad under our wings for awhile. He's Mark's younger brother, smart and witty. He and Mark have a lot in common. We've had a couple of really interesting conversations. He is a relatively conservative democrat. He believes that abortion is a mother's right and that homosexuality is not a choice. I didn't ask him how he would feel if his future wife told him she was having an abortion or what he thinks happens to people when they die (which really is what it all comes down to anyway). His views make perfect sense from a Democracy-works point of view. I respect him. And I love him. I have a hard time not touching the big things; Mark believes, I think, that such conversations are not worth touching. And to a degree, I do understand where he's coming from with that.

My observation is that Brad is like to many people I love. They settle and they're in pain because of it. It sucks, but it's real. Mr. Wheeler said a few weeks ago, "All they need is love," in reference to pastoring the Springfield, MO church. With Brad and with so many people, all the pain will disappear if a few strong people would love them. Some say we're really making a risky choice by helping him get through this phase of his life. I think they're whimps. If those of you who think it's foolish couldn't handle something like this, I feel sorry for you. I love Brad and regardless of how "difficult" it may be to have someone in my home, he needs us. If taking him in will help him become a stronger person, what better could I possibly do?

The coolest thing is that we get to practice our faith in this situation. It's fine and dandy to be religious around other faithful people. But it's something completely different with someone who doesn't know or doesn't understand the concept of God and certainly doesn't respect Him. I guess I get to find out if I am a hypocrite.