You didn’t leave the Church, you carried its truest teachings into a place where no one was faking love for the offering plate. You baptized your grief in sequins and gave your tithe to the saints who still dare to bless the brokenhearted. You replaced fear with direct communion. And when a queen placed her hand on your cheek and said, “I love you”, you finally believed it. That was no club. That was the sanctuary.
This is a phenomenal explanation, Aleksander. Church isn't the building we step into weekly, just to sprain our knees in obedience to ancient texts. Church spirit is wherever you are, and how you implement its kindest, most selfless intentions.
Nathan, I also want to thank you for sharing your story. I admire your strength in your most vulnerable moments, and so much more that I just don't have the words for. Keep being your honest self - you are leading the way.
Recently stopped giving to my old church. Been quietly wondering where to redirect the dollars. Thank you for sharing this, and all your stories. Thank you for helping me figure it out. Love you.
This is so beautiful. There's so much shame and judgement for leaving the church here in the south, but you've helped me realize that maybe I just haven't found mine yet.
This was exactly what I needed to read today. Finding your way to give back and going "to the source" makes so much sense. Thank you for opening your heart and your life story to us all.
You didn’t leave the Church, you carried its truest teachings into a place where no one was faking love for the offering plate. You baptized your grief in sequins and gave your tithe to the saints who still dare to bless the brokenhearted. You replaced fear with direct communion. And when a queen placed her hand on your cheek and said, “I love you”, you finally believed it. That was no club. That was the sanctuary.
You didn’t just find hope with singles.
You built a better altar.
This is a phenomenal explanation, Aleksander. Church isn't the building we step into weekly, just to sprain our knees in obedience to ancient texts. Church spirit is wherever you are, and how you implement its kindest, most selfless intentions.
"You baptized your grief in sequins and gave your tithe to the saints who still dare to bless the brokenhearted." Wow. Just wow.
Thank you so much for sharing with us Nathan. I love you
This is exactly what Jesus would be doing. And the MAGA crowd would say He was too woke. Giving and receiving love is the only way to heal.
Nathan, I also want to thank you for sharing your story. I admire your strength in your most vulnerable moments, and so much more that I just don't have the words for. Keep being your honest self - you are leading the way.
Recently stopped giving to my old church. Been quietly wondering where to redirect the dollars. Thank you for sharing this, and all your stories. Thank you for helping me figure it out. Love you.
I agree. This is beautiful and I am also glad you are here now.
This is so inspiring. Thanks you so much for sharing! You really are an amazing human being!
I hope you are feeling only joy and belonging in this wonderful new tithing!
You are a good person. Thank you.
This is so beautiful. There's so much shame and judgement for leaving the church here in the south, but you've helped me realize that maybe I just haven't found mine yet.
Every time I read something you wrote, I marvel at your vulnerability, your compassion, your beauty, and your hope.
This was exactly what I needed to read today. Finding your way to give back and going "to the source" makes so much sense. Thank you for opening your heart and your life story to us all.
I love you too!
I can almost see everything you told because of your beautiful writing. Just subscribed!