That Gut Feeling

Over the last several days I have gotten the question, "David, what do you think of the Haggard situation?" My first response is sadness for him, his family and church family in Colorado. The pain of sexual sin and brokenness effects so many hearts and lives for a long time.
My second response is more of a concern. I'm concerned that we as people might let another opportunity to examine that feeling in our gut around our own brokenness and shame flutter away once again. As the Ted Haggard situation unfolded over the course of this past weekend, my guess is that there were probably many silent sighs filled with relief or more fear: "Whew! I'm glad it was not me." or "Wow! That could have been me." or "I hope it is not me in the future." or "Could my husband do the same?" or "How could he do such a thing. I would never...." Phrases in the gut and heart that need further examination and understanding.

I don't see this as a wake-up call for the church - we are way past that historically apathetic response. It is time for an individual answering of that gut feeling of brokenness and fear. An answering of that gut feeling of brokenness may require the strength and courage to talk about the things we have vowed for years to never let out. Where might the safe places be to allow this to happen? We desperately need more of those safe places...safe hearts. It will not be long before the Ted Haggard affair will hit the blog archives and media back burner. I hope that our hearts will not do the same but rather begin to live, express, and answer from weakness.

Peace,

David