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Katie Hayes's avatar

Oh Fred. I see you! The ghosting you describe sounds hideous. Now I’m wondering if I’ve done that to any of my pastors? Thank you for sharing this poem, your story and I offer you a Seeing Blessing.

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Marlin P Vis's avatar

Hi Fred. Thanks for the book recommendation -- Womanist Midrash. Have you read Bittersweet by Susan Cain? Some of your sentiments here are in her work. Lastly, you nailed the feelings for me around being ghosted.

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Fred Harrell's avatar

Have not read Bittersweet but it's now on my list! Glad you connected with the ghosted part of the post... it's the #1 thing I hear from pastors in terms of the hardships of pastoral ministry

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Kim's avatar

Lovely reflection. Thank you.

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Martha P's avatar

Fred. This is just so good and so touching. I think we've all felt a bit of this in our lives (even those of us who aren't pastors), and I love how this poem is so tender with our feelings, and also with the people we've felt hurt by. I've heard many of David Whyte's poems, but I don't recall ever hearing this one. Thank you.

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Fred Harrell's avatar

Thanks Martha. This poem really snuck up on me. I think it's one of his lesser known ones but now one of my favorites.

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