Ending this Blog Series

Ending This Series

I began this series of Blogs which are reflections Brennan Manning's Ragamuffin Gospel as a way of chronicling what God seems to be doing in my life. As I have written several times, the two main benefits of this book have been: (1) the freedom to say that I really am the sinner I and others have known me to be and to confess and own that reality and some of it consequences to myself and others and (2) the freedom to believe that, in and by Christ, God is my heavenly Father who forgives and restores and does not stop loving me, ragamuffin that I am. I believe these two truths have been life-saving and life-changing for me. I am and always will be a ragamuffin Christian wholly dependent on God's grace.

I took as some basis for writing this series the autobiographical sections of Paul's letters where he opens up about the goings on within his own heart and his relations with others. I thought it was a good thing to open my heart to others through this Blog. I do appreciate the kind responses I have received through personal emails and public comments.

However, I have become convinced that I should not have written this series. My reflections came at too high a price: my family's privacy and freedom. I know that part of my motivation was that they might see how God is at work in my life, but, while it had that effect on some others, it did not have that effect on the members of my family. 

For this breach I apologize to each and all of them. I will make copies for myself that I may reflect on them, but I am removing the whole series of Blogs from public access.

I will complete Manning's book and go on to read my old and dear friend, Charley Chase's Grace-Focused Optimism, which he kindly gifted me, and to reflect on these books privately and in private conversations with trusted brothers in Christ. I ask your prayers.