A Late But Great Response

[Carolyn Marie]

It's been quite a while since I ran into someone who knew me as 'him," and who didn't know I am now "her." But today I did have contact with such a person. I used to correspond very frequently by e-mail with this colleague, but not for over a year.

He contacted me via my old e-mail address, which is still being forwarded to me. After answering his questions, I explained about the name change, without going into additional details. This is what he said, in part:

"Welcome Carolyn! I know your journey has been lengthy and difficult and want you to know that I AFFIRM you decision and choice. Way to go girl!

I am a Reconciling and Dissenting United Methodist and for us that name change and the difficult life process it represents demands respect."

I have been blessed with knowing so many fine people whose hearts are filled with love for others, and who have shown me such respect and affection. After 15 months since transitioning, a message like this still leaves me in tears, but they are tears of joy.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[VickySGV]

Super neato!!! Just Super neat!!

[Charlize]

Thats a super affirming message. My GT said to expect old friends to "discover" years into the future. Hopefully they will all react like yours. We need that feeling of being accepted as ourselves.

Hugs

Charlie

[Carolyn Marie]

I had not previously heard of that particular ministry, and looked it up. Here is one site I found on Reconciling Methodists:

http://www.rmnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/RMNStrategicPlan.pdf

Wow, I certainly outed myself to a Christian who was bound to be supportive and understanding. Nice to know that there are Christians out there who really do "get it." I knew that there are, but hadn't run into that many. I think I like Methodists.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie

[JJ]

That is so beautiful-I am very happy for you,

But I don't for a moment doubt that it is your innate personality and attitude that is really responsible for all of the positive and affirming things that happen to you,

Thanks for sharing, You are an inspiration!

Hugs

Johnny

[VickySGV]

The entire United Methodist Church still has a ways to go, but we do have congregations here in So. Cal that follow this path way.

[JJ]

My Methodist church here in the heart of fundamental conservatism has been amazingly accepting and welcoming, They were the first group to be talking to one another and refer to me by male pronouns as we worked together on a benefit dinner. I will never foret it, It was hard for them to do and remember I am sure-none ever saw a TS before and precious few LGBT but they still got it right every time.

They are true practicing Christians in my book. They seldom talk about it but they live it by loving others in every interaction

I'm not surprised that Carolyn;s friend was so accepting, Just very happy that it warmed her heart so much

Johnny

[Guest DesiB]

I love it when we continue to break down stereotypes! Let's lead by example.

[JenniferB]

I started going to a Reconciling United Methodist Church earlier this year. And I must say they are very accepting. I haven't gone recently because this specific church doesn't fully match mine. I'm used to more formal churches, and this one is definitely not. I'm not used to people getting out of their seat and dancing around. But there are a lot of things I like about them. This one has been here in town for over 30 years, and they just went totally solar a few months ago. They have a strong believe in being stewards of the earth. They also have a wonderful library and believe in inter-faith. They actually had a liberal Muslim member from Seattle talk earlier this year. Obviously it's a very liberal Christian ministry.

Jenny

[KathrynJulia]

That's just amazing Caroline

We have a United Methodist Church here in Columbia that is so accepting of LGBT members, I'm wondering if they belong to this same movement.

It's pretty remarkable to meet someone so welcoming. That had to really make your day into a really excellent day. Kathryn

[Carolyn Marie]

It's pretty remarkable to meet someone so welcoming. That had to really make your day into a really excellent day. Kathryn

Oh, yes, Kathryn. I don't think I stopped crying for 15 minutes. My staff is kind of used to me doing that, every now and again.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie