Christmas Eve 2013 -- In front of 158 people AS ME

[VickySGV]

My church has recently had some attendance and membership problems with the children from my kids generation moving away and maybe or maybe not attending the own churches in other communities. Christmas Eve aka the First Mass Of Christmas, is one service where families come back to join us early on Christmas Eve. I wanted to go before going to my son's house for my family's time with his children and his wife. (My grandchildren and their mother are Roman Catholic and went to their own service an hour before.) There had been a question on Sunday about who the Lector for the night's service was to be, and I am the senior Lector in the parish. (Lector's are lay ministers who read the Old Testament lessons during our principal services.). As I was walking from my car to the church with my ex wife who I was taking to our son's house after the service, our priest called out to me and asked me to take the lesson for the night. The lesson was from Isaiah 9: 2-7 which is the prophesy of a young woman bearing a child whose name shall be "Wonderful Counselor, Almighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace" the passage adapted by Handel in "The Messiah". It is one of my favorite passages to read aloud, and I read it correctly with "wonderful counselor" being a two word title, and not as two separate ideas.

I was glad I had worn the suit that I did, and the appropriate shoes too. All of the regular attenders knows about me and that I was a male for over 20 years before becoming who I am now and I could see people smiling at me as I read the chapters, and ending with "The word of the Lord". I felt so happy and right doing it. As I was leaving, I could feel the true warmth from all of the people there for whom my being Trans* was not an issue. A few have said they do not understand why or what I have done, but my personal love and honor for them and God as we know him is all they need and will need. It is the complete opposite of what I imagined, what a gift. I am going to have a little trouble sleeping, just thinking about it. So wonderful.

[Cyndee]

Very nice story, I bet that felt great !!

Merry Christmas

Cyndi -

[gennee]

That's really great, Vicky. I can only imagine how you felt. Acceptance by our place of worship does wonders

for the mind, soul, and spirit.

[Guest LizMarie]

A wonderful story, Vicky, but I think you might want to check your calendar.

[VickySGV]

OOPS. OK, I will get the heading edited to say 2013, proves I am a little too eager. My surgery Anniversary IS in 2014!!

[KathrynJulia]

It may be Alltimers Vicky. You know the old grey matter ain't like it used to be. May 2014 be full of surprises and living well Vicky. Kathryn

[Guest DianeATL]

Great story Vicky - so proud of you!

Diane

[Guest AshleighP]

Congratulations on this milestone. I wish someday I would have the courage to attempt something this bold and impressive.