42 Dozen Hot Cross Buns --

[VickySGV]

This is Holy Week with its numerous church obligations and services, baking Hot Cross Buns that are being sold to support a battered women's shelter is not really in the official church liturgy, but I was there with 3 other women from the church, two of their husbands and our rector baking the seasonal baked goods. Hot Cross Buns have a history going back to the middle ages and are special "treats" to be eaten at Easter time. They are actually a small bread loaf with bitter-sweet dried fruits in them and a white frosting cross on the top of them. In theory, the buns are eaten after the First Communion of Easter, since the oldest tradition was for fasting from Friday noon to Sunday morning.

I had to take about 15 minutes out of the baking agenda to help one of the men repair a lock on the church office door, I had removed the lock the day before for him to take to a lock smith for a cleaning job needed because one of our church school children had shoved something other than a key into the key slot on the doorknob.

Quite a change from last Easter when I was still sore and uncertain of myself after my SRS just a short time before. At church I am never misgendered, and the youngest children and their parents have no fears or even questions about me. I have a position in the church I never had before as my male self because people no longer think I am hiding something (I was told that at the time I came out 3 years ago to them) and seem distant like I did for 20 years as a male. Saturday evening I will be using a "male" talent to help with a special church service where a fire is lit by flint and steel to relight candles in the church that were put out Thursday night. I can light fires using flint and steel!! I will also have a piece of scripture I will be reading that night, and prayers for the congregation that I will be reading on Easter morning. I think it is appropriate because my spirit itself has been resurrected from the depths to which it had descended when my dysphoria had been worst.

From now until Easter I will be keeping my brothers and sisters who do not have the loving spiritual experience and church family that I have in my prayers and heart that you too may find and be found by a Risen Lord and part of his loving family on earth that will accept you, nourish you spiritually and show you the love you deserve.

May The Peace that passes all understanding be upon you and give you hope for your journey.

[Guest Gregg Jameson]

Hi Vicky!

Wow! So beautifully written!

It's nice to gain more understanding of an important source of joy, strength, inspiration, support, love and belongingness in your life.

You were an amazing person prior to your surgery. Since your surgery, I sense more peace in your writings. It seems to me, your wonderful qualities of compassion, insight, love and concern for others has only increased since your surgery. (In having been away a year, I feel I might observe some changes in members I may not have observed had I not been away for so long, as changes are often gradual and more difficult to see when we are in the midst of them daily or frequently. )

Thank you, Vicky, for sharing.

Thanks, too, for the intentions you have in prayer and in your heart for your sisters and brothers. That's Love.

As is often quoted, "God is Love." God's Love shines through you.

Simply beautiful, Vicky.

Peace and Love to All,

Brad

[Charlize]

Thank you for sharing your journey and your faith Vicky. I especially enjoyed the fact that the congregation always felt you were trying to hide something before. Your growth and honesty have made you a star both there and here.

Have a wonderful holiday(but don't eat too many buns).

Hugs,

Charlize

[gennee]

Thank you for sharing with us, Vicky. This is so wonderful to hear. Putting our faith in action does make a difference in someone's life. By the way, could I have one of those hot cross buns?

[JJ]

Thank you for sharing that Vicky. Your faith is both beautiful and inspiring.

Your posts let people know the vocal haters are really the minority and many chirches embrace us with love and acceptance.

May your peace continue throughout the year in all the aspects of your life

Hugs

Johnny

[Bulldog1948]

On this Holy Easter Day, may our Lord's Blessings flow over each and every one of you.

Peace to all of my brothers and sisters

mike