We know that we live in a competitive world. If we slow down, chances are we will be last in the line for promotion, for accolades or in becoming the ‘employee of the month’ award.  We have created this culture of busyness around us because it not only is thrilling and temporarily fulfilling, but it also is a way for us avoid asking other deeper questions, says Carl Honore, in his ted talk on ‘In praise of Slowness.’ Guy Winch, talks about "The Importance of Self-care"  remind us how much we ignore caring for our own emotional, psychological and mental well-being.

So, this past Sunday we had a powerful service where we expressed our grief, our anger, and maybe even some hope. By now most of us probably know that last week the General Conference of our broader United Methodist denomination decided to try and restrict LGBTQ inclusion even further. I fully admit that in my own personal opinion, this was a terrible and morally bankrupt decision. I find the position of the General Conference theologically untenable and deeply cruel. Of course, not everyone may agree with me, and certainly all Christians have the right to their own study and theological interpretation. But I wanted to offer my own take on some scripture concerning human sexuality.
 

Beloveds, as some of you know, the special called General Conference of UMC just ended, and ended on a horrible note -- supporting a plan that is plain evil -- it is much more punitive and tighter! I also want to say that it is not final yet! It has been sent to the Judicial Council (church court) for constitutionality. The JC will meet in April to determine and give us their verdict. But, the reality is that the denomination has once again failed us!