DISQUS

Peter Ould · 1 year ago

The scene - A large conference room filled with Christians. They look dejected, as though they have just lost a battle. On stage is a reporter from the Times who walks up and down, looking at the crowd with disdain.

Lucy Bannerman : I will let you all live, but only if you hand over to me the one who claims to be "Fabulous"

The camera zooms in on a small group of people, all of whom turn to look at one of their member, a short, stocky (and let's be honest, slightly overweight) chap with an "Executive Vice-President" badge on his lapel. He looks back at his friends, sighs. It is obvious he has decided that he will sacrifice himself for the sake of his comrades.

The camera zooms out again. We watch the short man, about to stand up, when suddenly in front of him a bald headed man leaps to his feet.

Bald Headed Man : I'm fabulous

The short stocky man is at his feet only seconds later

Short Stocky Man : I'm fabulous

Suddenly next to the man leaps up a third. He is dressed in a shirt and jeans.

Shirt and Jeans man : No, I'm fabulous

All around men and women suddenly rise to their feet.

Crowd : I'm fabulous. No, I'm fabulous. No, I'm fabulous

The journalist on the stage looks shocked, realising the the show of unity has blown any chance of her lynching her victim. She turns to her deputy.

Lucy Bannerman : Sod this. Write trashy articles about the lot of 'em.

Randy · 1 year ago

Awww... you'd take a bullet for me?

fat little ol' me? (who's lost 20 lbs recently btw.) Every extra pound just adds more to be fabulous with.

Fortunately, I don't think anyone will be martyred for being fabulous though :).

Peter Ould · 1 year ago

I'm presuming the clear plagiarism in my comment didn't pass you by?

Randy · 1 year ago

No ... I recognize it as being from somewhere but I can't place it so didn't want to embarrass myself trying to guess. Where did you get your inspiration to plagiarize? :)

Peter Ould · 1 year ago

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOCsNrzlV2k&feat...

Randy · 1 year ago

Oh yes ... that would be it :)

Jonathan · 1 year ago

It's a nice visual of the solidarity expressed in this community of Love.

Janey · 1 year ago

Well said Randy :)

Rich · 1 year ago

Thanks Randy for standing firm and not shrinking back.

Randy · 1 year ago

Well, she didn't really go after me so this one was not that difficult. I am praying for her room mate and Alan (and others) who got raked over the coals.

I do receive your encouragement though. Thank you very much.

Randy · 1 year ago

Thanks.

Oceanskater · 1 year ago

That article was pretty ridiculous. In fact, I'm fairly positive we weren't at the same conference (though I think my testimony was referenced in the article - maybe she got the CD) :)

Randy · 1 year ago

I thought of you too at one point in the article. I wish she hadn't lied to us and just listened to the cd's but alas... ::: sigh :::

P · 1 year ago

Randy, I got to agree with you here. That piece was shoddy journalism. Even ex-gay watch agrees -which I found suprising.

I did not attend the conference but downloaded an application as I considered atttending. Didn't it have the applicant sign a disclusure designed to keep this type of thing from happening? If so, how is that being handled? You obviously can't discuss legal options, but I feel badly for Michelle and hope future attendees can be more confident that the conference is indeed a safe space.

Randy · 1 year ago

Yes, there are conduct and confidentiality policies. With media, the rules are *very* strict and they would never be allowed to room with attendees. The reporter knew this and lied to get on campus. We have all the safeguards we need in place but if a reporter resorts to deception there isn't much we can do about it

Jonathan · 1 year ago

As weird and unlikely as this sounds, is it at all possible the reporter could have been a regular attendee who 1.Rejected what was presented, 2.Decided to report after the fact?

Randy · 1 year ago

No. Not in this case.

Jonathan · 1 year ago

After having a chance to view the original article, I'm even more troubled by this. I hope measures at least are being taken to notify her room-mate.

Jonathan · 1 year ago

I need to clarify that, I think the best thing that could happen is her not ever hearing about it, but I'd much rather she hear it from someone who could offer her some support, rather then be shocked with it, or be given ridicule because she was someone who was there and made the choices she did.

Randy · 1 year ago

Thanks for communicating your concern Jonathan.

Randy · 1 year ago

check out my reply to Cheryl.

SusanH · 1 year ago

I hope her roommate never sees the article. I hate deceit and I would suppose that would be pretty hurtful to see her confidences in print for the public to see. What a tacky journalistic tactic.

Randy · 1 year ago

I am with you Susan.

Cheryl · 1 year ago

This is disturbing indeed! Isn't there a privacy law of some sort? False journalism police?

I, too, am concerned for her roommate. I am praying that the Lord will take what was meant for evil and use it for His good purposes; that many will be drawn into relationship and healing with the Lord through this article; that the roommate who was betrayed would become a loud proclaimer of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; that she would be empowered, strengthened and encouraged; that all who were a target of this attack would be filled with joy; that joy would produce endurance and endurance would produce love and that love would bring glory to God. And, I pray that the corrupt reporter would come to know freedom from sin in Jesus Christ.

Randy · 1 year ago

Amen. Whenever anyone attacks us we always look at our options. There has been a lot of activity regarding this behind the scenes that I won't go into here on the blog. Rest assured though... while willing to turn the other cheek ... we aren't a doormat either and we take protecting our friends *very* seriously.

Jonathan · 1 year ago

Amen, We need to definitely be keeping this whole thing in prayer, which is where I'll be.

Nick · 1 year ago

Well, Randy, everyone knows you're fabulous. But to have it in print in the London Times...well, that's something anyway.

Actually, I love the humor that comes from the conferences, some of which, of course, came from you.

I'll never forget Christine's great line when she threw a T-shirt into the crowd: "All the women are thinking, gosh Christine, you can do better than that, and all the men are thinking, wow I wish I had her arm."

Randy · 1 year ago

That's true ... I guess it is time for my fabulousity to cross The Pond.

I am glad you like the humor. You have to be able to laugh sometimes. Christine is one of my favorites. She did a great job emceeing.

Julie · 1 year ago

Ya know, every time I attend an Exodus conference, I am utterly filled with gratefulness for what I have in my city. I have an amazing (Exodus affiliated) ministry here. So, I have had the opportunity for support groups, counseling, and other healing events. In addition, I have a loving and supportive church, supportive of both me and the ministry.

When I am at an Exodus conference I meet people who only have that regional or national conference for support in their healing journey. They have no ministry at all close to where they live and do not feel they can turn to their church for help. That conference is all they have- that one weekend or one week a year.

Yet, they come, making themselves vulnerable by exposing their need to God in front of strangers, grasping and packing into their hearts every Truth that comes at them for those few days. It's so beautiful to watch- and experience for myself- the way God meets the humble, hurting, and broken at an Exodus conference.

It makes me ill to think that such a sacred, desperately needed thing like this summer's conference would be violated like this. I feel so bad for the roomate who was indeed violated. However, upon reading the article, I think the roomate is far better off than the reporter. Though she was in an, at times, shaky decision making place, the roomates eyes were open to the Truth. Her comments were very wise, and I believe God will be faithful to her and finish what He started in her.

The reporter I pity far more than her roomate. She very much needs prayer. She is so lost right now.

Randy · 1 year ago

Thank you for taking the time to add your thoughts and concerns for the reporter. I completely related to what you are saying about appreciating Exodus. I was blessed and a fan long before I came to work her. I also agree with your thoughts about the reporter's roommate.

I will pray for the reporter but I don't pity her. Compassion? ... sure but ... she walked in with an agenda, ambushed Exodus, betrayed her room mate and lied about the truth of what our lives are like.

Nope ... no pity from me (but I understand what you are saying.)