ETC: Everyday Thoughts Collected - Latest Comments in The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 02:05:01 -0000

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.)

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Julie — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:55:22 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:18:13 -0000

Oh yes ... that would be it :)

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

pould — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 16:15:09 -0000

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

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:28:58 -0000

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? :)

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

pould — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:25:30 -0000

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

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:44:36 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Nick — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:43:13 -0000

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."

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Iceclaw — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 12:08:21 -0000

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

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Iceclaw — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:54:53 -0000

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

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:34:51 -0000

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 :).

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:33:01 -0000

check out my reply to Cheryl.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 10:32:11 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

pould — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 07:53:47 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

cherylemery — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 00:14:34 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 23:40:13 -0000

Thanks for communicating your concern Jonathan.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Iceclaw — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:56:32 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:09:39 -0000

I am with you Susan.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

111222 — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:02:24 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Iceclaw — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:54:01 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:02:46 -0000

No. Not in this case.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Iceclaw — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 21:00:04 -0000

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?

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 20:37:52 -0000

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

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:56:46 -0000

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.

Re: The London Times Slams Exodus - Quotes Yours Truly

RThomasETC — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 17:39:06 -0000

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 :::