A space to discuss the essay, “What Is It Like To Be A Whistleblower?”
3 Likes
Thank you for sharing this. I also thank God that you have healed enough to be able to process this and be vulnerable enough to put it in a public forum. I have not been a whistle blower but can empathise with many of the feelings and experiences that you mentioned.
In my experience, there is still the possibility that life events can trigger old memories and cause pain (a bit like PTSD), even though healing has happened. The temptation is to ask the question “Why Lord?.. but why?” I am still learning to rest in Him even when I don’t find answers to this question. We will see clearly and know fully on the other side.
He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. John 15:2
4 Likes
Thanks for sharing this Carson. I know it’s been quite a journey! But it’s been a blessing to witness your grace throughout and how you’ve trusted the Lord. I know much of your pain has been hidden from us, but I know this experience has also birthed much fruit (Uncommon Pursuit!) and there’s more to come. Remembering to be thankful for you and this ministry as we approach Thanksgiving. Blessings brother!
3 Likes
Hi @Carson,
Thank you for sharing some of the details of this difficult journey. I praise God for your healing and this new ministry of UP that came out of it with a focus on transforming hearts for God. I believe all of the wisdom and dependence on God learned from this difficult experience will continue to be a blessing for many years to come.
While I have not been a whistleblower exactly, I experienced some similar estrangement from friends though at a smaller scale as I raised questions on some teachings that seemed too far from core teachings of christianity in a church I was part of. It was very painful and depending on our spiritual maturity, the spiritual counsel we receive and the friend support we find, it can take a considerable time to heal to step out in hope again and to do anything in terms of Christian ministry. Some people impacted may not even know how to find healing. Ultimately, I also think our struggle is not against the seen but the unseen forces of evil as well when it comes to christian ministry. Whatever the cause, being knowledgeable about the experience can prepare us to be more discerning and help us find the right support and methods if we are put in a situation where confrontation is needed.
2 Likes
@Carson I’m grateful for you and for what you’ve done. Thank your for sharing your journey thus far. What you shared caused me to reflect on Hebrews 11 in a new way over the past few days.
Like in Heb 11:16 I was struck by how those listed in this “Hall of Faith” desired a better country than the one they lived in and how “God is not ashamed to be called their God.”
This is an apt description of you and those that stand up for justice and obey the prompting of the Spirit to act. Through faith you spoke up for justice (Heb 11:33) all because you had faith that God is faithful and that he has provided something better (Heb 11:44).
Though these truths may not lessen the pain, I hope they are a reminder to keep them in light of eternity. We are all longing for a better place, promised to us by God.
I hope you’ll indulge me when I say that I count you as part of the great cloud of witnesses described in Hebrews 12:1. Your acts of faith are an inspiration to throw off every hindrance and sin that so easily entangles so that we may fix our eyes on Jesus. You have glorified your father and can be certain of his promise, though it may seem to be far off (Heb 11:13).
3 Likes
Thank you Chris. That encourages my heart.
In 1 Corinthians 11:1, Paul says, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.”
I’ve often had a visceral reaction that this shows hubris or pride on Paul’s part.
But I wonder if it is deferential. Don’t think too much of my example!
Rather, compare it with what you see in Jesus, and imitate Jesus. He’s the one we’re all following. I’m following Jesus, and so are you. Let’s imitate his example together.
4 Likes