. . . when someone else says what you want to say better than you could say it, yourself. I’ve been so busy with Emmy (my new service dog) and trying to get everything else done, I have neglected this blog. I had a plaintive e-mail asking when I would get “back on track.” Well, the answer to that is . . . I just don’t know.
For the meantime, I’ll refer people to other places. Today is it Reading Rightly from Fr. Stephen Freeman’s excellent blog “Glory to God for All things.”
Fr. Stephen is warning against too much diverse reading even in Orthodox writings. The American response is an aghast, “WHY!!??” We can’t conceive that something wrong can happen if we toss ideas around too freely. But it can. Especially when the ideas we are tossing around are from the writings of the Church Fathers or other Saints, and we expose them to unbelievers.
Fr. Stephen’s article is worth reading.
Fr. Stephen’s posts have weight to them; indeed, and simply by virtue of his ordination he has the charisma to teach. These words of his give me pause, make me reflect on what I, who am simply a Reader, have been doing.
When I submitted my thesis, I told Fr. Ted Pulcini, my thesis advisor, that when I looked for Orthodox resources on the web concerning disabilities, I found no resource page to refer to. And I added that there should be. He responded, “Why don’t you do it?” And so with the blessing of His Grace Bishop Thomas I proceeded.
I try to bring forth what other Orthodox Christians like yourself have discovered and have experienced, as well as other material that I think that relates and could be a resource.
As incarnate beings, we all have our specific place, and I have been an advisor to people with developmental disabilites. And we commend the specific life God has given us and all our life- how it relates to the fullness of God and His Kingdom, His inexpressible gift- to Christ our God.
I consider myself more a librarian and a reporter than a teacher. But Fr. Stephen’s words are helpful- I will think twice about sharing my opinions.
And you’re welcome for the pingback. Thank you for your wonderfully expressive blogs. I like dogs, but my wife is less enthusiastic. They’re discouraged in our Friendship Community homes. If I’m ever in a situation where I can give some imput on whether or not someone might benefit from a service dog, I’ll refer them to your page.
God bless, Ephrem