There's a song often played on the Christian radio here:
Washed By the Water by Needtobreathe
Daddy was a preacher
She was his wife . . . .

The story goes on that the people in the church had criticized the father, saying that he'd made the wrong choice in marrying her.

A very relevant story, one that has probably happened. It certainly shows how mean people, who are supposed to be G-d's family, can be. I like the song, but there a couple lines that bother me.

(Let me say here that I am sure this is not the way the writer meant it; this is just the way I see it, from my life exerience.)

The lines are:
Those people have long since gone, (from the church were "Daddy was a preacher")
My father never failed. (indicating, in this case, that he remained steadfast in the church)

The reasons these two lines bother me are:
1. The church I used to be in assumed and taught that if a person left it, that person was the one at fault; the church never -- ever -- took any responsibility.
2. I was told by an authority figure who was dear to me there that leaving that church was tantamount to an egregious, blasphemous, act of an apostate (not using those words, because I cannot remember the exact words, but the statement was that strong).
3. Those who left were often and easily spoken of with disdain and meanness, and sometimes with a patronizing pity.

I admit it: I still chafe occasionally in those few times my mind wanders back to what happened there. It doesn't happen much anymore, but when I hear this song, I will remember.

I have recently come to the place at which if I see one of the people on the street, it will not cause pain -- 10 years after the pastor there told me I was not wanted. I may even attend a service if I am somewhere that a family member will ask me to, which is something I could not do for several of those years.

G-d is good. His mercy is ever lasting. He heals the wounded and sends them on in the pathway He has chosen, making them far more than just "glad" to be there and not back where they were.

G-d bless those who have fled the wounding place.
G-d bless those who are still wounded.
G-d bless those whose G-d has raised them far above the past.

And G-d, please forgive those who wound, giving us the strength to overlook the wrongs, leaving both the wounds and the wounders in Your able hands.

Those people have long since gone,
My father never failed.

Too many times, those who leave are the ones who are following the L-rd.