Following Policy

"We're going to follow the policies from the Church manual with this situation." Those were the words I had been waiting to hear for almost 8 months now. In fact, when I spoke with my pastor at the church I was attending, that was my question to him: how does the church handle these kinds of things? He didn't have an answer for me - but he should have. It's written in the policy manual for the church. Those policies are detailed and specific. They are quite stringent and they are fair. That is, they are based on biblical guidelines which are the wisdom and provision of God for grace and protection in ALL matters. She herself was rather cold and matter-of-fact, which is perfect for how she needs to be to approach this issue. She asked about the long time which had passed - more than two years - and I felt ashamed and discouraged at what felt like a criticism and an unspoken question: "Why did you wait so long to report it?" She didn't say that, but I explained to her the long deployment this individual had and that as soon as I realized he was back in town, I called to ask how the church handles this situation and to confess my own sin. It's a package deal. My sin is always rolled into this story. At the end of our 11 minute conversation she reiterated what I had mentioned and said that it would be helpful for me to focus on my own healing in this situation or something to that effect. I didn't find her comments or her demeanor kind or gracious in any way. The conversation left me with a bad taste in my mouth, but encouragement that someone who was "no nonsense" was going to take care of this situation. Or at least I hope she will. I'm feeling more hopeful and like I can finally begin to focus forward. I might never know what happens this side of Heaven, but I have been repentant and obedient to the Lord. "He who began a good work in you will be faithful to carry it out till the day of Christ Jesus." Amen and hallelujah.