thunderugly

I am a United Methodist pastor, so it seems imperative that I like John Wesley. This is tough. I have never seen a portrait or statue, never read a story which attributed to him even the smallest dollop of warmth. His writings are cold and bloodless much of the time, but that is just a sign of his 18th century influence. Nevertheless, people responded to him like he was handing out roses. They loved him, they obeyed him, they were moved by his words and blessed by his actions. He still lives in churches as diverse as the California Methodists and the Assembly of God.

And here I am, having spent my whole adult life trying to make an impact and to be loved (two goals that must not go together), and I have almost nothing to show for it. Training, technique, torment.

I think it was his faith that did it. He really did believe.