APROPOS RECENT POSTS: A KINDRED SPIRIT HAS NO APOLOGY FOR BEING HERSELF JUST AS GOD MADE HER

I find it uncanny how every so often in life it is possible to come across a kindred spirit, someone who thinks as I think, speaks as I speak and is equally as openly self-admonishing. How rare it is to experience total empathy with someone you have never met.

Such has been the case for me with a complete stranger, a woman by the name of Jan Korvemaker from Parksville, B.C. Jan is a frequent contributor to a Facebook group site that serves as an on line gathering place for members and friends of the Presbyterian Church in Canada. Initially, I crossed swords with her on a generalized comment she had made regarding the church today in her experience, but the more I studied subsequent offerings from her the more I began to appreciate her and the brick wall she had experienced in trying to find a religious home she felt comfortable in belonging to.

Jan Korvemaker

I touched base with her and she has kindly accepted my offer of Facebook friendship and a request to re-publish some of her written work that has impressed me (providing I did not take her words out of context -- her request).

Jan is a middle-aged woman of Dutch birth who came to Canada with her family while still a pre-teen. She was raised in the Christian Reformed Church and was later to become a member of the Presbyterian Church for almost eight years before finding that she "did not fit in."

She does not currently belong to any denomination but is convinced that she definitely is a member of God's family and a follower of Jesus, of which I have no doubt. I was so impressed with something Jan wrote this past week that I wanted to share it verbatim on Wrights Lane because I could relate totally to her every line as if she had taken words out of my mouth. It was as if she was writing a personalized sequel to several of my most recent Wright Lane offerings

In explaining "No Apology!", Jan said that "this piece came so easily and when that happens I am pretty sure God had a hand in it...I couldn't do it without Him -- believe me I've tried."

Once again, I know whereof she speaks. Now here is what Jan Korvemaker wrote.

NO APOLOGY!!!

I make no apology for who I am!

I make no apology for what I believe — or how I see God as a Triune God, how I see Jesus, Scripture or the mysteries of God and Creation — and I make no apology for my relationship with God …

I make no apology for not always knowing how to explain my beliefs or find the words to explain why I feel the way I do about this and so many other things …

I make no apology for wanting to help others, for wanting to care, to be compassionate and kind, to be accepting and loving in all that I do and say …

I make no apology for hoping that I will be allowed to help or that I will be asked … Often asking someone for help also helps the one being asked …

I make no apology for continuing to hope, knowing it hurts when it doesn't work out the way I'd hoped — To stop hoping is simply not possible!

I make no apology for not always getting “it” right — for not understanding and making all those unintentional mistakes in the things I do and say …

I make no apology for not being perfect — I may wish I were, but I’m not, and neither is anyone else …

I make no apology for longing for more — That doesn’t make me ungrateful — I’m not! In fact, I feel and am incredibly blessed in so many, many ways, but I am human …

I make no apologies for those longings that have gone unfulfilled — painfully so at times …

I make no apology for those times when I feel heartbroken, brokenhearted or simply broken …

I make no apology for feeling isolated and alone at times! I am not the only one, but know I am often unable to fix or do anything about it …

I make no apologies for not being able to fix things for myself as well as for others — Some things simply aren’t fixable, but simply need to be gone through …

I make no apology for not fitting in or feeling like I don’t belong …

I make no apology for thinking differently or not according to the way today’s society decides I should …

I make no apology for speaking my mind or even playing the occasional Devil’s advocate — even when not always right, speaking out can present different perspectives to think and make up our own minds about …

I make no apology for not always being “politically correct” — while no offence is ever intended or deliberate, being “politically correct” for some, may actually offend others …

I make no apology for being me — A unique, but imperfect individual who loves to serve and help others, and who strives to be the person she was created to be, but who often gets it wrong in an effort to do right!

I am me! I may be imperfect, but I am loved by the God who created me to be who I am — and for that, I make no apology!

God bless you Jan Korvemaker. I envy you...I have so much for which to apologize! That's the one difference between you and I.