tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post8282609225692265589..comments2023-04-03T09:33:55.039-06:00Comments on Ramblings of Sheldon: "Unpacking the Backpack"Sheldon Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-76343037605493341932014-01-15T09:11:46.582-06:002014-01-15T09:11:46.582-06:00I'm glad that you finally stepped out of that ...I'm glad that you finally stepped out of that toxic world, and my condolences for what you have been through, especially the divorce. I am so glad that I didn't take my fundie mother's advice about pushing me to get married young (and that I learned better while I'm still young).<br /><br />I probably would have ended up divorced, or at least with a highly strained marriage.Sheldon Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-196092253055062672014-01-15T09:09:49.206-06:002014-01-15T09:09:49.206-06:00I think I have seen you around on Facebook, you so...I think I have seen you around on Facebook, you sound familiar....<br /><br />Call up the church, I'm sure they could arrange some sort of transport for you to get there, have someone pick you up etc. Believe me, it's worth it.Sheldon Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-31162749779073899992014-01-14T08:51:36.036-06:002014-01-14T08:51:36.036-06:00Hey Sheldon...I may end up seeing you at that UU c...Hey Sheldon...I may end up seeing you at that UU church...I knew the instant you described it that it was the church in the town that I have considered visiting. I have been wanting to attend but can't travel in winter due to health reasons. I have "come out" of the fundie closet for two years now and have lost many friends and even a spouse over it. You are really taking some big steps lately and I applaud your courage. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-26502972870686867452013-12-30T10:45:56.651-06:002013-12-30T10:45:56.651-06:00How the hell could I ever go back to that?How the hell could I ever go back to that?Sheldon Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-78532439190939762032013-12-30T10:45:27.348-06:002013-12-30T10:45:27.348-06:00He says he does know some secular counselors, as w...He says he does know some secular counselors, as well as religious ones. Sheldon Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-90038727048376770052013-12-30T10:44:28.810-06:002013-12-30T10:44:28.810-06:00Yes, at least he has experience with these people,...Yes, at least he has experience with these people, and knows their track record.Sheldon Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-11995653532851489522013-12-30T10:43:53.200-06:002013-12-30T10:43:53.200-06:00I didn't know you were a pastor.I didn't know you were a pastor.Sheldon Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-58080096819869735932013-12-30T10:43:38.664-06:002013-12-30T10:43:38.664-06:00Need to dump a few hundred pounds. ;)Need to dump a few hundred pounds. ;)Sheldon Cooperhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17660822618786253558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-58056839645787064582013-12-30T05:45:56.659-06:002013-12-30T05:45:56.659-06:00Every once in a while a friend of mine will ask me...Every once in a while a friend of mine will ask me if I ever think about contacting my parents. Nope. One of the best decisions I ever made. Keep up the good work. Andrew Hallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01495983897864604830noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-44967463016554108452013-12-30T05:33:40.939-06:002013-12-30T05:33:40.939-06:00For what its worth, I'd suggest that you consi...For what its worth, I'd suggest that you consider finding a secular counselor with credentials (e.g., a Licensed Professional Counselor). Most will have far more training and experience than the typical clergy member will have received, and there is some quality control in the form of their license. I'm sure there are some great pastoral counselors, but their training tends to be fairly different and probably less appealing for most atheists/agnostics. Just a thought.Jackhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09485781130885424400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-53905740057977073362013-12-29T16:35:33.791-06:002013-12-29T16:35:33.791-06:00Sounds like an excellent way to get into therapy. ...Sounds like an excellent way to get into therapy. My best experience with therapy was with a therapist who was matched for me by a short term therapist who knew the longer-term therapists in the area. Beats pulling a name out of a phone book!LadyAtheisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12132821431322748921noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-84701479614684725202013-12-29T16:34:23.045-06:002013-12-29T16:34:23.045-06:00I am cheering you on Sheldon. Great to hear of you...I am cheering you on Sheldon. Great to hear of you finding a church where you feel comfortable. Also love reading about your desire to find healing. Before I retired I would often do a bit of pastoral counseling before I referred to a counselor. That would usually help me to know who might be a good fit.kc bobhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17440862813109808755noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7477053899127840506.post-56762495738023129212013-12-29T15:44:19.459-06:002013-12-29T15:44:19.459-06:00Best wishes in unloading a very heavy backpack in ...Best wishes in unloading a very heavy backpack in 2014. You've successfully taken two important steps -- living openly as yourself and excising your parents from your life -- which will allow healing to begin.Ahabhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14675629709031865432noreply@blogger.com