Thanks, Lighter.
I do have something else to say, re: this -
Please, know Carolyn that I have forgiven you, and I do again, forgive you now,
for all the hurt and pain I endured when you ceased to love me as your "sister" in Christ
and I sat in silence. I trusted you with my real name.
And all because I dared to question regarding the book.
Although I see little actual historical fact in this statement,
I can feel the pain.
Years ago, when my eldest daughter repeatedly violated our household rules, I told her once and for all that if she was going to remain within our household, she would be required to adhere to those basic rules of truth and respect.
She chose to move out.
Immediately, she began telling all of her friends that her mom had thrown her out.
No doubt she was hurting... but not because of anything I had done.
It was her own choice to violate my boundaries which created her hurt.
Leah, I don't know how to acknowledge your pain and still remain in reality, but I'd like to try.
I'm sorry that you have suffered such hurt and pain.
Yes, Leah, you trusted me with your real name.
I have not abused that trust.
I would never share your real name with anyone.
Carolyn is my real name, by the way.
I have no idea what you mean by saying that you
"dared to question regarding the book",
I don't recall any book.
What I recall is your badgering me, simply because I'd backed away from communication with you on this board.
Apparently, you did not think that I should have that option.
I now see that you interpreted my backing away as
"you ceased to love me as your "sister" in Christ"
,
but drawing boundaries is not a cessation of love, Leah.
I'm sorry that people have left you in the past, but I am not they... and I won't allow you to punish me in their place.
As just another wounded person on a recovery message board, I will not accept that role in your life.
Carolyn