Out of Darkness, Something Light

We went to a not so happy event, today. There was a funeral service at our church for one of our members. He will be sorely missed, and I know his family is hurting right now. We send them love and hope that they can find comfort in God's promise of a better life with Him. The service was, in my opinion, tasteful, sincere, and warm. I'm glad we got a chance to be there for the family.

Karla came to the funeral as she is good friends with one of the family members. She brightens any room. I don't think she realizes how much people adore her, especially in that church, or what a difference she makes. It was really good to see her there, and to have others show her love and wish the itty bitties well.

Idalis also came to the funeral. It is bittersweet seeing her. After months of no contact, it was almost shocking. But honestly, I love that girl. I pray for her constantly, and I am glad to see that she is doing well and working hard. It felt so great to finally hug her again and hear her laugh. I hope this gets to happen more often.

I don't know if I ever mentioned that I don't hug the boys in church anymore? We had a lesson about purity a few months back, and how men are not meant to touch women aside from their wives. (There were other, more important parts to the lesson, but this is just the part that's related.) There's a verse that specifically says the word "touching". I always took it to mean fornicating, but some of our church leaders think it's literal. Like aside from standard human contact like shaking hands or whatever, nothing affectionate or intimate: no hand holding, no kissing, no hugging, no nada. Not even with a boyfriend. Wait until marriage. I personally don't agree with taking it so far BUT I see why they think that and I'm not about to be disrespectful and tell church leaders that I think they're wrong and I'm going to do whatever I want anyway. I'm still a very huggy person, regardless of gender, but in church I withhold that. Problem is church is usually my only social place and it's the only time I get to see these boys that are like family to me, so it's stinky. Welp. Today's a funeral. People are being affectionate. I got hugs galore. Success.