HOE
It is time – indeed, well past time – for us to acknowledge another example of Outstanding Achievement in the Field of Excellence. Our latest HOE is a tireless advocate for truth, compassion, and understanding. In fact, I do not think he stops to eat or sleep in his drive to bring enlightenment and kindness to our very, ummmm enlightenmentally-challenged area. Oh yes, people – in addition to being a HOE, this person is also a local WIN and we are very, very lucky to have him around.
I present to you the latest recipient of the SLF Ham of Excellence:
The Reverend John Shuck of the First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton.
This man has not only challenged my thinking on what organized religion can do (i.e., something other than judgment, inadvertent wrong, and outright evil), he shows just what good we can attain if we have the balls and conviction to be unconventional and honest. Did you ever think you could walk into a southern church – hell, any church – and hear a sermon on “Better Living Through Evolution?” How many ministers do you know who are active in PFLAG? When was the last time you saw your preacher at a pro-healthcare reform rally?
Now, my opinions on what Jesus is/was about are based pretty much entirely on Jesus Christ Superstar. I like the whole ‘do unto to others’ thing. And the idea of sticking to an incredible unpopular (and fatal) viewpoint because you *know* in your heart that it is the right thing to do is really fundamentally cool. But the Jesus in my mind would probably be heartbroken if he saw and heard some of the shit that was/is done in his name. However, I usually keep these opinions to myself because (1) I am not a Christian and (2) most Christians seem to be just thrilled with the status quo.
So imagine how amazing it is to meet someone who truly embodies what Jesus is supposed to be about. It’s enough to make a southern female lawyer think about going to church. Which, as someone who has never gone to any church/temple/religiousgathering in her entire life and is fairly certain said building will erupt in flames should she enter, is a pretty big freaking deal.
So, thank you John Shuck for existing. You sir, are truly a Ham of Excellence.
SouthernFemaleLawyer 