Beautiful, Tommy. Deeply touched and humbled by your insights. Thorough, kind, thoughtful, dogmatically complete. A mystery laid bare by the sheer weight of your heart’s purpose. So humbly proud to call you my son. Love Dad
I could sense you getting closer and closer to this point as I followed your writing since your time in Thailand... but glad that you've made a faith decision brother. It only gets harder, more demanding, more awful, more wonderful from here. And we are shoulder to shoulder as we walk.
Thanks brother. In a funny way, I was writing about God before I believed. Thomas Merton talked about that, how his writing and his faith were intertwined, how he wrote himself into belief, in a way. Appreciate your words here & the encouragement (:
Perhaps the best article I have ever read on Substack. I had a similar experience to you, I also learned personally how Jesus provides long term peace that I could never find on my own. I learned a lot from reading William Lane Craig as well.
Just easing into your essay, barely beyond a couple of paragraphs,
makes my heart weep and soar all at the same time.
There is so much to say to form even a half decent response, yet l'm also at a loss for words. Nothing I compose would feel good enough or thorough enough or deep enough to address all you have given us here. Given us of yourself. Letting us in. Into your mind. Your heart. Your soul. What a raw, sincere and transparent voice you speak with. Extremely well written, Tommy. Then again, we knew it would be, didn't we.
I am so incredibly proud of you for your determination to follow your heart, for your acknowledgement and acceptance of your faith in God. And especially, Tommy, your courage to be open to all who know you, about where this journey has brought you. Your write with such deliberate purpose that your readers simply cannot miss or deny your intended testimony throughout. I will echo Dad's words here, I am incredibly grateful, humbled and so privileged to call you my son. I truly hope you are just as proud of yourself as I am of you.
This made me cry (in a reflective way). I have so much to think about. I had never found the way I was trying to live to be compatible with Christainity, but many of my stubborn aversions have just been wiped away. I wonder where I will go from here. Thank you.
congratulations on your baptism, tommy! i've always liked your writing and this piece was an exceptional and raw one to read. i pray your faith in the Lord grows as you continue walking with him, and i thank you for your testimony :")
I will read this many times. I don't believe it accident that it appeared on my feed when it did. Thank you for your courage and vulnerability. Best piece I've ever read on Substack.
One of the most comprehensive explorations of faith I've read in recent memory... In it I see someone who has grappled and wrestled with the full weight of crushing doubt and emptiness, and found his burden lifted by the infinite mercy and love of Christ
I have shared your writing with others who are struggling with their faith, and I am sure that through it many will see the true beauty and light of the Gospel
May the Lord use you and shape you for His glory, until we see Him face to face
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I started reading this morning and have been coming back to it all day when I’ve had a few minutes here and there. You’ve expressed the heart of Christianity so beautifully and thoroughly, and I have been truly refreshed and encouraged by reading it.
Captivated as I read this. Took copious notes for the next time we can have a conversation. Appreciate you sharing this intimate story and contributing to the books about him that will overflow the world. John 23:25
Thank you Steven (: You were another pivotal figure behind the scenes of this story. Deeply appreciate your time and thoughts here. Can't wait to connect again.
You are a remarkable human Tommy, before, and more so with the Lord flowing within you. An astonishing piece of writing…and I’m only halfway through it. I love you, pal.
Could write so many words here, but will just say THANK YOU. Such a beautifully articulated treatise on your journey and the reasons why this faith “makes sense” even in the midst of a world of chaos, unknowns, mystery, and uncertainty. Thanks for taking the time to put this into words. 🙏
Thank you Jonathan, means a lot brother. I think it first has to make sense to people, then once it does, they realize it doesn't have to. It's like that idea, perhaps from Dante, that the journey to God begins in reason but ends in faith.
Okay, so I read this on Saturday, ALL DAY, and then finished it up right before I walked into church on Sunday! This is just so incredibly beautiful. There were multiple times I paused and audibly went, “hmm” as some excellent truth hit me. I also felt such a sweet presence from the Holy Spirit while reading. I was just thanking God the whole time I read. Thank you for writing and sharing and not letting fear get into the way of posting this work. I am stoked to see where God brings you next!
Beautiful, Tommy. Deeply touched and humbled by your insights. Thorough, kind, thoughtful, dogmatically complete. A mystery laid bare by the sheer weight of your heart’s purpose. So humbly proud to call you my son. Love Dad
Thanks Dad (:
I could sense you getting closer and closer to this point as I followed your writing since your time in Thailand... but glad that you've made a faith decision brother. It only gets harder, more demanding, more awful, more wonderful from here. And we are shoulder to shoulder as we walk.
Thanks brother. In a funny way, I was writing about God before I believed. Thomas Merton talked about that, how his writing and his faith were intertwined, how he wrote himself into belief, in a way. Appreciate your words here & the encouragement (:
well said
Perhaps the best article I have ever read on Substack. I had a similar experience to you, I also learned personally how Jesus provides long term peace that I could never find on my own. I learned a lot from reading William Lane Craig as well.
Thank you Christian (: beautiful way of putting it. Appreciate you reading & the kind words here.
Wow, Tommy!!! Wow!!!
Just easing into your essay, barely beyond a couple of paragraphs,
makes my heart weep and soar all at the same time.
There is so much to say to form even a half decent response, yet l'm also at a loss for words. Nothing I compose would feel good enough or thorough enough or deep enough to address all you have given us here. Given us of yourself. Letting us in. Into your mind. Your heart. Your soul. What a raw, sincere and transparent voice you speak with. Extremely well written, Tommy. Then again, we knew it would be, didn't we.
I am so incredibly proud of you for your determination to follow your heart, for your acknowledgement and acceptance of your faith in God. And especially, Tommy, your courage to be open to all who know you, about where this journey has brought you. Your write with such deliberate purpose that your readers simply cannot miss or deny your intended testimony throughout. I will echo Dad's words here, I am incredibly grateful, humbled and so privileged to call you my son. I truly hope you are just as proud of yourself as I am of you.
Love Always, Mum XOX
Thanks Mum (:
This made me cry (in a reflective way). I have so much to think about. I had never found the way I was trying to live to be compatible with Christainity, but many of my stubborn aversions have just been wiped away. I wonder where I will go from here. Thank you.
Thank you man, your words and time here mean a lot. It's a long road. Always an email away if you want to chat through things.
I love many of your writings, but this is my absolute favorite one 💜.
Thank you Alexis (: your time & care here means a lot
congratulations on your baptism, tommy! i've always liked your writing and this piece was an exceptional and raw one to read. i pray your faith in the Lord grows as you continue walking with him, and i thank you for your testimony :")
Thank you Zoe! Appreciate you reading & your kind words here (:
This hit me at just the right time. Stopped me in my tracks and read it all in one sitting. Thank you for sharing it, Tommy!
Thank you Bennett, deeply appreciate your time and encouragement here man.
I will read this many times. I don't believe it accident that it appeared on my feed when it did. Thank you for your courage and vulnerability. Best piece I've ever read on Substack.
Thank you Zoe, I really appreciate your time and encouragement here. Means a lot.
One of the most comprehensive explorations of faith I've read in recent memory... In it I see someone who has grappled and wrestled with the full weight of crushing doubt and emptiness, and found his burden lifted by the infinite mercy and love of Christ
I have shared your writing with others who are struggling with their faith, and I am sure that through it many will see the true beauty and light of the Gospel
May the Lord use you and shape you for His glory, until we see Him face to face
Thank you Samuel, for reading and for such a beautiful reflection. Appreciate your time and love here.
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I started reading this morning and have been coming back to it all day when I’ve had a few minutes here and there. You’ve expressed the heart of Christianity so beautifully and thoroughly, and I have been truly refreshed and encouraged by reading it.
Thank you Holli, for the kind words and encouragement here. Means a lot (:
Captivated as I read this. Took copious notes for the next time we can have a conversation. Appreciate you sharing this intimate story and contributing to the books about him that will overflow the world. John 23:25
Thank you Steven (: You were another pivotal figure behind the scenes of this story. Deeply appreciate your time and thoughts here. Can't wait to connect again.
You are a remarkable human Tommy, before, and more so with the Lord flowing within you. An astonishing piece of writing…and I’m only halfway through it. I love you, pal.
Thank you James, your words and support sink deep in my heart.
This is an amazing piece my friend
Thank you Amira (:
Could write so many words here, but will just say THANK YOU. Such a beautifully articulated treatise on your journey and the reasons why this faith “makes sense” even in the midst of a world of chaos, unknowns, mystery, and uncertainty. Thanks for taking the time to put this into words. 🙏
Thank you Jonathan, means a lot brother. I think it first has to make sense to people, then once it does, they realize it doesn't have to. It's like that idea, perhaps from Dante, that the journey to God begins in reason but ends in faith.
Okay, so I read this on Saturday, ALL DAY, and then finished it up right before I walked into church on Sunday! This is just so incredibly beautiful. There were multiple times I paused and audibly went, “hmm” as some excellent truth hit me. I also felt such a sweet presence from the Holy Spirit while reading. I was just thanking God the whole time I read. Thank you for writing and sharing and not letting fear get into the way of posting this work. I am stoked to see where God brings you next!
Ha thank you Amiee, for taking the time to read this monstrosity and your beautiful reflection here. Deeply appreciate your love & encouragement.