That reminds me of a story ...

I was restored to a better frame of mind by a visit to the Little Pub with the Big Brewer, in the company of GL. GL is a retired priest who helps us out. He was born and bred in this part of the world, and seems to be related to most people between Bridgnorth and Aberystwyth. Before he was ordained about twenty years ago he was a Lay Reader (an Anglican lay minister) for years before that. Looking back in the service registers, GL’s initials appear as far back as 1965. he has never lost his roots, and never become part of the “clergy club”. He has a fund of stories, is never lost for words, and is generally good company. I always feel better after an hour in his company. Some treat him as a long-winded buffoon, but that is a big mistake. He has great sensitivity and understanding, and especially an understanding for the ordinary people of this area, and great pastoral gifts.

Telling GL of my current “local difficulties” produces a number of anecdotes which involve him taking the wind out of the sails of his “elders and betters”, reminding me that this sort of behaviour has been going on round these parts for a very long time; tweedy churchwardens who tell clergy they are there “to do as they are told”; rude remarks about clergy wives who do their own housework; snide comments on the quality of sermons. All these ways of putting down and taking control have been practiced and honed over years. He helps me get things back in perspective.

That reminds me of a story …