At St. Stoic by the Lake, I have embraced my role as Truth Teller. It's a part of what it means to pastor.

In my other various and sundry roles in life, I resist this. It seems I have been smacked on the head with the Truth Teller stick in familial situations as well, and it it getting tiresome.

I find myself reluctantly giving voice to things that others would Rather Not Talk About. As you can guess, the usual result is my family and close friends giving me the ole' "stink eye" when I say things that I would think are As Plain as The Noses on Their Faces.

For example: There is a disorder that my mother suffers from. My family members have found all kinds of other 'reasons' for some very obvious symptoms she suffers--symptoms that can potentially be injurious if not paid close attention to. But no one will say the word that would prompt her to get proper treatment.

I'm feeling overwhelmed today by the feeling that I am the only one willing to tell the truth...