If the author is able to do it, I would love to read the story of that custody suit. Was the woman who sued for custody related to the kids at all? How did she think she was entitled over actual family members? I think everyone would benefit from a close study of just how deluded the current version of evangelicals are and what monstrosities they would commit if they got power.
Jesus Hernandez on a malfunctioning jet ski, if ever a person should be put aboard a ship of stone, with masts of steel, sails of lead, ropes of iron, the Devil at the helm, the wrath of God for a breeze, and Hell for her destination it's that so-called godly woman who attempted to judicially kidnap those children. I hope that process server got very drunk after serving those papers.
Thank you for this update. I am holding Jessica and her surprise family in the Light, as we Quakers say, and wishing them joy in each other to carry them through all the shit this world seems awash in. Do they need another GoFundMe? 'Cause we can do that.
I’d buy the book of her story, hands down. After reading both essays (terrific, btw) I still have so many questions and would love details: her parents aren’t together? Is her Mom still religious? How did the kids go from saying they wouldn’t get vaccinated to getting them? Have the kid’s religious beliefs changed, do they still go to church? And as another commenter added about the custody trial - why would a stranger have the ability to sue her for custody?
Jessica - sending you so much love. You are an incredible human being and those children are so fortunate to have you as their guardian angel. I’m in Maryland, near Annapolis, and if you ever need a hug, I’m here to deliver.
Please tell me there is a book in the works because I absolutely need to read more and I would absolutely lay out cash for that privilege. Thank you for this amazing essay, Jessica. Thank you for publishing it, Lyz.
Well, the writers strike has been resolved and they haven’t made the AI that can tell this tale with your wryness and wit. This story needs a screenplay and there are lots of women producers now who wouldn’t be able to resist it. The evangelical people are often vile judgmental haters and need to be called out just like this: by showing how narrow and fearful their world view is. Please write!
I was a psychotherapist for over 40 years, and in that role truly met people who were the worst of all of us human beings. But I also met people like Jessica who exemplified the very best of us. I always so moved by what we will do for one another.
Thank you, Lyz, for sharing Jessica with us. I went back and re-read the stories and watched her video on the GoFundMe. Folks, watch that video. With the music up.
Thank you for sharing so beautifully and profoundly, Jessica. Having lived for over four decades inside the fear of hell, evil and the world that defines evangelicalism I can understand what might have motivated your tormentor. It’s the same motivation that has given us things like burning of witches and heretics, the counter-Reformation, and the Crusades. You have modeled what love looks like, the kind of love that is the only safe refuge from fear.
How ironic that those innocent and precious kids are finally experiencing from non-religious you the love Jesus spoke of: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lays down his life for the sake of his friends.”
You don’t need affirmation from me, but I thank you all the same.
There is an arc of love and hope that I believe (in spite of plenty of evidence to the contrary) will eventually be the path of our healed planet. You are inspiring, the vanguard of that hope.
I read both essays for the first time today. I expect this passage from the first one to be seared into my brain forever: “I can tell God doesn’t want us to wear masks,” the nine-year-old told me recently in the car. “Because He rewarded Mommy with heaven for not wearing hers.”
If the author is able to do it, I would love to read the story of that custody suit. Was the woman who sued for custody related to the kids at all? How did she think she was entitled over actual family members? I think everyone would benefit from a close study of just how deluded the current version of evangelicals are and what monstrosities they would commit if they got power.
Jesus Hernandez on a malfunctioning jet ski, if ever a person should be put aboard a ship of stone, with masts of steel, sails of lead, ropes of iron, the Devil at the helm, the wrath of God for a breeze, and Hell for her destination it's that so-called godly woman who attempted to judicially kidnap those children. I hope that process server got very drunk after serving those papers.
Thank you for this update. I am holding Jessica and her surprise family in the Light, as we Quakers say, and wishing them joy in each other to carry them through all the shit this world seems awash in. Do they need another GoFundMe? 'Cause we can do that.
I’d buy the book of her story, hands down. After reading both essays (terrific, btw) I still have so many questions and would love details: her parents aren’t together? Is her Mom still religious? How did the kids go from saying they wouldn’t get vaccinated to getting them? Have the kid’s religious beliefs changed, do they still go to church? And as another commenter added about the custody trial - why would a stranger have the ability to sue her for custody?
Jessica - sending you so much love. You are an incredible human being and those children are so fortunate to have you as their guardian angel. I’m in Maryland, near Annapolis, and if you ever need a hug, I’m here to deliver.
This story has haunted me and I could not remember where I’d read it. This follow up is gorgeous in so many ways. I appreciate hearing more.
What amazing grace. I wish we could all be as understanding as Jessica. May her life and family continue to be filled with joy and love and laughter.
Jessica, you are an extraordinary human. And those children are so lucky to have you.
Please tell me there is a book in the works because I absolutely need to read more and I would absolutely lay out cash for that privilege. Thank you for this amazing essay, Jessica. Thank you for publishing it, Lyz.
Well, the writers strike has been resolved and they haven’t made the AI that can tell this tale with your wryness and wit. This story needs a screenplay and there are lots of women producers now who wouldn’t be able to resist it. The evangelical people are often vile judgmental haters and need to be called out just like this: by showing how narrow and fearful their world view is. Please write!
I was a psychotherapist for over 40 years, and in that role truly met people who were the worst of all of us human beings. But I also met people like Jessica who exemplified the very best of us. I always so moved by what we will do for one another.
Thank you, Lyz, for sharing Jessica with us. I went back and re-read the stories and watched her video on the GoFundMe. Folks, watch that video. With the music up.
Thank you for sharing so beautifully and profoundly, Jessica. Having lived for over four decades inside the fear of hell, evil and the world that defines evangelicalism I can understand what might have motivated your tormentor. It’s the same motivation that has given us things like burning of witches and heretics, the counter-Reformation, and the Crusades. You have modeled what love looks like, the kind of love that is the only safe refuge from fear.
How ironic that those innocent and precious kids are finally experiencing from non-religious you the love Jesus spoke of: “Greater love has no one than this, that he lays down his life for the sake of his friends.”
You don’t need affirmation from me, but I thank you all the same.
There is an arc of love and hope that I believe (in spite of plenty of evidence to the contrary) will eventually be the path of our healed planet. You are inspiring, the vanguard of that hope.
With much respect,
Peace.
Hollywood should make a movie about one of its own. Keep writing and loving.
I read both essays for the first time today. I expect this passage from the first one to be seared into my brain forever: “I can tell God doesn’t want us to wear masks,” the nine-year-old told me recently in the car. “Because He rewarded Mommy with heaven for not wearing hers.”
Whatever happens, Jessica please keep writing! We need voices like yours now more than ever.