While I also have some very serious concerns, I took encouragement in the fact that his e-mail was actually in response to a very loving message from some select members of his church. His email was written to them and then, according to the Post, shared with the church at large.

I saw a humbled and broken man in the e-mail. Although the slant the Post took majored on the label, heterosexual or homosexual, Haggard’s e-mail had a different tone.

“Jesus IS STARTING to put me back together”

“That sadness CONTINUES…”

“We have GROWING understanding which is giving me SOME hope for A future.”

“Jesus and his followers have saved my life…”

“The sun is STARTING to rise in my life.”

I would imagine that Haggard’s leadership positions created an isolation where he wouldn’t even speak of his struggles, therefore, he likely struggled alone. But now that it’s all out in the open, he would be in a position to receive counsel, therapy, support–and, yes, maybe even a breakthrough or two.

I never heard him say that it was the ultimate breakthrough or that everything was all taken care of. He had the intensive three weeks and is now having twice-weekly sessions. On top of that, he is being encouraged to join a 12-step program and to refrain from Christian ministry. All of this indicates that both the church and Mr. Haggard know that, breakthrough or not, there is still a tough row to hoe.

As I said earlier, I have some serious concerns, particularly with the online psychology courses, but I did want to re-emphasize some of the positives that others are overlooking. I wish him well and pray that his church will continue to love and support him in his hope for a future and that his overseers will not take their charge lightly.