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Letters So as an experiment,
I have decided to use our “identifiableness” to my advantage. About
six weeks ago I was at the Post Office mailing a package. The person
who works there never (and I mean never smiles), but
she noticed my pen and said, “I like your pen, I collect pens, I’ve
never seen one like that.” Of course I said thank you and went my
way. So, I was there the other day and unfortunately didn’t get
in her lane, but when she got between customers I slipped over into
her line and said, “Here I thought you would like this (a pretty
fancy looking pen like she had admired)!” I got the prettiest smile
and as I walked out she said thank you again. What a difference
we could make for the case for Christ if we did more of these types
of gestures! Distributing kindness for His sake…I plan on trying
it a lot more! Re: “Mistaking
the Mysterious Will of God for the Obvious Timing of God”
This was an
excellent writing. Thank you. I have believed that and thank you
for explaining it so nicely. It really helped me and I just sent
it to a friend. Thanks again. Pam Barbieri,
Delaware Re: “Sacred
vs Secular” Thank you Sister
Chantell for your excellent article! When Jesus is truly Lord, there
is nothing that is not sacred to us as Apostolic Pentecostals. That
includes our educational endeavors, our passions, and our employment.
God has chosen to place His people in various places for His strategic
purposes. The college professor, the counselor, the engineer, the
pastor—all are needed in God’s Kingdom. God bless you for sharing
your well-thought out position with us. Richard Ferguson,
New York Re: “Constantly
Misunderstood, Secular vs Sacred, & Which Century are You In?...”
I wish to apologize
to both of these ladies. First to Constantly,
I want to apologize for the last ten word sentence of my response
to your original article. They were an over-the-op incendiary bomblet,
moving what I said from non-threatening into an adrenalin-rush of
raised hackles and self-defense. I went too far and I wish to say
to you publicly that I was wrong to add that last sentence.
To Secular
vs Sacred—regarding dichotomy. You are correct in
saying dividing into two camps is not fruitful. I would apologize
to you for responding. I think I might have been better to keep
my opinion to myself. Finally—with open discussion as the goal,
one must write and/or respond without intentional offense or defensiveness.
One of the side effects of the writing ministry is that once you’ve
put it in writing [print], the whole world can look at what you’ve
said. And what you’ve said hangs out there, warts and all. Response
is just that. In an open discussion
forum, such as 90&9, the reason for publishing material is to
garner response. It’s deemed worthy of further consideration; it’s
sort of like, “Let’s run it up the flag pole and see who salutes
it.” It goes with
the territory. If you write, there will be those who agree with
you and those who do not. Some may agree with much of what you say
and differ on specific points, others take umbrage at everything.
But once it’s in print, it’ll hang out there until some new consideration
attracts the spotlight. Marjorie Kinnee,
Michigan Re: “Toni
Morrison” Kris, I was
just discussing Toni Morrison with a friend last week; our conversation
could have been taken directly from your article. Sula was
the book under discussion. Having some extremely riveting descriptive
portions, the book draws the reader deeper into the story by being
simple and yet simultaneously complex. Though extremely
well-written and informative about the lives of the characters and
the culture in which they lived, the sensuousness of the writing
seemed to seek to glorify character flaws and sins that should be
condemned. Toni Morrison has sold millions of books because she
so descriptively causes the reader to bond mentally and spiritually
with her characters. I would love to see the power of her pen turned
to the glory of God. How sad that she pours out her best for something
corruptible, a vessel of paper. Yet, she has
a valuable lesson for the scribblers among us. As Apostolics writers,
we owe God far more diligence in our writing than the Toni Morrisons
of this world exhibit. Kent Curry brought to our attention at the
Pentecostal
Writers Institute earlier this month that we must
not settle for giving less than our best; below-par writing will
capture neither the sinner’s attention nor his soul. Kathleen Fiorini,
Illinois Re: “72
Cents a Pentecostal” I received the
Holy Ghost at age eight, and I am now nearly 60. I have never been
a server in a restaurant of any sort, but have utmost admiration
for those who have. It is a difficult job at best. The Pentecostals
who should be ashamed are those who damage our witness with arrogant,
self-righteous attitudes or stinginess. We may be in, but not of
this world, but we are still accountable. I wonder how many of us
are going to be shocked when we stand before Him if He chooses to
show us those to whom we were a stumbling block. Thank you so
much for reminding all of us that our hands and hearts—and our pocketbooks—should
be open to help those who don’t know this truth. Even a restaurant
can be a mission field! Lynnette Elder,
Texas © 2008, ninetyandnine.com -------
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