Isn't
it fantastic how unstereotypical we are? This group of letters
proves how rich our little corner of Christianity thrives on diversity
in unity.
Re: “Demographics:
Optimistic/Pessimistic”
If we really
believed in Hell like it's described in the Word, we wouldn't
be sitting comfortably in the four walls of the church or our
homes and attending worship a couple of times a week when we feel
like it. We should be out in the community/world preaching
and telling people every day how they must be/can be born again.
We should be passionate about bringing the gospel to lost man
in these last days. We can't wait for them to come to us; we must
take the Gospel to them. It seems that those who we believe
do not have the whole truth are doing a much better job of “reaching”
people than we are. The field is ripe for harvest, but the
laborers are surely few and lacking in zeal. I preach to
myself as well as you when I say these things.
Name Withheld,
Texas
Re: “Plastic
Surgery”
I hope we
meet these confessions with mercy and compassion rather than judgment.
I have to admit, if they had a surgical procedure that would remove
(in an hour or less) this 100 extra pounds I carry I know the
temptation would be very strong so I am no one to pass any judgment
on anyone.
I believe
one of God's purposes in our dress standards is to promote healing
of the wounds females in our society often carry. When you refrain
from putting on make up, or jewelry, you are saying to your spirit,
“I am beautiful. I don't need a coat of paint, or plastic extensions
to my ears.”
Richard Ferguson,
New York
Re: “The
Big Question”
In the current
issue you cite the big question as, “Who is the best presidential
running mate?” Intrigued, I clicked on the question only to find
that the big question had morphed into ““Who is the best presidential
candidate currently running? It proceeded to feature a rehash
of the current three (two Democrats and a Republican) with a brief
mention of the also-rans.
I would have
been very interested in what my fellow responders would have said
on the first announced question. Not having noticed it in past
issues, I did not respond then. But I do have an opinion. So here
goes...
My personal
favorite would be Mike Huckabee as John McCain's running mate.
However, I do not see that happening. I believe electability is
going to factor in favor of a ticket perceived as “inclusive.”
My guess would be that there will at least be serious consideration
given to Condoleeza Rice as the Republican running mate and I
would not be surprised if she ends up being the choice.
Marjorie Kinnee,
Michigan
Re: “Plastic
Surgery”
I am not condemning
anyone who has had plastic surgery. But, I do take issue
with people who approve of cosmetic surgery but disapprove of
cosmetic products. How is makeup (a cheap, temporary and
risk-free product) wrong, while cosmetic surgery (which is an
expensive, permanent and risky change of the appearance God gave
you) okay?
The problem
I have with most standards is that they are inconsistent.
Don't preach against rated R movies and then let violent and graphic
video games get a pass. I would have to say, that would
be straining a gnat and swallowing a camel, to borrow the words
of my friend.
BTW, glad
to see your readership is so high. But, I agree that a discussion
forum area of your website would be a great addition.
Mary Leterrioli,
Michigan
(Editor's
Note: The biggest downside to a forum/message board is the
policing of ugly comments. With an all-volunteer staff, we're
already stretched to the limit of our current format. Does anyone
have any ideas how we could make this feasible?)
Re: “of
sex and ............”
This is so
misunderstood by women and more so by men who are blessed
not to be addicted--I have been addicted since a very young age
and fight it minute by minute even at 53 yrs of age; women think
the church tries to hold them 'down' while thinking of their own
'need' to show off their beauty--the eyes filled with Holy Ghost
power is more beautiful than the body ever could hope to be. To
the man addicted, one flash of flesh is a nail in his coffin,
so hard to get others to understand.
J. Williams,
Texas
Re: “Letters”
I love this
website and have since I discovered it whenever that was.
I have referred many people here. Why? Because I think
it's relevant. I think it opens discussions, whether you
agree or disagree with an author's perspective. I think
it's opened up the perception of Pentecostals about church in
general and their walk with God specifically. I love the
mix of writing--serious, not so, creative, teaching. I love
the blogs. It's interesting to see what's happening in someone
else's life.
As for the
critics, you just go ahead and read something else if you like.
It's okay. As for me, I'll stick to my favorite e-zine.
Kudos to the writers and editors who desire to be a catalyst of
change. You are doing a good thing.
Kris Newman,
Minnesota
Re: “Choosing
the Right Mate”
I am in a
relationship with a 38-year-old man who is a seeker and has strong
character and wisdom. He would like to marry once I am strong
and on my own two feet so that I choose to need him rather than
need him in my vulnerable transition time. My daughter with special
needs, age five, passed away six months ago. I am grieving her
death.
I am a 38
year old woman who has never been married, but has the desire
to be married. I think God has called me to China for a time,
and when I am to go is unknown.
I want to
do God's will. I love this man. We care for each other, and he
shows that he is committed to me. A woman who has godly counsel
says that she can see God blessing our relationship. But there
has also been an area of struggle to abide in God's Word.
There is other
sensitive information to help you better understand our situation.
Do you have
any insight or questions/response that can help me gain perspective?
And though God's people seek God and to know His will, how much
is my decision to choose a husband?
Thanks.
Kathleen Chambers,
Colorado
(Editor's
Note: You should look at the Gabby
archives for an answer to your question, she is full of insight
and wisdom!)
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