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Letters
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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