2012 - Christian Random Thoughts Thread

[LifeafterLHCF]

*Sigh*

Just in case you are still here and read this, apparently, he was not asked to leave but chose to leave because they asked his children to leave because there were too many of them there. They also moved him from where he was sitting with his children, 3 times and before he would make a scene, he decided to leave, which I thought was a very wise and mature thing to do.

Because someone disagrees with you you feel that you are not meant to be here in the CF? We do have choices and if this is the choice you are making sis, then I do hope you would reconsider because all of us here only have your best interest in mind and only have been kind, prayerful and understanding to you, ever since you have come on the forum. I don't think its fair for you to do this to the people who have only cared about you here. However, you certainly can make the choice to leave.

I apologize if I said something that offended NW..that isn't my intention.
I say this with respect but it I prefer to keep peace so yes if there is a disagreement I will leave as I know its more important to keep the peace within the body than for me to hammer my point.I'm naturally a debater and normally just can't go with the flow.Now on certain things like love,peace,etc I am with the average consensus.But on others such as the matter we were speaking about I get your pov but my pov is what about the lives of others who do great things for man kind that are never seen.Yes its a great opportunity for the world to hear the message that normally wouldn't be able to see. I would hope that it inspired at least one.I just have seen so much hype about celebs in general and I hope ppl don't get too caught up in fan fare and lose the message.

That's all I can say at this point.I will continue to read post here but at times me as a person and as a christian this section reminds me of things from my church experience that isn't good.Maybe I'm just to young or dumb or just am not finessed enough for the Christians idk..I will continue to pray that if there something I need to learn that will come I just don't want to be a nuisance or someone ppl feel they have to nice to as that's what we as Christians are suppose to be no matter what..Have a great Sunday ladies..

 

[aribell]

FWIW, I experienced a little cognitive dissonance seeing the link posted in the CF; not because Houston's life wasn't valuable, but because people are martyred today for the Gospel with little to no fanfare from the Western church. We will rush to celebrate a pop star with greater fervor and emotion than we give to our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering worldwide.

God's Kingdom is the upside down Kingdom. He honors the least of these while the world honors the greatest. People pass away literally everyday--many with little to no fanfare whatsoever because the world did not deem them valuable. The Church should honor lives according to God's priorities rather than the world's.

I believe that Christians should offer their sympathy to whomever is hurting over Houston's death right now, and remember the best that she offered with her gift; but we should have more concern for and give greater support to those who are giving their lives for the Kingdom or suffering in the world.

 

[foxee]

My pastor was involved in an accident last week where his car collided with a fire truck. I did not see the wreck but was told it left the firefighters confused on how he was able to survive the impact. Not only was my pastor able to attend services this morning, he was strong enough to preach a powerful message. God is good!

 

[Laela]

GLORRRRAAAAAY!!!!!

My pastor was involved in an accident last week where his car collided with a fire truck. I did not see the wreck but was told it left the firefighters confused on how he was able to survive the impact. Not only was my pastor able to attend services this morning, he was strong enough to preach a powerful message. God is good!

 

[Laela]

That is such a great point... and I appreciate you saying that. ALL life is valuable in the eyes of God, who gave it. Someone had posted a photo of Whitney on one side and one of starving African children on another. Whitney's side said "One death, millions cry" the other side said "Millions dead, no one cries." and this image denotes what you're saying here.

However, on cognative dissonance... please don't assume anyone - and I will speak for myself -- is celebrating a pop star's life above others'. She was a living soul here, and there is no disputing that. That post was posted in the CF and then moved to a subforum. So I respectfully disagree with your assessment.

FWIW, I experienced a little cognitive dissonance seeing the link posted in the CF; not because Houston's life wasn't valuable, but because people are martyred today for the Gospel with little to no fanfare from the Western church. We will rush to celebrate a pop star with greater fervor and emotion than we give to our brothers and sisters in Christ suffering worldwide.

God's Kingdom is the upside down Kingdom. He honors the least of these while the world honors the greatest. People pass away literally everyday--many with little to no fanfare whatsoever because the world did not deem them valuable. The Church should honor lives according to God's priorities rather than the world's.

I believe that Christians should offer their sympathy to whomever is hurting over Houston's death right now, and remember the best that she offered with her gift; but we should have more concern for and give greater support to those who are giving their lives for the Kingdom or suffering in the world.

 

[Guitarhero]

This happens locally as well. Consider a popular high school friend who passes or a teacher - someone very much beloved. Being loved like (popular) that is a gift in itself from G-d. He just may have given her this gift for the short time she was going to be on earth to lead others to Christ yesterday and today and .... Maybe it is her struggles and death that have had the greatest impact on people's lives in the realm of the spiritual?

Anyhoo, there are so many who are fallen away...and why, when the beauty of the liturgy says it all. It's all in the worship.

 

[aribell]

That is such a great point... and I appreciate you saying that. ALL life is valuable in the eyes of God, who gave it. Someone had posted a photo of Whitney on one side and one of starving African children on another. Whitney's side said "One death, millions cry" the other side said "Millions dead, no one cries." and this image denotes what you're saying here.

However, on cognative dissonance... please don't assume anyone - and I will speak for myself -- is celebrating a pop star's life above others'. She was a living soul here, and there is no disputing that. That post was posted in the CF and then moved to a subforum. So I respectfully disagree with your assessment.

The "we" I referred to was the Church in the US generally, not the CF. The only time I saw the link, it was here and had not been moved. So I simply expressed my response at the time I saw it. But thank you for your post.

 

[Shimmie]

I can easily understand why the link to Whitney's Service was posted in our Christian Forum and I agree with it.

Her Service was centered totally around the Lord, there was no way around it, and because of that I can fully see why the thread linking to her full Service was originally posted in the Christian Forum.

For example, Stevie Wonder did such an honour by making it clear that he would not dishonour the House of God with the original version of the song Ribbon in the Sky... the entire world bore witness to this 'message' and how important the Church is and how much it deserves respect.

In the other threads regarding Whitney, God isn't honoured; there's still cursing and foolishness being spoken. And in many posts, they've already begun to 'reduce' Whitney to 'WH' as opposed to writing her name out in full; can they at least call her by her name, 'Whitney'...? 'WH' can stand for anything.

Now that the thread has been 'moved', it will surely become irreverent; reduced to the level of dishonouring what her Service was all about... meaning God being glorified and not man.

As for placing Whitney's death over the death of others...

It's the 'world' who is caught up in the 'fame' of Whitney Houston and her death. For Christians, it is about her soul and continuing with our message of the Love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are indeed many who are exalting her as opposed to exalting God; and for many this tragedy is also a release for 'some' to vent drama.

In this situation, Human nature is behaving as human nature behaves and all according to each individual. No one is reacting the same.

Personally, I was not 'attached' to Whitney's career as others were. Therefore it is easier for me to feel more empathy for the 'Rispah's' of this world; those who grieve alone.

However, it doesn't make the pain of Whitney's death less tragic neither less painful for those who love her, especially Whitney's mother and most of all, her daughter who shared a mother/daughter devotion with one another that no one can condemn. That is a pain that is inescapable for anyone. A loving relationship has been severed and the void can only be filled by God's divine intervention.

As for the Service given by her family; Her family has a right to 'say' goodbye; it's what families do when loved ones pass away. They have no control over the actions and feelings of others, who are making a 'glory' of Whitney over God.

I'm more than sure that her family does indeed care for others who grieve for their personal loved ones lost; I have no doubt that they have and will continue to reach out to the Rispah's of this world.

As for the 'world's reaction, I would further say that Whitney's family is probably so grief stricken that they are oblivious to what's going on. They are hurting too deeply to even consider the reactions of others regarding Whitney's passing.

All we can do as Christians is continue to care and to pray and to demonstrate that each life matters no matter who they are. Each person has the same value in the heart of God.

 

[LoveisYou]

I thought the service brought glory to God - the name of Jesus was all over it. I was very please with; all the glory belongs to Him.

 

[BrandNew]

Seriously? No, seriously.....

 

[Shimmie]

I thought the service brought glory to God - the name of Jesus was all over it. I was very please with; all the glory belongs to Him.

Whitney's passing was not in vain... due to this. As painful as it is for those who love Whitney, her passing made it clear that God is indeed real through her Service.

 

[kila82]

I don't understand why it is so hard for me to read the bible everyday. It seriously is a struggle sometimes. When I don't read it I'm so off..with everything, and irritable and feel disconnected *sigh* like right now I should be reading and I'm on LHCF. God please help me to stop being so lazy with such an important task. Help me to start fresh today and help me to realize that I CANNOT grow spiritually without reading the word daily

 

[Shimmie]

I don't understand why it is so hard for me to read the bible everyday. It seriously is a struggle sometimes. When I don't read it I'm so off..with everything, and irritable and feel disconnected *sigh* like right now I should be reading and I'm on LHCF. God please help me to stop being so lazy with such an important task. Help me to start fresh today and help me to realize that I CANNOT grow spiritually without reading the word daily

You're not alone in this. Everyone has distractions.

I read something one day...

How do you eat an elephant?

The answer: 'One bite at a time'.

Sometimes it can feel like eating an entire elephant with our studies, so we take it one bite at a time.

Start with one verse in the morning, one at lunch, one at dinner and one before bed.

You can even have scriptures sent to your email or cell phone, each day with a devotional.

What has always helped me is this: 'Lord speak to me; speak to my heart from your Word'. God never fails and the words that He leads me to always address what's happening in my life at that given time. God's Word is a personal love letter to each of us. A gift.

So... untie God's ribbon of love and receive it's embrace.

 

[kila82]

You're not alone in this. Everyone has distractions.

I read something one day...

How do you eat an elephant?

The answer: 'One bite at a time'.

Sometimes it can feel like eating an entire elephant with our studies, so we take it one bite at a time.

Start with one verse in the morning, one at lunch, one at dinner and one before bed.

You can even have scriptures sent to your email or cell phone, each day with a devotional.

What has always helped me is this: 'Lord speak to me; speak to my heart from your Word'. God never fails and the words that He leads me to always address what's happening in my life at that given time. God's Word is a personal love letter to each of us. A gift.

So... untie God's ribbon of love and receive it's embrace.

U kno I never thought of breaking it up like that! One bite at a time lol thank u for that suggestion!! Ok I'm seriously going to go read right now, but before I do I will be sure to say that prayer

 

[Nice & Wavy]

There are few posts that make me wonder, but there are a few that make me sad.

Jesus said this:

"What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!' I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' "In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

Luke 15: 4-10

What have we as members of the Body of Christ come to? When we say that there are people that are more important than one, that goes against scripture.

If Jesus came to die just for one (1) person and it satisfied Him to do so, then amen and so be it. But, He chose to die for ALL...so that no one would perish. This is the heart of God...it doesn't matter what they do for a living or if they don't work at all....He came and died for ALL!

When there are things spoken over the lives of people against the decisions they make because of compassion and love for mankind, one must wonder about the heart of people who do such things.

My concern as a pastor is that the heart of people are growing colder and colder as the day approaches. I am saddened because of it and it makes my heart hurt...it truly hurts.

But....GOD! He is able to make all grace abound for me, that I am able to continue on doing what He has called me to. I thank Him for all the people who He has put in my path that has the same heart....being in one accord for the purpose of advancing the Kingdom by seeing people come to know Him as Savior and Lord. People who don't just say what they want to do, but actually do what they say they will do....God is pleased and I am honored to be in the presence of such a people.

I pray that the little foxes that are being allowed to come and steal from the vine of this forum, cease and desist from doing so from this day forward. I pray that the Father will bring sheep here that want to lift Him up and glorify His name and draw people to the foot of the cross, along with those who have the same heart.

May the Lord, who always causes me to triumph, answer my prayer this day.

In Jesus name....Amen and amen.

N&W

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Thank you, Shimmie. Thank you.

N&W

I can easily understand why the link to Whitney's Service was posted in our Christian Forum and I agree with it.

Her Service was centered totally around the Lord, there was no way around it, and because of that I can fully see why the thread linking to her full Service was originally posted in the Christian Forum.

For example, Stevie Wonder did such an honour by making it clear that he would not dishonour the House of God with the original version of the song Ribbon in the Sky... the entire world bore witness to this 'message' and how important the Church is and how much it deserves respect.

In the other threads regarding Whitney, God isn't honoured; there's still cursing and foolishness being spoken. And in many posts, they've already begun to 'reduce' Whitney to 'WH' as opposed to writing her name out in full; can they at least call her by her name, 'Whitney'...? 'WH' can stand for anything.

Now that the thread has been 'moved', it will surely become irreverent; reduced to the level of dishonouring what her Service was all about... meaning God being glorified and not man.

As for placing Whitney's death over the death of others...

It's the 'world' who is caught up in the 'fame' of Whitney Houston and her death. For Christians, it is about her soul and continuing with our message of the Love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are indeed many who are exalting her as opposed to exalting God; and for many this tragedy is also a release for 'some' to vent drama.

In this situation, Human nature is behaving as human nature behaves and all according to each individual. No one is reacting the same.

Personally, I was not 'attached' to Whitney's career as others were. Therefore it is easier for me to feel more empathy for the 'Rispah's' of this world; those who grieve alone.

However, it doesn't make the pain of Whitney's death less tragic neither less painful for those who love her, especially Whitney's mother and most of all, her daughter who shared a mother/daughter devotion with one another that no one can condemn. That is a pain that is inescapable for anyone. A loving relationship has been severed and the void can only be filled by God's divine intervention.

As for the Service given by her family; Her family has a right to 'say' goodbye; it's what families do when loved ones pass away. They have no control over the actions and feelings of others, who are making a 'glory' of Whitney over God.

I'm more than sure that her family does indeed care for others who grieve for their personal loved ones lost; I have no doubt that they have and will continue to reach out to the Rispah's of this world.

As for the 'world's reaction, I would further say that Whitney's family is probably so grief stricken that they are oblivious to what's going on. They are hurting too deeply to even consider the reactions of others regarding Whitney's passing.

All we can do as Christians is continue to care and to pray and to demonstrate that each life matters no matter who they are. Each person has the same value in the heart of God.

 

[Shimmie]

U kno I never thought of breaking it up like that! One bite at a time lol thank u for that suggestion!! Ok I'm seriously going to go read right now, but before I do I will be sure to say that prayer

You are more than a Conqueror through Jesus Christ who loves you...

 

[Nice & Wavy]

I apologize if I said something that offended NW..that isn't my intention.
I say this with respect but it I prefer to keep peace so yes if there is a disagreement I will leave as I know its more important to keep the peace within the body than for me to hammer my point.I'm naturally a debater and normally just can't go with the flow.Now on certain things like love,peace,etc I am with the average consensus.But on others such as the matter we were speaking about I get your pov but my pov is what about the lives of others who do great things for man kind that are never seen.Yes its a great opportunity for the world to hear the message that normally wouldn't be able to see. I would hope that it inspired at least one.I just have seen so much hype about celebs in general and I hope ppl don't get too caught up in fan fare and lose the message.

That's all I can say at this point.I will continue to read post here but at times me as a person and as a christian

this section reminds me of things from my church experience that isn't good.Maybe I'm just to young or dumb or just am not finessed enough for the Christians

idk..I will continue to pray that if there something I need to learn that will come I just don't want to be a nuisance or someone ppl feel they have to nice to as that's what we as Christians are suppose to be no matter what..Have a great Sunday ladies..

Gotcha. Thank you for your post.

 

[Iwanthealthyhair67]

Shimmie Stevie's comment touched my very soul he was very respectful to God and the house of God...


QUOTE=Shimmie;15310135]I can easily understand why the link to Whitney's Service was posted in our Christian Forum and I agree with it.

Her Service was centered totally around the Lord, there was no way around it, and because of that I can fully see why the thread linking to her full Service was originally posted in the Christian Forum.

For example, Stevie Wonder did such an honour by making it clear that he would not dishonour the House of God with the original version of the song Ribbon in the Sky... the entire world bore witness to this 'message' and how important the Church is and how much it deserves respect.

In the other threads regarding Whitney, God isn't honoured; there's still cursing and foolishness being spoken. And in many posts, they've already begun to 'reduce' Whitney to 'WH' as opposed to writing her name out in full; can they at least call her by her name, 'Whitney'...? 'WH' can stand for anything.

Now that the thread has been 'moved', it will surely become irreverent; reduced to the level of dishonouring what her Service was all about... meaning God being glorified and not man.

As for placing Whitney's death over the death of others...

It's the 'world' who is caught up in the 'fame' of Whitney Houston and her death. For Christians, it is about her soul and continuing with our message of the Love of the Lord Jesus Christ.

There are indeed many who are exalting her as opposed to exalting God; and for many this tragedy is also a release for 'some' to vent drama.

In this situation, Human nature is behaving as human nature behaves and all according to each individual. No one is reacting the same.

Personally, I was not 'attached' to Whitney's career as others were. Therefore it is easier for me to feel more empathy for the 'Rispah's' of this world; those who grieve alone.

However, it doesn't make the pain of Whitney's death less tragic neither less painful for those who love her, especially Whitney's mother and most of all, her daughter who shared a mother/daughter devotion with one another that no one can condemn. That is a pain that is inescapable for anyone. A loving relationship has been severed and the void can only be filled by God's divine intervention.

As for the Service given by her family; Her family has a right to 'say' goodbye; it's what families do when loved ones pass away. They have no control over the actions and feelings of others, who are making a 'glory' of Whitney over God.

I'm more than sure that her family does indeed care for others who grieve for their personal loved ones lost; I have no doubt that they have and will continue to reach out to the Rispah's of this world.

As for the 'world's reaction, I would further say that Whitney's family is probably so grief stricken that they are oblivious to what's going on. They are hurting too deeply to even consider the reactions of others regarding Whitney's passing.

All we can do as Christians is continue to care and to pray and to demonstrate that each life matters no matter who they are. Each person has the same value in the heart of God.[/QUOTE]

 

[Shimmie]

Shimmie Stevie's comment touched my very soul he was very respectful to God and the house of God...

And the whole world (per say) was watching and they 'heard' it.

Giving honour to God...

Stevie ain't blind.... (if you know what I mean). He's not blind spiritually. Not in the least. Praise God!

 

[loolalooh]

Off topic:

Maybe, I'm slow. I looked up the original lyrics for "Ribbon in The Sky" to see why it was inappropriate for church. Is this song about doing the deed? Or does it have more to do with the fact that "Ribbon in The Sky" is a non-religious song?

 

[aribell]

Nice&wavy

There was no coldness in any post here.

The truth of it is that the church sets an example in who it chooses to focus on. Of course all life is valuable--again, nowhere was anything said to the contrary. But the world itself decides that certain lives are worthy of greater mourning or celebration, and that is not done according to God's priorities.

We just had a thread where there was a debate over simple prayers being said for the indigent who died and whose bodies were abandoned and not given a proper burial because the world doesn't consider them important enough to so much as dig a grave for them. If every life is equally valuable, then such a situation should not be the case. If our priorities are God's then we would rush to honor the lives of "nobodies" just as much as we would celebrities.

It's not that believers choose to honor the life of any famous person that is an issue. It's that the same type of care and attention is not given to the downtrodden of the world or those who are suffering doing God's work. It's not about what is done, but rather what is neglected.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

@nicola.kirwan,

Let's clarify what I said...I said that the 'hearts of people are growing cold.' I was actually speaking in general and not about who posted in this thread only.

Whitney Houston proclaimed to be a believer in Jesus Christ and said that she was saved. Her family, especially her mother also a believer in Jesus Christ and is saved. Whitney's profession happened to be in the entertainment business and she got hooked on drugs. She was known all over the world and had many interactions with many pastors and leaders of different churches throughout this nation.

She passed away and these same pastors/leaders were asked to participate in her Homegoing Service. It was shown not only nationally, but all over the world. It was a beautiful service, lifting up the name of Jesus and reminding the people who were watching, saved and unsaved, that this woman loved the Lord and that she is now with Him.

I decided to come into the Christianity Forum and post a thread which included a link for those who did not get to see the service and would like to, that they had an opportunity to do so. It was a suggestion not a mandate.

You came here and you stated your opinion about how you felt when you saw the link in question and how you feel about it. Fine.

However, because those of us who wanted to be apart of a life that knew Jesus and was cut off, and decided to celebrate her life, we are wrong because she was a 'celebrity' and not a person who is not in the limelight? Also, you assume that we don't do for others as we did for this one? How do you know that the same care isn't given to the downtrodden? Do you know this for a fact? Do you have written proof that this is not being done for those who are poor and downtrodden?

Please, if there is something to show me some proof, I would like to see it.

ETA: Also, please share what is being neglected because people went to a homegoing service.

@Nice&wavy

There was no coldness in any post here.

The truth of it is that the church sets an example in who it chooses to focus on. Of course all life is valuable--again, nowhere was anything said to the contrary. But the world itself decides that certain lives are worthy of greater mourning or celebration, and that is not done according to God's priorities.

We just had a thread where there was a debate over simple prayers being said for the indigent who died and whose bodies were abandoned and not given a proper burial because the world doesn't consider them important enough to so much as dig a grave for them. If every life is equally valuable, then such a situation should not be the case. If our priorities are God's then we would rush to honor the lives of "nobodies" just as much as we would celebrities.

It's not that believers choose to honor the life of any famous person that is an issue. It's that the same type of care and attention is not given to the downtrodden of the world or those who are suffering doing God's work. It's not about what is done, but rather what is neglected.

 

[Shimmie]

Off topic:

Maybe, I'm slow. I looked up the original lyrics for "Ribbon in The Sky" to see why it was inappropriate for church. Is this song about doing the deed? Or does it have more to do with the fact that "Ribbon in The Sky" is a non-religious song?

Stevie knew the 'spirit' behind the song. It's a love song between a man and a woman. Even though the song mentions God,

We can't lose with God on our side

God is not mentioned in the text that gives glory to all that God is. Stevie knew this and he knew what he meant when he wrote the song. It was not a holy song for Church.

Something else....

Ribbon in the sky has been sung and recorded by other artists, "Intro" has a recording of it, and the song simply is not sanctified to be sung in Church. Many a couple, both straight and gay have had sex to this song. It's been in clubs, bedrooms, parks and the backseats of many cars.

Stevie was well aware of the spirit behind this song and the spirits which have been attached to it...

not for Church, not for the honouring God.

It's a love song for those in the flesh not in the spirit of worship unto God which is what Stevie made clear by singing otherwise.

 

[loolalooh]

Stevie knew the 'spirit' behind the song. It's a love song between a man and a woman. Even though the song mentions God,

We can't lose with God on our side

God is not mentioned in the text that gives glory to all that God is. Stevie knew this and he knew what he meant when he wrote the song. It was not a holy song for Church.

Something else....

Ribbon in the sky has been sung and recorded by other artists, "Intro" has a recording of it, and the song simply is not sanctified to be sung in Church. Many a couple, both straight and gay have had sex to this song. It's been in clubs, bedrooms, parks and the backseats of many cars.

Stevie was well aware of the spirit behind this song and the spirits which have been attached to it...

not for Church, not for the honouring God.

It's a love song for those in the flesh not in the spirit of worship unto God which is what Stevie made clear by singing otherwise.

Thank you for explaining. Wow, I had no idea. This makes a lot of sense.

 

[Shimmie]

Thank you for explaining. Wow, I had no idea. This makes a lot of sense.

Stevie 'knew' that singing the song in it's original format was just not respectful for where he was.

If he was asked to sing it at someone's wedding reception or anniversary celebration, or a concert etc., that would have been different.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

Stevie 'knew' that singing the song in it's original format was just not respectful for where he was.

If he was asked to sing it at someone's wedding reception or anniversary celebration, or a concert etc., that would have been different.

Yes, I agree. I thought the song was beautiful the way he changed the words to reflect on her life.

 

[Nice & Wavy]

My pastor was involved in an accident last week where his car collided with a fire truck. I did not see the wreck but was told it left the firefighters confused on how he was able to survive the impact. Not only was my pastor able to attend services this morning, he was strong enough to preach a powerful message. God is good!

God is good indeed!!!!

 

[LifeafterLHCF]

As I prepare for the week I can reflect on this.The people I use to want to connect with so badly Im glad discernment kicked in and allowed me to see why sometimes things don't work the way I desired them to.I can also see the ones I didn't want to connect were placed near me for a reason.I hope never to be too high or anything that I lose my ability to connect with folks who are struggling to make it.I also hope to help others walk and operate in what God has created them for.At times the darkest time frame births the best things I know for life this has come so.My life hasn't been full of greatness but then I can think back at situations that seemed so bleak but they gave me the edge I have now.I'm finally ok operating as me the true me without the desire to impress anyone anymore..I use to want to hear good job but no one really sees the things that are worth praise except God..glad that even when I am alone by man or woman and I feel like I can't speak freely or I can't be me I'm not alone bc God is there took me a long time to feel that but I do now..Have a awesome week ladies of the CF..

 

[aribell]

However, because those of us who wanted to be apart of a life that knew Jesus and was cut off, and decided to celebrate her life, we are wrong because she was a 'celebrity' and not a person who is not in the limelight? Also, you assume that we don't do for others as we did for this one? How do you know that the same care isn't given to the downtrodden? Do you know this for a fact? Do you have written proof that this is not being done for those who are poor and downtrodden?

Please, if there is something to show me some proof, I would like to see it.

ETA: Also, please share what is being neglected because people went to a homegoing service.

This is the last that I will post on this topic because I am not and was never seeking an argument. I wrote multiple times that it is not wrong to honor the life of Whitney Houston or any other celebrity. But I hope that I am clear in saying that it is wrong to honor a celebrity--even if that celebrity confessed Christ--more than other believers are celebrated, especially those who lived and died doing God's work.

We all exist in this space on the CF together. We can all see what threads are and are not created and what is posted in them. We all have access to the same national media outlets on TV and the internet. The same Gospel stars and other celebrities who were present are visible to everyone equally. So, if one person is honored through all of those outlets, it is easy to make a comparison between the degree to which that person is honored and the degree to which others are honored. (I also mentioned the thread about the bodies of the indigent piling up in the Cook County coroner's office) This is not about an investigation into any individual believer's practices, it's about an overall cultural attitude that simply does not reflect God's ways.

You don't neglect something because you go to a service. It's not what is done, but what is not done. It would be wonderful to see as much fanfare at the funeral of the pastor who died after giving a sermon and serving his congregation for decades.

Again, that is all that I will say on here about that. Anyone is welcome to send a PM if they so desire.