Many of you email me and you are always welcome to do so. I received an email yesterday from a blog reader who thought I was a little hard on Mary Jo (see yesterday's blog entry). I think this is a good opportunity for you to share your opinion with others.
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Hi Barbie, I just read your blog for today & I think you misunderstood Mary Jo. I believe what she wanted was current tangible evidence that the Pantene hair giveaway was currently benefiting ladies with cancer. Why not have some stories of Mississippi women who are now getting free wigs from Pantene? And if not from this latest hair donation from an earlier one? I think its only a fair question she was raising. I remember similar questions about past "Toys for Tots" WLBT sponsored events where people didn't see local kids getting many if any toys that were collected. Just give us some evidence of that hair being used. I'm also troubled by your inferring that Mary Jo's question/concern was"Satan at work trying to steal my joy", Barbie, legitimate questions or even disagreements AREN'T "Satan at work". People shooting people, wars, theft, rape, greed, etc ARE the "work of Satan", a BIG difference from Mary Jo's question and concern. Please keep it real & honest and lighten up on over spiritualizing everything. Signed, Troy Blount
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I gave my best attempt at trying to address Mary Jo's questions/concerns. I explained how the women we contacted did not want to be interviewed about receiving the wigs because they want some confidentiality, which is understandable. Every answer I gave was not good enough. Another email would be sent with more allegations and personal attacks (I did not share with you everything Mary Jo wrote). With every response, I tried to be humble and "keep the peace" but the emails just kept coming. I agree that legitimate questions and disagreements aren't the work of Satan. However, when they keep coming and you begin to think un-Christian thoughts about that person and the situation, is that not Satan at work?
I may hold a different view point here, but when I give money or donate items to an organization or person, I don't ask to see how that organization/person is using my money/items. For instance, when I give a few dollars to a homeless man on the intersection, I don't ask him to show me what he's going to do with my hard earned money. Sometimes I think, "he's just going to buy drugs or alcohol with it", which may be true in some cases. But when I feel the Holy Spirit telling me to give, my responsibility is to obey. It is not my responsibility to see that money is used in the proper way or that my donated items make it to the poor and forlorn. I assume if I'm willing to give, God will take care of the rest.
So what do you think? Do you think Satan uses other people to get to you? Or do you think Satan is only at work in the big controversies in this world? Am I over-spiritualizing things and not keeping it "real & honest"? Post your comment here. Remember, people from all over the world read this blog every day, so now is your time to comment and share.
6 comments:
Barbie,
The statement you made "But when I feel the Holy Spirit telling me to give, my responsibility is to obey.", I totally agree. You have to have a little faith, faith in God, faith in the people you are donating to, etc...Furthermore, this is your blog, your on-line diary and thoughts! Keep them coming;o)
WOW- Do you ever want to just throw your hands up? People, give Barbie a break. She's so sweet to share bits and pieces of her personal life with us. I don't think we should be so harsh. For those so sure there is a conspiracy behind the Beautiful Lengths Campaign~ use your spare time to research it yourself and get back to us with a report. Kudos to all of the women who grew out their hair and donated it for such a worthy casuse. Barbie, keep up the good work!
Just as God uses people to bless other people, Satan uses other people to distract and even trip us. This does not always mean the person being used is sinning, as many times it is our perception of things that causes us to have evil thoughts or act in evil ways. Ultimately it falls to us how we act and react to certain situations, but Satan most definitely uses anything and anyone he can to cause us to sin. (If he can use a serpent in the garden he can surely use a person.)
Hang in there!
This world can be a harsh place and I believe we have to rely on our faith and the lessons that we learn along the way to make it through each day. I definitely don't think you are overspiritualizing. I think you are taking the harsh realities/people of the world and trying to make sense of it all and you rely on the Bible and your faith to do that. That's how God would want you to handle the situation. Keep up the good work.
Oh, man. YES, satan uses all kinds of things to get at us...he prolly goes for the thing he knows will do the most damage. He tells me lies all the time, sometimes through my own voice, but lots of time through the voices of others.
You did your best explaining to this person...she just didn't want to take your answer. MY Bible says "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." (Romans 12:18) I interpret that to say you do your best to be on good terms with everyone (and you did that) but you cannot make someone else do the same for you. You do your part and that's pretty much all you can do.
The second lady's email was only partly correct. Satan may not necessarily be at work in a simple question or concern. However, I do not believe that this lady was simply concerned. Her questioning seemed much more on the line of attacking and it was a bit offensive even to me. But that seems to happen alot in today's world...Christians being attacked (sometime even by other Christians) for doing what God has called them to do. Good grief...wonder how many people thought Noah was crazy? He didn't care. He did his job anyway. I realize the Panteen campaign was a far cry from the ark, but I am encouraged by your obedience and your willingness to stand up in the midst of all kinds of critcism, etc.
Also, I don't believe you can "over-spiritualize" many things. The 1st chapter of Colossians says that "in Him all things hold together." I am pretty sure that means we can look at everything in the light of God and His hand at work in everything around us. His opposing force is contanstly roaming as well...seeking to destroy all that he can. The way I look at it...that's the only way to keep it real and honest.
Oh, man, Barbie. I'm sorry you have to listen to this kind of criticism and such. Simply put, they are wrong. You are right to give of yourself the way you do. I, for one, am encouraged by your boldness in the faith and your desire to make a difference in this world.
Satan uses anything and everything he can to take our focus off God and what He has for us. I don't think Satan hates us in particular, but he hates God and anything He created. So he'll stop at nothing , or no one, to try to slow down God's work. I admire you, Barbie, for your Christian witness, whether it be here on your blog, or as you bring us the weather forecast. I remember the night before Katrina arrived, I sat up all night and watched you keep us informed of the latest conditions. I watched right up until the power went off, and you were right there keeping us all up to date. So, don't let these negative comments and stuff get next to you. Its just Satan blowing a lot of hot air and smoke. And he has a lot of that to look forward to in eternity. God bless you and keep on bloggin!
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