WHY DOES IT FEEL LIKE, WE ARE FIGHTING EACH OTHER AT THIS SITE?(I JUST WANTED TO COMMUNICATE WITH THE FAMILY OF GOD,...)MAYBE I CHOSE THE WRONG,PAGE...WHEN EVER I READ A RESPONSE, INSTEAD OF BEING LIFTED UP,I RECEIVE A LOW BLOW"(OUCH)"...AND THEN I FIND MYSELF JOINING THE CROWD, WITH, IN RETURNING THE PUNCH!!!!"FATHER, GOD PLEASE FORGIVE ME OF MY TRESPASSES,AND FORGIVE THOSE, WHO TRESPASS AGAINST ME ...GOD BLESS, SKII

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

Answers

It is possible to disagree without being disagreeable. I guess we are just learning to debate and accept the idea that not all people believe the same thing, even thouhg they may be of the same skin color. At some point we will realize that the "black community" is not a monolith. Some of us preach diversity, and at the same time denounce any black person who disagree with them.

Blessings,

Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

i, too have noticed the "fighting" that goes on beteen us on this board. I have come to realize that the appearance of the "fighting" is because there are so many of us at the "local church" level that have unresolved issues with the "leaders" of the flock, and we are using this medium to express our hurt and FRUSTRATION! Do you agree with me? As christians and believers, I feel in my heart we love one another, this venue gives us an opportunity to at least express what we perceive as injustices. Recently, in my own church here in Southern California, the Stewards and Trustees have had to come to grips with the fact that we as officers were not as familiar with the guidance that IS in the Discipline, as we should be, we are on a mission to correct that IMMEDIATELY! so, my brothers and sisters, let's be about our Father's business and make a difference. Blessings and Peace Barbara Ransom

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

Sister Wilson,

The reason that we feel like we are fighting one another is because we are losing the battle between the " flesh and the Spirit" which is well described in Romans 7 & 8. The reason that you don't feel uplifted is because we fail to submit our free wills to the Holy Spirit before we post on these boards. I agree with Rev. Paris that we Black people are a diverse people and will disagree on various issues. However, we must be careful not to say hurtful things about women, men, or any other group. I wish that our churches would educate us more about our spiritual selves and its relationship to our spiritual father. All day long, I fight spiritual battles in my mind. The devil may tempt me through this world or my flesh to not yield my free will to the Holy Spirit in many insidious ways. One has to be constantly on the lookout and talking to the Holy Spirit to make oneself sensitive to his deceptions. I notice from time to time, Satan will play up an issue on this site to bring about discord. One should be still and allow the Holy Spirit to edit all of ones thoughts before speaking. If you don't know what to do or if you are caught off guard, just be still!!!.

JazzMan

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

We are not fighting each other, we are all just being human. I think it is better for us to "speak our minds" then to hold back. Besides, isn't this just a reflection of the true nature of the AME Church??? Come on now!!!!

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

Bro Kelley,

You're on target. The late Bishop Ball had a saying ther's prayer meeting and then there's bear meeting. There's GOd's Church and then there is our church. There's the church visible and then the church invisible.

Be Blessed!

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

Dear Sister I share your concern. From the subject of whites being able to serve the Church in high office to the personal opinions of Bishop Ming retiring to the personal comments abouts candidates for honors in 2004 I too have difficulty watching how we communicate as part of the body of Christ. Even Rev. John was vilified for his view.

My prayer is that we be active, vocal and honest. Let's leave out the destructive and personal insults and see if we can communicate with some of the agape love God gives freely. This does not mean serious subjects should not be discussed openly. Just with a little more tact in my view. Thank you for raising the point.

God Bless You

Bro. Brangman

-- Anonymous, September 06, 2001

I support refraining from destructive statements against each others character. I lifted this up when Rev. John and his wife came in for an attack. Personally, in twenty-one years of preaching the gospel I have refused to defend my own character. I believe we do each other and our church serious harm when we reduce ourselves to these forms of attacks. Lets lift our focus and our conversation. We will lift our Church at the same time. May God bless all of us in this process.

-- Anonymous, September 09, 2001