[Faith-talk] Changing Attitudes

Sat Feb 6 21:44:24 UTC 2010

My point actly Lynda, I was saying If you did have a problem, how did you 
handel it? RJ
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Linda Mentink" <mentink at frontiernet.net>
To: "Faith-talk,for the discussion of faith and religion" 
<faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, February 06, 2010 3:31 PM
Subject: [Faith-talk] Changing Attitudes


> Dear Mary,
>
> I don't post much, either.  Yes, we want to change attitudes about 
> blindness, and that's one reason why the division sponsor of this list was 
> formed.  When RJ brought this up, he said something like, "I don't have 
> this problem, but ..." That's not an exact quote, but the jist was that he 
> was posing a hypothetical question. But it's real in the lives of many 
> blind church members and seekers.
>
> Blessings,
>
> Linda
>
> At 01:30 PM 2/6/2010, you wrote:
>>Dear Linda,
>>I don't believe we should be rude.  Of course, we should be in God's will. 
>>The fact is, though, that the NFB exists to change attitudes about 
>>blindness,  and this obviously includes in faith communities.  Blindness, 
>>as always, is one of our characteristics.  We also all have different 
>>gifts to offer.
>>I always felt guilty about not jumping into help our women's group inthe 
>>kitch.  I tried to go in there and help.  Sometimes I would be given a 
>>job.  I also tried to be in charge of our coffee fellowship time.  Of 
>>course  I was fine with baking and bringing things in to share.  I just 
>>wasn't good at seeting the table, putting things on the plates to sqve, 
>>etc.  This was not because of being blind, probably, it's just not my 
>>strength.  I am just saying that we all have different strengths and 
>>weaknesses.  If we are told we cannot participate because of being blind, 
>>then we need to address it because it could hurt another blind person who 
>>comes there inthe future, too.
>>I'm sure that many people have quietly and respectfuly changed the 
>>attitudes of people in their churches.  I also believe that there are some 
>>folks, bless them, who  just will "never get it."
>>Sorry to ramble on, but I don't post very often here on this list.  Thank 
>>you.
>>Mary
>>
>>>----- Original Message -----
>>>From: Linda Mentink <mentink at frontiernet.net
>>>To: faith-talk at nfbnet.org
>>>Date sent: Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:21:24 -0600
>>>Subject: [Faith-talk] Blindness and Church
>>
>>>Hi All,
>>
>>>I believe that we should worship where we can grow spiritually,
>>and
>>>where we agree with the teachings, not where the leadership will
>>let
>>>us serve.  Conversations with the leaders is appropriate.  The
>>>question should be, "Lord, where do you want me to worship and
>>serve
>>>You?" not, "what church or denomination will allow me to serve.
>>Get
>>>involved in small ways when you decide you want to be a member,
>>and
>>>above all, pray.  Blind people serve in many capacities; yes,
>>even as
>>>Catholic priests.  It might be appropriate to get in touch with
>>one,
>>>if you're interested in being a priest, and ask that person to be
>>an
>>>advocate for you.  But be sure you are in the Lord's will, not
>>your
>>>own.  Ask if you can do something on a trial basis, if it's
>>something
>>>they don't think a blind person can do.  And, be respectful!
>>
>>>Over the years, I have been involved in many church
>>>ministries--prayer chain chairman, deaconess, AWANA leader,
>>missions
>>>committee member, music committee member and chairman, pianist,
>>>worship planner, choir member, choir director, and soloist.  I
>>didn't
>>>barge in; I just offered.  But it never was, "To me be the glory,
>>>great things I can do."  Of course, I have been denied
>>opportunities,
>>>but I accepted that as God's will, and was glad to be less busy.
>>
>>
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>>
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>
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