[Faith-talk] Changing Attitudes

Sun Feb 7 00:17:04 UTC 2010

dear Linda
I'm confused.  Do you mean by "this problem" (I wish I kept 
e-mail) people going about getting some job they want to do in 
their church inthe wrong way?
Mary

> ----- Original Message -----
>From: Linda Mentink <mentink at frontiernet.net
>To: "Faith-talk,for the discussion of faith and religion" 
<faith-talk at nfbnet.org
>Date sent: Sat, 06 Feb 2010 14:31:16 -0600
>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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