[Faith-talk] Changing Attitudes

Sun Feb 7 02:31:19 UTC 2010

Mary, RJ was asking how we handled it if we aren't allowed to take 
part somewhere in the church ministries, and he said he didn't have 
that problem. I have encountered mostly positive responses to my 
offers to minister, and was asked to be a deaconess (I didn't offer 
to do that).

We need to be respectful of the leadership, and teach them at the 
same time about blindness.

Blessings,

Linda

At 06:17 PM 2/6/2010, you wrote:

>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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