[Faith-Talk] list questions for Linda was serving and connection

[Ashley Bramlett]

Hi Linda,

I hope you had a good day; Its Sunday after all.
I had a nice day and talked to a few friends via zoom.

Its unfortunate that we are losing Sara LaRose due to the actions of
primarily one list member. I hope she comes back. Sarah was a helpful list
member and I may correspond off list for now with her.
I think the list is quieting down. Given that faith can be controversial, I
think we have actually done a good job here of respecting each other and
offering ideas of involvement.
We have shared some of our life experiences in a positive way relating to
our faith journey and involvement.

I just reread a few of your recent emails and thought they were nice. I have
no idea why one list member picked on you calling you judgmental and other
things.

My questions are:
How many people are on the list?
I see about 10 active people but there are more.
Did you see more than five members leave? If so, I hope they come back as
long as they are respectful.
How many new people come on here in a span of time such as how many per
month or two months?
Is the archive available every day all day?
How far is the archive going back on the nfbnet server?

I also wanted to say I think you handled on list the issue with one member
well. I do not know what you wrote off list nor do I know what he wrote you.
But on here, you handled things well and with patience.
This is commendable.

Thanks.
If I can get your email address, I'll also write off list.

Ashley


PS: I wanted to discuss music next including how many people play it and if
they use their music talent in their church or faith community. I know some
of that might be better for the performing arts group, but
I don't want to be on so many lists and I also feel here is a good place as
it's a neutral topic and a fun one too. I tried piano as a kid but never
felt talented.  Faith and music go together IMO because it's a way to
worship and bring reflection and God into our presence IMO.
Another topic I want to start is discussing how to learn more about faith in
an accessible way. I do not mean seminary but maybe books or short online
courses about certain topics. I'm also going to ask my pastors about it but
they cannot speak to accessibility.
Just a heads up about a few topics that I hope generate helpful discussions
here and advice for me on resources, and hope you do not think its off
topic.

-----Original Message-----
From: Faith-Talk <faith-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org> On Behalf Of Linda Mentink
via Faith-Talk
Sent: Saturday, August 10, 2024 11:15 AM
To: Deborah via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Linda Mentink <lmentink7360 at gmail.com>
Subject: Re: [Faith-Talk] serving and connection

Hi Andrew,

Please allow me to make some observations and suggestions here.

One thing is that you are going a lot by your feelings. Feelings change and
are not reliable because they center on you. You are centering on you. It's
all about you. That's not good, and I'm guessing that people sense that in
you.

Others here have suggested that you reach out to blindness organizations in
Canada, and Joy has given you information. We've suggested that to you here
before, and you always have some excuse or other. As long as you make
excuses, you won't get anywhere.

You must take it to the Lord in prayer and ask Him to help you be more
confident in yourself and in the gifts He's given you. If you don't know
what those gifts are, then take an online test to find that out.

Meet with the church leadership for the purpose of informing them about your
skills and your desire to minister to others, whether that be in the actual
church service or somewhere else in the church's ministry.

Maybe you just need to move to a town or city where transportation is
available and where there are other blind people.

You come across here as a very needy individual, and your disabilities make
that seem worse. Therefore, people do not know how to help you, and maybe
they don't have a lot of time to devote to someone as needy as you. When
they are too helpful, just nicely explain what you need or don't need. As
blind people, we are always educating by what we say and how we act around
others. If you can learn to be more articulate rather than saying "and stuff
like that", that will go a long way in your figuring out a plan. As I said,
pray and seek the Lord. Then set one small goal that is doable. That done,
set another.

I hope something we've said here will help; but nothing will if you don't
make some changes!

Blessings,

Linda
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