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

Mon Aug 12 18:47:27 UTC 2024

Hello, Ashley and Others: 

I've been wanting to post on here for a long time, and I sincerely apologize for my lerking. Having said this  however, my name is Humberto. Nice to meet all of you at least, virtually through email. Here are some points I would like to reflect upon, given the recent discussion and posts on this list about serving God and such. 

Firstly, I have been raised Catholic. Catholicism is the predominant major Christian denomination amongst my compatriots of my native homeland of Mexico. I am still practicing Catholic, mainly through serving and connection with music. I started playing in my church choir since I was 16 nears of age. Mainly piano, but sometimes violin too. Ashley, I believe in your statement about religion and music going together; they certainly do precisely to encourage and make worshipping more appealing. I enjoy that aspect of church more than others. More on other points below. 

Secondly, I have experienced a great deal of exclutionary behaviors, particularly ableism and discrimination through my churches I have gone to in the past. Primarily I believe this is due to the teachings of the Holy Bible and other things that instruct parishioners to believe greatly that Jesus cures all disability and blindness and to believe otherwise, is to go against the teachings of the church. That's what I feel anyway. I have gotten my fair share of messages in the church directed not necessarily at me directly, and also so, implying that I want to seek god because I want to be healed from my so called illness, and not because I want to lead a normal life like everyone else and serve regardless of my ability. Also, is worth noting that in certain world cultures like the Hispanic / latinx culture, disability in general is viewed as a hindrance and as a moral charity to which everyone who is fully able-bodied is expected to partaken in. 

Thirdly, having said my own story, I'm wondering how many faiths and religions are represented on this list? Like, are there people subscribing to something like Judaism, Islam, Hindu, ETC, beside Christianity? It would be interested to find out. Also, are there any openly proud blind practicing Catholics on here? I would like to forge some connections and know your stories too. 
Lastly, but not leastly, (is that how you'd say it?) :) I, like you, Ashley, am interested in the connection between the concept of Godliness and music. As I've said before, I got involved in music through church which led to many opportunities and friendships. Even the Great Johan Sebastian Bach has stated, though I can't remember the exact quote from my music appreciation book from college, that the figured bass and chord voicings we use in music are designed to be played in the most harmonious and proficient ways such that we can encourage the praise and glory of God and the soothing of the spirit. 

In addition to music, I'm also interested in connecting with others my age who are blind to learn tips, suggestions, and insights as to how to go about church life as a blind person, navigating attitudes from fellow ministers / pastors / higher-ups, ETC. 

Thank you again for letting me contribute to this discussion, and hope you all have a blessed day today. 

Best, 
Humberto  
Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 11, 2024, at 6:04 PM, Ashley Bramlett via Faith-Talk <faith-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> 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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