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General Discussion => Welcome Center => : al Hartman February 07, 2003, 11:55:03 PM



: Let's Be Honest
: al Hartman February 07, 2003, 11:55:03 PM

     This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.     1 Timothy 1:15

                             LET'S BE HONEST

     Chances are you've noticed that there is a lot of venom expressed on this website:  a lot of grousing, a lot of name-calling, a lot of insults.  And most who read these vitriolic posts recognize that they are the natural reaction to pain and anguish.  More on that in a moment...
     The majority of the hostility is directed toward George and Betty Geftakys, with some left over for a few of their close disciples.  The things being said about them place them in the same category as persons such as Jim Jones, David Koresh, "Father Divine", Brigham Young, Charles Manson, even Adolph Hitler.
     Jones convinced his entire congregation to commit mass suicide by drinking poison.  Koresh and his followers took on U.S. government lawmen, resulting in their losing a fiery gun battle and being burned out after an extensive seige.
     The so-called Father Divine never claimed to be God incarnate, but encouraged his worshipers to believe that he was.  He used his choice of female congregants as sex toys, and required all in his flock to turn over their entire incomes to him.
     Young led a multitude to an isolated place where he held absolute power, enforced by arms.  There he grounded them in a new religion wherein a second book, the Book of Mormon, was taught to be equally as inspired and holy as-- and more relevant than-- the Bible.
     Manson virtually hypnotized his band of disciples into committing gory murders, and Hitler was responsible for dehumanizing and murdering millions.
     All of these deeds against God and humanity and those who performed them are abhorrent to us-- we are repulsed by them.  Yet we are benign regarding them, posting biting and poisonous remarks only about the Geftakys' and a couple of their immitators.  Why?

     There is one significant difference between those whom we so openly despise, and the rest, about whom we are aware but remain silent:  George and Betty did what they did TO US!  That's what sets them apart in our minds-- not just that they were/are so evil-- but that WE suffered at their hands.  Our anger and hostility toward them is an understandable natural response to the mistreatment we have experienced and endured.  And therein lies the problem...
     Lashing out in anger or fear is the natural knee-jerk reaction of any person (or anilmal) to the experience of pain.
But we are not just any person.  Being born again of His spirit, we have a new nature to call upon; one capable of turning the other cheek; of praying for those who despitefully use us.  For God has not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.  
2 Timothy 1:7    
     Do we suppose ourselves to be more worthy than others to be treated well in this life?  Or do we think the Geftakys' are the most evil people on earth, when Paul calls himself the chief of sinners?  Paul told Timothy "...be partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God; who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling...according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus..."  2 Timothy 8b-9.

     God didn't say it would be fun to suffer for the sake of the gospel, but it is a privilege, and he has made us able to do all that he has called us to do.  He will lead us.  He will not forsake us; not ever.  He is our strength, our courage, our joy, our patience, our love.  He is to us everything we can ever possibly need, and more.  Pray to understand this, and to demonstrate it by your life.
     Do you know what it means that Christ is your "personal" Savior?  It means that He didn't just effect some sort of blanket salvation for the whole world, and you lucked into it under some obscure grandfather clause.  No--  YOUR sins required the death of Christ for atonement.  He had to die for YOU.  Now if your own sinfulness required the sacrifice of the Son of God, do you really think that George and Betty are so much worse than we are?

     IF we will ask Him, He will enable us to see beyond the here and now;  to love the unlovely; to forgive the unforgivable; to show mercy to the merciless.  Why?  Because that is what He has called us to do-- it is His will for us.  And if God is for us, who shall be against us?

     Peter asked Jesus what He wanted John to do.  Jesus answered him, "...what is that to you?  follow me."  John 21:22      Brother al says to you, Go and do likewise.

For the love of God,
al Hartman


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Eulaha L. Long February 07, 2003, 11:59:30 PM
Stop trying to shut us up!  That is very Assembly.  I refuse to be quiet about all I experienced!  Anybody else wanna comment?  Cause I'm going to go post whatever the heck I want in some other thread... 8)


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Nancy Newswander February 08, 2003, 12:38:59 AM
Um...I'm not hearing Al trying to shut anyone up.  But, maybe, just maybe, if we pray more than we say........


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Luke Robinson February 08, 2003, 01:16:42 AM
Wow!
Such lovely language!  I see that Mr. Hartman hit a touchy area!  But as dear Nancy wrote, it is not the right thing to be saying.  Mr. Hartman is not saying for people to shut up.  God forbid that we trust him before using our mouths.  We need wisdom in this time of trouble and we need God's provision so that He would get the glory.  Not us.

A Brother in Christ,

Luke Robinson


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: editor February 08, 2003, 01:50:16 AM
I don't think Al was trying to shut anyone up at all.

Comparing George to Hitler is intellectually dishonest, not to mention ridiculous.  However, comparing the phenomenon of totalism, and how people come to follow an egotistical leader, and fail to see they are really an evil person, IS worth studying.

The Assembly was never, ever, nearly as bad as the Third Reich!  But there are some aspects to the social structure that are worthy of consideration.  We just need to be careful that we allude to these things when we write.  That's why newspapers have editors!

Let's be honest.  We all followed a deceitful person, while we thought we were only following Christ.  Some of us were more out of balance in our following than others, but we were all hoodwinked.

We want to follow Jesus Christ, and give Him the pre-eminince in our lives, so it is only reasonable that we seek to understand how we went wrong before, and don't make the same mistake in the future!

That is what the BB is supposed to be for, and it will increasingly move toward this, but people are raw, and hurt, and prideful, etc.  give it some time!

Brent


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Joe Sperling February 08, 2003, 02:08:17 AM
Al----

I agree with a lot that you have to say, but I think that
we all need to remember the books of 2 Peter and Jude
and what they have to say about false teachers and those
who use and abuse the flock knowingly. There is a special sort of judgement reserved for them. True, we are all sinners and no better than George and Betty, but George and Betty were "leading" the flock--and whose flock? The flock of the Lord Jesus Christ. And George set himself up as the sole leader of this flock. He used it's money to make world travels, he used some of the female sheep(which were supposed to be cared for by him) as items to please his lust, and knowingly allowed his own son's wife to continue to be abused by her husband. And after all of this he refuses to repent. If George repents surely we should all forgive him, as the Lord will. But to forgive George beforehand and "let him slide" so to speak would be very wrong. Forgive me if I am misunderstanding what you are saying Al--but George and Betty have done some very serious wrongs to many, many people in the name of the Lord--and those knowingly while leading the flock of God. As you say, we are all vile sinners---and we can all easily point fingers at one another for the wrongs we have done.
But George was the Pastor of the lord's people and did what he did. In the process he damaged many lives, while at the same time enjoying the lifestyle he had as a leader of God's heritage. How many people have the opportunity to travel around the world 8 months out of the year, completely financed, and accountable to no one? Al--I appreciate your words---and I will forgive George the moment I hear that he has repented and admitted to the wrongs he has commited. I agree with you that it is wrong to mock George(and I have been guilty of making some jokes at his expense) or to be vicious when speaking about him or Betty. But I believe this Webiste actually came about because the Lord wanted George to be made accountable for what he has done.  It came about to expose him and humble him, while at the same time bringing healing and comfort to those who have been hurt by him.  God bless you Al.      --Joe


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: garylwilson February 08, 2003, 02:28:49 AM
An exception:  Monday I had stopped posting.  I did put in my disclaimer
that there could be an exception.  EXCEPTION:

I'm still in fellowship in Fullerton.  D0N'T STOP SPEAKING.  Believe it or not some are listening.  "Be quick to hear and slow to speak"

But consider the following:  "When I was a child, I spake as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child: but when I became a man ( women - don't want to leave out you ladies ), I put away childish things"
I Cor 13:11  Notice Paul didn't say that  he stopped speaking.
Rather the way he spoke changed.

Some - maybe many - of  you have been deeply wounded and offended.
But what is your goal?  Is it to lash out because of your pain.  If so, I understand.  Or is it to be heard?  

I am doing the best I can at sorting out the truth apart from those
that just have their own personal thing.  Pray for me.  Help me, help others to hear.  Do you have to be fancy?  No.
But generalizing and name calling -etc doesn't help.
My wife's pre-schoolers can do that.  I can see the ridicule coming.
Okay let it come.  

Nevertheless, many stories have touched my heart.  If they have touched my heart they must be touching other peoples hearts.
God is using what you're saying to challenge me and my convictions.
Much is changing in my life because of what I am reading.

God is getting a boldness in my life to stand for the convictions that I believe He is placing upon my heart.  I am seeing the need to have a tender conscience and have a care for others.
Therefore I refuse to bicker, I refuse debate,  I refuse to name call and label.  I choose to listen.  Yes it is painful.  I choose to care.

To you that are hurt, make being heard more important than venting.
Keep speaking - speak the truth - but consider speaking in such a way that many can hear.  Isn't that more important.  I am not asking anyone to water down anything.

Bottom line:  Are you going to let others continue to control you?  True freedom is found when you can speak the truth in love.  May God get
healing in all of our lives.

Al,  I like what you said.  I didn't think you were trying to silence anyone.
 
Do you remember me?  I remember you?  It's been a long time.  I still have vivid memories of what you looked like, how you walked and
how you gave ministry.  Oops - better update the images on my heart.
I need a 20 year update.

From one that is trying to listen.




: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Peacefulg February 08, 2003, 03:59:13 AM
Hi Gray, to you and all my brethern still in the re-org assemblies (HB, Arcata, SD, etc), I will continue to pray for you all to walk in the light you have been shown (again I would prefer you all took a "leave of absence, but.....).  

It is so refreshing to see you and other question is this REALLY what the Lord wants?

To Al: I see what you are trying to say and you are right you are right "we all need to follow Jesus" (in fact this was the verse that lead me back to the Lord).  

What you fail to see and other still in will afirm , is that this site and people speaking up have lead them to see they need to follow Christ.

Lord Bless,
G


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Joe Sperling February 08, 2003, 06:25:31 AM
Luke----

In reply I have to ask that if everyone has forgiven him
already why is he still excommunicated? It would be wrong at the present time if the leaders said "George, it's O.K. we all forgive you, come home" without repentance and humbling by George. When a brother is excommunicated the
Bible tells us not to have anything to do with them until they repent of their sins. I understand what you are trying to say Luke in that God has covered George's sins with his blood. But to tell someone "I forgive you, it's all O.K." before they have repented is very dangerous. That would allow George to feel that everything is OK without having made any amends. The very reason for the excommunication is to show the seriousness of his actions and hopefully lead him to repentance. Once he repents of his wrongs, the church welcomes him back and all forgive him for what he has done. Correct me if I'm wrong but that's how I've always understood it to be Biblically. I'm willing to be corrected on this matter if what I am stating is incorrect.     take care,  Joe


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Oscar February 08, 2003, 07:13:05 AM
"Stop trying to shut us up!  That is very Assembly.  I refuse to be quiet about all I experienced!  Anybody else wanna comment?  Cause I'm going to go post whatever the heck I want in some other thread... 8)"

Oh, Eulaha,

If only you knew what Al Hartman suffered at the hands of George Geftakys.  You are listening to grace coming out of the mouth,(or fingertips), of one who was driven into depression by years of the GG treatment.  I know, I helped do it.

I have asked his forgiveness and he has forgiven me.   He knows what he is talking about.

Matthew 18:21-35.

Thomas Maddux


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Luke Robinson February 08, 2003, 01:34:10 PM
Sorry, Mr. Sperling,

I read up on what I had said before, and it was off track.  All through the Bible, it tells of God forgiving people AFTER they have repented.  Sorry about that.

But just one little simple question for everyone here:  

If George repented, would you forgive him?  

Because if you can't, we are discussing the wrong issue.

A Brother in Christ,

Luke Robinson


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: editor February 08, 2003, 08:48:21 PM
Dear Luke

I want to answer your question.

If George repented, I would totally forgive him.  In fact, I hve already forgiven him, but because he has not repented, we are not reconciled.

Jesus paid for everyone's sin.  However, only the ones who have been washed, cleansed and made right are reconciled to Him.  Salvation is by grace through faith alone, and is available to everyone.  But not everyone is saved.

Forgiveness is similar.  If George repents, he can be reconciled to me,  but it is impossible fot this to happen without his repentance.

There is a good article on the main website, towards the bottom of the articles page.
Read it!

Assembly teaching on forgiveness is FALSE!! FALSE!! FALSE!!

Brent


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: psalm51 February 08, 2003, 10:28:06 PM
Dear Luke

I want to answer your question.

If George repented, I would totally forgive him.  In fact, I hve already forgiven him, but because he has not repented, we are not reconciled.

Jesus paid for everyone's sin.  However, only the ones who have been washed, cleansed and made right are reconciled to Him.  Salvation is by grace through faith alone, and is available to everyone.  But not everyone is saved.

Forgiveness is similar.  If George repents, he can be reconciled to me,  but it is impossible fot this to happen without his repentance.

There is a good article on the main website, towards the bottom of the articles page.
Read it!

Assembly teaching on forgiveness is FALSE!! FALSE!! FALSE!!

Brent
Luke, Brent is right on about this. Think about it. When you were a child and  let's say you stole a dollar out of your mom's purse. Your mom finds out that you did it, but when you are confronted you lie about it, blame your brother, and have a bad attitude. Does your mother still love you? Of course. Does she want to forgive you? She wants to. but before you can be a recipient of her love and forgiveness you have to own up to what you did.
After you admit the wrong (and return the dollar), you can be reconciled with your mom and receive her hugs, kisses, a cookie, etc. in other  words, be fully back in fellowship with her. If you never do there is a rift there that you have chosen to allow.  This may be a lame analogy, but I think you get my drift.
George and Betty have admitted nothing, have defied efforts to be forgiven and reconciled, therefore putting a huge roadblock into the forgiveness process.
What do you think?
Pat
p.s. give your mom the dollar back, Lukie. ;)


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Suzie Trockman February 08, 2003, 10:41:28 PM
Dear Pat and Luke:

The only things I would add to Pat's post is that God is infinitely more patient, loving, compassionate, powerful and holy than the kindest, most wonderful mother that ever existed.  Same with fathers.

Yes, Jesus loves George and Betty.  He is also angry with them.  They are NOT repenting, in fact I know for sure that they are in total denial.  They are lying about everything!  They have been doing this for decades.  They raised their sons, who both served full time in their "church."  They handpicked and trained most of the leaders, and all of the full-time workers.

They, "re-produced" themselves and their teaching.  That is why so many people, from so many different groups across the country have the same kind of testimonies of abuse.

TAKE SIX WEEKS OFF!!!

Brent


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Luke Robinson February 09, 2003, 11:05:05 AM
Dear Suzie(Brent?) and Pat,

That last post, who wrote it?  Suzie or Brent?  ;D

Thank you Pat for that beautiful anology.  I will remember it.
I can assure you that I never stole a dol---uh...well...yeah.  Um this is kind of awkward. :-\  ;D
 I totally agree with you and Brent.  George is turning his back on his sin and God is definetly not happy.  Don't do this to yourself, Mr. Geftakys!!  Get rid of all this junk in your life!!  

Pray, pray, pray.

A Brother in Christ,


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: al Hartman February 09, 2003, 01:24:26 PM
     Responses to this topic are extremely gratifying.  If the quality and quantity of praying are anywhere near those of the comments, we can expect wonderful results.

     Did you notice that within four-and-one-half minutes of the original posting, it was countered with the very sort of reactionary remarks that moved me to start this thread?  Sister Eulaha's knee-jerk was so severe it probably struck her chin.  What i want everyone to know is that, mere  minutes later (as soon as she had counted her teeth & found they were still all there?), Sister Eulaha had apologized to me in a personal email, and i had apologized for causing her distress.  She is a delightful and gracious  saint.  We have exchanged several emails, and shall probably continue to remain in contact.
     That is the kind of reconciliation that should be normal among the Lord's children.  That is why i started this thread, and that is why i continue in it now...

     Sometimes, when i think i'm being perfectly clear in my written presentation, i'm probably over-writing for some and under-writing for others.  That is why i pray for guidance, clarity and censure when i write, as we all must in reading and listening to ministry.  There is never a time, no matter how sure we are of our own understanding, when it is safe to lean upon that understanding-- we ALWAYS need to trust in the Lord.  Trusting in the Lord is an activity-- it must be DONE-- it doesn't just "happen" to us.

     May i clarify a couple of things?
     It was never my intent to equate George and Betty to Hitler, and i don't believe i did so.  What i said was that some of the things being said on this website place them in the same category.  i have, more than once, personally heard George publicly refer to Hitler as "a monster."  That reference probably can be found on tapes of his preaching and teaching.  It may well be a proper comment.
     But on postings within these pages, i have read
saints(?) calling George a "monster."  That is not an appropriate description of any of the Lord's children, no matter how deluded and mired in error they may be.  Such a remark is a reaction to pain, much as the oath that follows the hammer's striking the thumb.

     You also will not find that i said nor implied anything about George's and Betty's being reconciled back into fellowship (whether or not they repent).  That was not addressed by me because it was irrelevant to my point.   My message was not regarding guidelines for assemblies' discipline and/or fellowship.  Rather, it was meant to be for each reader on a personal level;  one-on-one, from my heart to yours.
     My point, then?  Get rid of the bitterness in your soul, and pray for a forgiving heart.  Harboring bitterness in your soul can poison you.  And it may grow there until it virtually destroys you.  All of your reasoning and all of your feelings may tell you that your hostility is justified, but ask yourself this:  What good does it do?  Are your venomous remarks saving sinners; encouraging saints?
     Protecting the flock, you say?  That is best done by calmer, more rational hearts and minds.  Are you yourself better served by ministry delivered in caustic emotionalism, or by one who speaks the truth in love, demonstrating an even temperament and a sound mind?

     Do you pray for these failed, corrupted former leaders to repent and be restored to their true place in Christ?  No, not restored to their former place BEFORE the saints-- that can never be-- but to their place AMONG the saints, as heirs of His salvation.  Are you willing to forgive them?
     Certainly to repent and confess to such heinous acts committed against Christ and His people is hardly within the scope of human capability.  Personally, i don't think it can happen UNLESS we support them with our prayers.  The pain of such humility and remorse as would be required must be comparable to giving birth to a rusty Humvee! (OK- i meant to make you chuckle, but i'm absolutely serious!)    
      One who truly puts himself in God's hands, willing to allow Him to do whatever it takes, could repent.  God is able to do it in him, for him.  Are you able to allow it?
     And who is willing and able to lead them to repentance?  And to stand with them, encouraging them to get right and stay right with God, even while watching them every moment from then on because of their predilection toward preying upon the weak and leading them astray.  That person(s) certainly needs our prayers.

     Thank you to every contributor to this topic.  It is thrilling that this matter is important to you.  No matter how you feel about this or any topic, give due prayerful consideration to every posted opinion.  No one of us has all the answers.  It is for this reason that God draws us together unto himself.  In Him is the fulness that each of us needs.

     Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,
     To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever.

                                     Amen.                      Jude 24-25


For the Love of God,
brother al



: Re:Let's Be Honest
: Mark C. February 09, 2003, 10:24:04 PM
Hi Everyone!
  Al, you certainly made me think with your last post and there are several things that did so.

  The issue of not holding on to bitterness:
     This is not so easy to accomplish and takes time and    The Lord's help as well.  One thing in regard to the issue of bitterness/forgiveness is that sometimes it is confused with a kind of what I call "easy forgetism" philosophy.  Since the topic here is honesty to just "forget" all the past abuse is not only a cruelty to those abused in the Assembly it will prevent a true cure for the Abusers.  Some in the Assembly consider such calls for a complete admission of past sins and a present clearing of themselves as some kind of a vindictive spirit.  While it is easy for the above call to be out of bitterness it does not negate the facts in the situation and that is the whole truth is very important here for proper healing.

   The 2nd thing that got my attention is the miraculous aspect of the repentance and recovery issues:
   That is a very good point!  It is truly a great mercy and a tribute to God's goodness, that leads to repentance, that has brought us all this far.  I think when we get our eye's off that point we can give into bitterness, because we think the scoundrels are getting away with something.  In fact we are all sinners and if not for the grace of God there-go- we.
   We must be very sensitive to the grief of those who have been damaged by the Assembly system and be careful to not be flippant with our calls for them to "just get over it."
 Yet, we must try to help one another get over it just the same and here is the balance between "weeping with those who weep", and "lifting another's burden" of bitterness.  If an individual has a family member who was just raped you would expect that person to have some bitterness.  To tell such a one to "just forgive and forget" would be a very cruel act.  Much later on you might broach the topic, but your initial approach would be to share the individuals pain with them.
  If you read Arthur's story on the Main Page you can see just such a "spiritual rape" going on.  He enters the Assembly scene as an innocent and open person only to be systematically used and abused!  Yes, it is subtle psychological abuse, but as the years go by just as (if not more) damaging as if it was a daily physical pounding!  It goes beyond the emotional to a destruction of his spiritual liberty and connection to a personal life with God.
  We can not just let these stories be swept under the rug as they are part of the process of recovery from abuse and hopefully a means whereby God can reach those who are still in the Assembly who are deciding that GG may be wrong, but GG's system was good.
                    God Bless, Mark


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: al Hartman February 10, 2003, 01:52:35 AM
Dear Saints,

     To be perfectly honest, i can't always tell if a post agrees or disagees with me, and it really doesn't matter to me either way.  The evidence that you are concerned, and my hope that you are at least as prayerful as you are verbal about your concerns, is enough for me.

PLEASE BELIEVE THESE THINGS:

     (1.)  i have no axe to grind.  i am not trying to change anyone.  God changes those who permit Him; who invite Him to.  Has something i have written offended you?  Take it before the Lord and ask Him WHY you are offended.  Maybe He wants to show you something.  But if, after honestly seeking Him, you feel that i have wronged you, post your thoughts, OR write to me personally.  i lay no claim to perfect vision, and i am not above being corrected.  

     (2.)  i am in no hurry.  My opinions come from years of experience, study, thought, prayer, and learning from my mistakes.  This is not a brag-- just a statement.  i don't expect anyone to see things exactly as i do, much less agree with me immediately.  There is no shame in experiencing anger and feeling bitter.  My wish is for you to discover that there is joyful life for you beyond those feelings-- misery doesn't have to continue forever.  ...work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.  For it is God who works in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. (Phil. 2:12-13)

     (3.)  It is entirely possible, acceptable, and sometimes even necessary to weep and to rejoice simultaneously.  Jesus wept.  He also instructed rejoicing.  He wept for us, for the state of unredeemed souls, for the NEED for His crucifixion.  He rejoiced for us, for our redemption, for the FULFILLMENT accomplished by His crucifixion.  (i oversimplify-- there is so much more!)  If you are hurting, you can share your pain with me, and i can still rejoice in the good things that God has in store for us both (not by my own strength or wisdom, but thanks to His working in me).

     "Let's Be Honest" was directed toward those of us who have known the Lord long enough and well enough to see that all things work together for our good;  that we may accept that truth, count our experiences as blessing (time invested, rather than lost), and move forward, not causing any of His little ones to stumble because of our inappropriate complaining.
     At the same time, the message is to those little ones-- those young in, or weak in, the faith-- that there is deliverance for you.  Have hope in Him whom you have begun to love and trust.  He has begun a good work in you, and will continue it...

     Many years ago-- in my pre-assembly days-- a faithful brother asked me how i was doing.  i answered, "Pretty good, under the circumstances."
     He looked at me and said, "God's people don't have to live UNDER any circumstances!  The work of Jesus Christ has delivered us from that fate!  Now come on out from under there, and walk in the Light!"
     i haven't always remembered that conversation at every appropriate moment, and that's precisely why i'm trying not
to judge anyone's experience.  My hope is that you can benefit from mine, thereby getting past some of the pitfalls i have known.

                 Blessings upon you and your house!

For the love of God,
brother al





: Re:Let's Be Honest
: amycahill August 08, 2003, 09:47:02 AM
Okay.  Here's my experience in recovering from various types of trauma that I have experienced in my life, NOT from the Assembly!

I first decided that forgiveness -- that is, letting go of the pain and anger, NOT necessarily reconciliation unless that was appropriate -- was a goal to work towards.  I didn't try to walk "there" directly from "here," however.

What I discovered was that, in order to reach authentic forgiveness, I had to go through the pain.  I had to be upset, to hurt, to cry, and yes, to vent.  I did what it took.  I suffered greatly.  There was a week that I ONLY made it through by calling the crisis hotline a few nights in a row and with a tranquilizer.  It was awful.  It hurt.  But I made it.

As a result of that inner cleansing, I was able to let go of my traumas.  Some of the wounds were old and simply needed to be healed.  Others dealt with people I had present relationships with and those relationships needed to be adjusted so that now they were safe and healthy for me.

So, my opinion.  Maybe you shouldn't cuss out George and Betty.  But I think you should be able to post as much as you want about how you FEEL about what happened to you.  If you REALLY want to forgive them, that is.


: Re:Let's Be Honest
: lenore July 19, 2004, 04:48:09 AM
 :D: July 18: 2004 at 7:55 pm

I am resurrecting a post, which I dont quite get, except some very heavy disagreeing was going on.

So I will lighten this post a little if I may do so.

Out of the book: THE TALES OF THE TARDY OXCART:

UNDER THE TOPIC: HONESTY

A preacher was to peach on honesty and he told everyone to read Joshua 25.
The next Sunday he came and said.
"How many read it?"
Half the hands in church were raised.
He said.
"Great. Now you're the ones I want to talk to.
Joshua has only twenty - four chapters,
and I am especially concerned about you tonight."

Author: Bob Phillips.



So how many of you have read Joshua 25.




: Re: Let's Be Honest
: lenore February 24, 2005, 05:25:29 AM
February 23. 

I have debated with my self whether to get in the middle of the battle that has been going on in some posts. 

TO BE HONEST:  I dont know what is going on, I dont understand what is going on.

TO BE HONEST:  I can feel the tension. Actually feel the tension.

TO BE HONEST: It kind of disturbs me.

TO BE HONEST:  I think some sort of honesty soul searching still needs to be done in root out some old feelings that has surface and exploded into a verbal battle in giant portions.

Maybe I am wrong, and if I butting in where my butt doesnt belong, then I can live with that.

TO BE HONEST: I can see and feel, that there is still alot of hurt, bitterness, scarring that has not really healed, from the betrayal of the past, and there are some who still have not dealt with those feelings, or are still unsure of those feeling.
That is okay. 

TO BE HONEST: Maybe my prayer posting, should be the place to lay it all out so we know specifically what to pray about.

TO BE HONEST: If I am correct in this matter- Spiritual Healing and Forgiveness - maybe be the top priorities.???????????

I apology for sticking my nose in where it doesnt belong.

TO BE HONEST: I needed to speak my feelings.

Lenore


: Re: Let's Be Honest
: M2 February 24, 2005, 10:38:19 AM
February 23. 

I have debated with my self whether to get in the middle of the battle that has been going on in some posts. 

TO BE HONEST:  I dont know what is going on, I dont understand what is going on.

TO BE HONEST:  I can feel the tension. Actually feel the tension.

TO BE HONEST: It kind of disturbs me.

TO BE HONEST:  I think some sort of honesty soul searching still needs to be done in root out some old feelings that has surface and exploded into a verbal battle in giant portions.

Maybe I am wrong, and if I butting in where my butt doesnt belong, then I can live with that.

TO BE HONEST: I can see and feel, that there is still alot of hurt, bitterness, scarring that has not really healed, from the betrayal of the past, and there are some who still have not dealt with those feelings, or are still unsure of those feeling.
That is okay. 

TO BE HONEST: Maybe my prayer posting, should be the place to lay it all out so we know specifically what to pray about.

TO BE HONEST: If I am correct in this matter- Spiritual Healing and Forgiveness - maybe be the top priorities.???????????

I apology for sticking my nose in where it doesnt belong.

TO BE HONEST: I needed to speak my feelings.

Lenore

Dear Lenore,

Thank you for sharing this and thank you for your prayers.  You are a real blessing and I truly appreciate your contribution here.

Much love,
Marcia


: Re: Let's Be Honest
: lenore February 28, 2005, 08:40:11 AM
 :)February 27:

Marcia:
Thank you for your kind words.

Honesty is a key to get right with God.
I am learning that when we bottle things up, even from each other. We can bottled them up from God.

There are still a few rooms in my heart that I have put a do not disturb sign on, and to get rid of them, requires vunerability, trust, and depending on God.

Mine is really not from the exposure of the assembly teachings, mine is from a life long victimizations of various abuses. There is still alot of guilt, hurt, open scars, mistrust, and I am a expert of building walls of protections. Most of this comes from feelings of worthlessness, no confidence, and wallowing in failures and poor little old me.  Many of these scars are not my fault,I had no control over them,  But what I do with them now is my responsibility. This is a very hard lesson for me to grasp and learn from.  In fact, I will dig in my heals, and dont allow God control over them, this is preventing me from having a personal relationship, in the way Jesus wants me to be.  A lot of this is fear of being vunerable to any type of hurt.
I can understand in my head what needs to be done, it is the matter of the heart that is a hurdle.  I am an expert of the mask, smile and say everything is alright, even though inside, I am screaming out for attention, of comfort, insecure, and aching of hurt.

When I said I could feel the tension. I can feel it, because it is the same type of tension, I felt when I am confronted with conflict, even from Sara, during on of her cyclones trantrums.
Because Sara can push my buttons, and I go right into a victimization mode. Even a snide remark from my mother, can send me right into a victimization hurtful protections , send up the wall to protect the heart mode.
I tend to protect myself so much, that I even leave God out of that high wall.

It is through talking about it, being honest where I need to be honest, especially about my own feelings. Thursday Night Mood Disorder Group helps to verbally say if our week was a good week or a bad week. Even when Pastor or someone ask how was your week. If I can I will be honest.
I wont say I am fine , when I am not. I dont go into details, I can just say, it was a good day or week or it wasnt a good day or week.

It is only when we get honest with ourselves, that we can be honest with others.
It is only when we get honest with God, will we be release from self protecting modes, which produces our negative emotions to attack others so we can feel protective.
I AM LEARNING THIS TOO. One thing I have learned in the last few years.  In the grace of God, I am becoming more patient.

Lenore


: Re: Let's Be Honest
: al Hartman March 04, 2005, 12:30:39 PM


Lenore,

I just got around to reading your post below (sorry it took me so long), and I just want you to know that I can relate to every point you have made.  I may not understand each statement exactly as you mean it, but your statements certainly resonate to me and I can relate them to similar situations in my own life.

You are gaining a wonderful perception of our human nature, and I'm always encouraged when you grasp a fact of mental/emotional health and then apply it to the spiritual new creation we have become in Christ.  Thank you so very much for sharing with us...

In Christ,
al


: Re: Let's Be Honest
: lenore April 30, 2005, 10:07:51 PM
APRIL 30:

I have been thinking on HONESTY alot lately. because of the journey with 40 DAYS OF PURPOSE  - PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE BY RICK WARREN.
And the self esteem course I am taking called A TIME FOR ME

These two have been explore feelings.
Being honest about your feeling.

For the last few week since starting both, Both started the same week.

I have been like a shaken pop bottle ready to explode.

Each purpose : whether it is why am I here , to our purpose on Missions,
is all requires looking deep within ourselves and be honest to ourselve.

It is only when we get honest without self and with what we are hanging onto, or hiding from ourselves and others. To get totally honest .
Then and only then will be able to see the progress of spiritual growth in our lives.

I recently got a message from a board member, stating that I should post long lengthly postings because it was hard to follow conversations.

And I got into a bit of snit . It was an emotion that I have to own up to.

It is by HONESTY of our feelings that we can be use by God to do his purposes in our lives.

Beside sharing what I have learned is a part of the GREAT COMMISSION. Right.

Read the last week DAYS 36 TO 40 OF THE BOOK OF THE PURPOSE DRIVEN LIFE.

This is my confession of honesty today!!!! Am looking for support and encouragement.

Talk to all later

Lenore


: Re: Let's Be Honest
: tenderhearted June 18, 2005, 01:41:39 AM
June 17th

The complete Christian Dictionary for Home and School

HONEST

adj: 1. Of people, worthy of being trusted, truthful.
'A truthful witness, gives honest testimony {proverbs 12:17}

2. Of actions, appearance, etc, having the quality of truthfulness and sincerity.

HONESTLY
adv. 1.  In a trustworthy manner


TRUE

adj 1.  In accordance with the facts; actual
''This is life eternal; That they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. - John 17:3 '''
We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding , so that we may know him who is ture, and we are in him who is true, even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God , and eternal life  -- 1 John 5:20

2. Real; sincre:
""True worshippers will worship God the Father in spirit and truth ---John 4:23'''

3.  Faithful; loyal

4.  Exact


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