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Wednesday, May 5, 2010
BIRTHDAY REFLECTIONS!
| | | Happy Birthday To Me!! 
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| | | | | | |  Here I am again, on the verge of the most important
day of my life, my birthday, May 6--the day the Lord, who foreknew me and my purpose, sent me down from Heaven to grace the
face of the Earth. Though my conception
was initiated through an act of pleasure between my father and mother, my date of entry had been Divinely
orchestrated
by the Creator of the Universe. Much thought was given to who my parents would be; who my siblings
would be (although I was raised as an only child), and what my destiny would be. He foreknew me and
predestined me to be Vickie Lynell Ellis. As time progressed, my destiny led me to acquire the surnames,
Richardson and Evans, each who have influenced my life in some form or fashion! I have always been
one who has been excited about my birthday, those
who know me can testify to that fact. Those celebrations have ranged from trips to Mary Jane Magic Castle (you had to live
in or near Houston, Texas to know or be familiar with that television show), to numerous dinners at Larry's Mexican Restaurant
(Mexican is my favorite food), to a elegant "Sweet 16" debutant celebration at the top of the glass and revolving
Hilton hotel in Houston, to
the grand 30th birthday party I threw myself at the non-commissioned officers' club (NCO) in Germany.
As you can tell, I love to celebrate my birthday in a memorable way! The last two years has been
more low-keyed than others because I feel that I am in a "time of transition"
and for some reason or another, I haven't had the privilege to give it the "grandiose celebrations" as I desire!
However, as I reflect on my "51" years on this earth, I realize that there are various seasons of our lives,
and no matter what the case, I have survived the changing of the seasons and come through with a sound mind, without malice
or bitterness, with a forgiving heart, and much more love to part! I have survived challenges that have
literally taken others to their graves. I am a mature, strong, healthy, vibrant, beautiful, highly-anointed,
Divinely-appointed, multi-gifted, blessed beyond measures, blood-wash, blood-bought, heiress, daughter of Zion, child of the
Highest! I am extremely grateful to have the activity of my limbs (though they are stiffer than they used
to be)! When I smile, I light up my surroundings, and if truth be told, I have had more opportunities to
smile than frown. Age has been kind to me; I have been told on numerous
occasions that I do not look my age! Some have even said I look twenty years younger (Thank you!).
Though there are many things I desire today for my birthday, I realize that I have the greatest gift of all....Jesus!
Call me a "Jesus Freak" or whatever you like-but one thing that I have consistently had in my life, is His
Love! When I am sad, He always sends a Word, sometimes in the most "peculiar" way.
A couple days ago, I threw my hands up and said, "I quit!" "I can't take this anymore!
This is it! I am just going to stop trying to walk in faith! If I
don't see it, it won't happen!" Later, as I was walking on the treadmill in my complex, the television
was on, and an AT&T commercial appeared that said, "Any second could be the second!" Though
peculiar, I got the message! Though I had it on "mute" the TV spoke loudly and clearly to me, and I
surely got the point! The second AFTER I decide to give up, could be the very "second" my victory knocks
on the door! That very second could be the season of "breakthrough" for me! So, you see why Jesus is the best thing that ever happened to me! He knows just what to
do and say at the right time, in the right way! And just as He orchestrated my birth some 51 years ago,
He is still guiding my footsteps and illuminating my pathway! Therefore, as I plan to celebrate this most
glorious day in a quiet, gentle way-- I say to you, "Trust In the Lord, with all you heart, mind, and soul, and lean
not to your own understanding! In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He Shall direct your path (Proverbs
3). Happy Birthday to me! 
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| | | HAPPY MOTHERS DAY TO ALL THE MOTHERS!! |
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4:09 pm edt
Friday, April 16, 2010
Desperately Seeking Sponsors
DESPERATELY SEEKING SPONSORS
LUKE 6:38 “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over,
shall they give into your bosom. For with what measure ye mete it shall be measured to you again!”
This is a philosophy that I
have lived by before I knew it was a scripture. It began with “mud pies”; I would share my
“mud pies” with my girlfriends and my dolls at the age of 4. It was something that was second
nature to me. Yes, I was the one that would give my lunch money away and go hungry throughout the day so
that that hungry boy or girl, who didn’t have lunch money, could eat lunch. As an adult, I even allowed
a “friend” who expressed that she didn’t have clothes for the Winter to go “shopping’ in my
closet (allowing her to take whatever she desired without limitation). I don’t recount these situations
as bragging points; however, I submit it as testament of my passion for victims of domestic violence. I
have sacrificed mortgage and car payments, moved to foreign and faraway places, left family and friends, place my personal
desires on the shelf, so that I could dedicate my life to raise awareness to domestic violence in the church via my stage
play, “A Change Is Gonna Come”. Those who have been with me on this journey since the initial debut
of “A Change Is Gonna Come” in 2007, can testify to the fact that this endeavor has not been easy!
Entire cast have quit, Directors have quit, my name has been slandered, I have been lied on, so-called friends have
turned their backs on me; I could go on and on the trials and tribulations I have experienced. I have been
Director, Producer, Promoter, Set Designer, Wardrobe Designer, Prop Designer, Stage Manager, Casting Director, Caterer, Marketing
Director, Furniture Mover, and Truck Driver, all at the same time, Yet, I persist and endure because I believe in the vision
that God has given me will “make a change! I am also grateful for the remnant, who have endured the journey with me
– they encourage me to stay the course!
Today, as I reflect back on the journey, I am experiencing an emotion that I have never felt
before, frustration! I am finding it difficult to understand how people could donate thousands of dollars
to save the trees during Arbor Day; yet they find it difficult to donate to a cause that will possibly save a life from being
taken at the hands of an abusive husband! Don’t get me wrong, I believe that it is important to save
our natural resources, yet; isn’t it just as important, if not more, to lift our voices in support of those who are
being abused? I am finding it difficult to understand a recent incident when it was announced that some
local libraries may possibly close due to budget cuts, how citizens donated approximately $20,000 in one day to save the libraries
but cannot donate 10% of that to assist 20 performing arts to take a message of “healing” and “restoration”
to the stage of the Kennedy Center! Again, I re-iterate, I am not saying the cause of saving the libraries
is not important, I am an author, so I share in the slogan that “Reading is Fundamental”. However,
causes like “Saving Promise” by L. Y. Marlow, who is trying to initiate legislation to give rights to grandmothers
to obtain custody of their grandchildren who are living in domestically abusive situations are also important, wouldn’t
you agree? The other day, I attended a meeting where a woman confidently reported that their organization
had raised four million dollars for a cause and confidently stated that their goal is ten million! Though
I totally support her cause, I cringed in my seat because in all that I have done since 2006 to promote my cause of domestic
violence in the church, I have not received 1% of that in donations, and yes I have asked! This weekend,
I was at an event to support our cause, where a fishbowl was put out to solicit donations for our cause—though appreciative,
there was not enough in the fishbowl for me to put gas in my car to take me on the other side of town! So
today, I ask myself—when is my “change gonna come”?
Friends, let me say this to you, I am not promoting
this cause for self-gain! Until this date, I have put more into this vision than I received; though rumors
have said differently (smile). In access of personal funds that I receive, I put it back into the cause.
Solicitation is not one of my favorite pastimes; I don’t like to ask money from my friends and loved ones if
I am experiencing a personal crisis because it puts me in a state of dependency! However, for this cause,
I have put my pride under my feet and “beat the bushes”. I have asked people for help that
I would not normally asked, gone to events that I would not normally attend—whatever it takes to “save a life”
and to “deliver someone from the all to unreported incidents of domestic violence in the church—I will do it!
It is like the “kid without lunch money” passion for me!
Now, I am asking you to help us! I
have cast members, staff members, and the likes who have “faithfully” volunteered their time to make our quest
to take this message of redemption to the stage of the “Kennedy Center” in Washington, DC. We
have two casts in Charlotte, NC and Washington, DC, who are working extremely hard to ensure that this mandate come to pass.
It would be sad that due to a “lack of donations” and a “lack of interest”, this endeavor falls
by the wayside! This is a great cause and as the scripture states, it will be returned unto you “good
measures, pressed down, and running over”! If I am addressing those who also have that “give
my lunch money so that others may eat” passion, I need your help! I have connected with a nonprofit
organization, Congressional District Programs so that your donation is now tax-deductible. I have even
made it convenient to donate on my website, www.pals4life.org by clicking the red DONATE NOW! Button! You would then be directed to the “Performing Arts and Literary
Society’s” (P.A.L.S.) Donation Page, on the Congressional District Programs’ website, to
process your donation. If you do not feel comfortable making donations in this manner, we do accept checks
and money orders made out to Performing Arts and Literary Society, mailed to Vickie L. Evans, 8945 Avebury Drive, Unit F,
Charlotte, NC, 28213. If you desire more information or would like to speak to me directly, feel free to
contact me at (800) 903-6171. Thank you for hearing my heart!
Vickie L. Evans
President, (P.A.L.S.)
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Supersize It - The Era of the Mega-Churches!
 SUPER SIZE IT - THE ERA OF THE MEGA CHURCHES!
BY VICKIE L. EVANS We live in an economic era where the "Bigger" the item - the "Better"!
Fast food restaurant employees routinely ask "Do you want to Super-Size It?" as an enhancement to the already "large"
items, such as fries and a soft drink, in a combo. Subsequently, this is a suitable marketing technique in such a competitive
industry as the restaurant business, but who would have imagined this concept would be utilized in the church? Of course
we use a more inconspicuous term, "Mega". I can hardly sit through a church service these days without hearing
about a capital campaign or building fund project, such as Imagine, or Injoy, which outlines a structured monetary pledge
or commitment that supersedes the biblical ordinance of tithing and offering, extended over a period of time. Campaigns
that equate building larger churches synonymously with building the temple of God! The scriptures declare in Acts 17:
24 that "The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not
live in temples built by hands." So I ask the question, who is benefiting from the building of
these "mega" facilities - God or man?
The church's
need for "super sizing" reminds me of the thought-pattern of the rich man, who decided to tear down his barn and
build "bigger" barns so that he would have "good things" laid up for years (Luke 12:18). Selfishly,
the more he obtained; the more he wanted! Now, let me interject, I do not have a issue with a church, that has outgrown
its facilities, making plans to accommodate its expanding congregation; but, for what reason should a 500-member congregation
build a facility that seats 5,000 members? Or, why would a congregation with a gross income of $500,000 a year ($1,500,000
in three years)--pledge to pay for a 20-million dollar church facility in a three-year period? That equates to a commitment
of almost 7-million dollars a year! That's absurd! And some of the amenities - i.e., some churches have ATM machines!
One church is planning to construct a food court! Why? If Jesus was so angry at the moneychangers in the
synagogue in Jerusalem that He overturned their tables for selling doves, imagine what He would do if He lived today? How
would He feel about the "watchmen" who are over 'taxing" and over burdening the people, seeking their own gain.
Jeremiah 6 verse 13 states, "From the least to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; prophets and priests
alike, all practice deceit." I have heard about leaders asking congregants to refrain from purchasing
personal necessities for a period of time, in order to commit these funds to the building campaign. I have heard of
people taking out second mortgages on their homes to commit to building these enormous facilities. Proverbs 22:26 states
"Do not be a man who strikes hands in pledge or puts up security for debts..."
When is "enough"--enough?
The thing that really saddens me is that because
of this need for "super sizing", many churches today are facing foreclosure! Churches - foreclosing?
That was unheard of back in the 1960s, 70s, or 80s, for that matter. Then, the church was the cornerstone of the
community! The church that I grew up in Sugarland, Texas is still standing and I am 50. My father, mother, aunts,
uncles, grandfather and grandmother have all grown up in that church. Expansion has occurred; a few rooms have been
re-modeled here and there; but, it has not formulated a campaign to build a massive sanctuary beyond the needs and affordability
of the community/neighborhood. Our churches were once respected and reverence and now, due to misappropriation of funds,
overzealous leaders, and other "negative" issues, we have become a "contention", as the scriptures
states in Psalms 80: 6, "You have made us a source of contention to our neighbors, and our enemies mock
us." The place that was once the "place of refuge" is not seeking refuge. The
place that was referred to as the "storehouse", is now seeking "bailout". The prophet Joel
foresaw this day when he spoke these words in Joel 1: 16-17:
" Has not the food been cut off
before our very eyes-
joy and gladness
from the house of our God?
17 The seeds are shriveled
beneath the clods.
The storehouses are in ruins,
the granaries have been broken down,
for the grain has dried up.
18 How the cattle moan!
The herds mill about
because they have no pasture;
even the flocks of sheep are suffering."
Please note, I am not judging, because I, on a personal
level, have experienced hard times and have faced foreclosure, as well. I am not bashing or condemning the church.
As a minister, I am simply saying to the church that we have to do better and we cannot lose focus of our mission-soul
winning. There is much work to be accomplished and as the scripture declares, "the harvest is plenty but the laborers
are few!" We cannot get "caught up" in denominational rivalry nor should we try to "keep up with
the Joneses", so to speak. We have to "separate ourselves" and come from among them. The
church is "sacred, "sanctified", "consecrated", and "set apart" for service, for the people.
Our mission should be to serve, not to be served; to lead by example. We are in the world, but we are not OF the world.
Our motive cannot be because EVERYBODY else is doing it.
Let me interject, I do not oppose large, exquisite edifices; I have travelled overseas and have seen some
"breath-taking" chapels in Germany, France, Holland, and Switzerland. Some of these "masterpieces"
are trimmed in gold and the décor is indescribable. Some are big and beautiful edifices; yet, inside
they felt cold and devoid of life. Some are utilized just as tourist attractions; they have "presence" but
no "essence". They exist, but they have no bliss! Do I have a witness?
In conclusion, I would like to ask, "Does SIZE matter?" Is the church's motive for expansion
linked to soul winning or capital campaigning? Are we more concerned with "the numbers" instead of the conversion
of "sinners"? Should I be asked to make "pledges" beyond my "tithes" and [free-will] "offerings"?
Is the motive for expansion based on need (accommodating growth), or greed (competitive rivalry)? Just some food for
thought! Once we know better; we have to do better! It is never too late to change!
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Crippled...but Called!
CRIPPLED....BUT CALLED!
By: Vickie L. Evans
This particular article
is written and designed for those of us who have been chosen for difficult assignments and cannot fully see or understand
how the vision will be fulfilled, nor do we know when the "cards" will play out! On top of that, we question
why we (with our inabilities and faults) were chosen for this assignment. If this isn't you, you can stop reading at
this point, because only those who have been "called" will truly understand, where I am going with this! I
wish I could take credit for this title, but it was spoken to me by an "angel"; a profound woman, whom I have never
met, who called me on the phone, during my moment of distress. When she spoke these words, I immediately
reflected back to a sermon I wanted to preach years ago but was never granted the opportunity to do so. So, I am going
to preach it to you (smile).
The precursor to this account is found in 2 Samuel, Chapter 4;
however, the meat of the story is in 2 Samuel, Chapter 9. It is about a young man name Mephibosheth, the son of Jonathan,
and the grandson to King Saul, Israel's first king. His father and grandfather were also mighty warriors and were well-respected
because of the many battles they had fought and won. Undoubtedly, due to his royal lineage, Mephibosheth was expected
to "walk" in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, to become a mighty man of valor and possibly a king someday.
However, at the age of five, an incident occurred that changed the course of his destiny-his nurse dropped him and he became
lamed in both feet. Instead of dining at the king's table in the palace in Jerusalem, he laid his head in a place called
Lodebar. Now, Lodebar was a place where the "misfits" of society dwelled, such as lepers (those considered
to be unclean), and people with various "handicaps" (lame, blindness, deaf and dumb), who were not normally "chosen"
for great assignments because of their inability to perform or conform to the imposed "standards". They
were people who acted and thought different from so-called "average" folks. They had "different dreams"
and were dissatisfied with the "status quo". Often overlooked, people stepped over them as they climbed up
the ladder of success. Some even "kicked" them while they were down and told them that they would never amount to
anything! Many of the residents of Lodebar had been hurt and laughed at by those they loved and trusted. Some
had been placed in significant roles and positions with the sole intent of mocking their deformities and seeing their failure.
Could you imagine how Mephibosheth felt living in a place like this, though he was born in the king's palace? It had
to affect his self-esteem!
Before
I give you the conclusion to this account, let me give you a little history lesson on Mephibosheth's father and grandfather.
As I previously stated, his grandfather, Saul, was Israel's first king; however, due to his disobedience to God; he was dethroned
and King David took his place. Now, the normal chain of command is that the son of the king, Jonathan, would take his
place. However, in this case, the Lord chose David to be king, instead. Some of you have been "called"
(though not qualified by man's standard) to take the place of the man or woman, who by all means, should be next in line for
the job; but God said that the job is yours! Don't doubt it, just walk in it! Marvel not, as if it's some strange
thing!
Now, King Saul hated
David because of this and spent many years chasing him with the intent to kill him. The ironic twist in this story is
that Jonathan, King Saul's son, and David became best friends--close as brothers. I believe that there is a "Jonathan"
for every man or woman. Someone who has your back when others try to stab you in the back! Someone who will "cut
off the ear" of the Roman soldier when he tries to harm you!
Tragically, Saul and Jonathan were both killed in battle, which brings us up-to-date to our story
as illustrated in 2 Samuel, Chapter 9. Let me first state that when God has a plan for you, you can be in
the belly of the whale; yet, He will bring you out. While David was king, he remembered Jonathan's kindness and sought
to find an "heir" so that he could "bless" him. One of King Saul's former servants, Ziba, told King
David about Mephibosheth. He was summoned to appear before King David, in his former home where he was born, the King's
palace in Jerusalem. It had been a long time since he entered the gates of the palace! I am sure many thoughts
raced through his mind of when he was a little boy running through the hallways of this royal residence. Now, here he
was returning to the palace as a man, but this time he was crippled. The thing about Mephibosheth is that he was crippled
due to no fault of his own; he was dropped by his nurse (someone trained to take care of him). Sometimes, it's
the ones who are closest to you who cause the most damage. I could imagine that he did not look like royalty nor was
he dressed for the part. He probably walked with his head down because his self-esteem was deflated due to the maltreatment
he had endured throughout the years. He even referred to himself as a "dead dog", when speaking to King David.
But, King David treated him as the royal descendant of Saul and gave him EVERYTHING that belonged to him by birthright.
Yes, everything that belonged to King Saul was returned unto Mephibosheth and he dined in the palace, at the king's table,
for the rest of his life. Mephibosheth was still crippled, but he was called! There was greatness inside
of him! He was destined for a royal position in the palace. He still had disabilities, but they did not hinder
him from being in the palace or from dining at the king's table. Some of you are called to dine with "great men".
Some of you will advise heads of state and men of prestige, in the boardroom and the courtroom! However,
you are letting your "disabilities" hinder you! You have a "dead dog" disposition that makes you
think that you are only deserving of the "crumbs" instead of the full-course meal placed on the king's table.
Ladies
and gentlemen, I may be crippled, but I am called. I am called to greatness! I am called to be a mouthpiece for
those who need a voice! I am called to be a writer for those who need to be encouraged through a testament, so that
the words will lift off the pages and set them free! I am called to be a playwright who will take stage plays
throughout the nation so that others can see the manifestation of God through the performing arts! I may not have the
formalized training, or the educational or journalistic degree, or the oratorical skills, or even the monetary resources according
to the "traditional" standards; but I have been "called" by the King who has made a space for me at His
Table; and I shall dine there for the rest of my life.
Whoever this article is designed for-- get up and do what you have been "called"
to do and stop making excuses! Your time is far spent! Greatness lives in you! There are too many
unfulfilled "dreams" in the graveyard. Do not let that be you! What will be between your dash (1959
- )? What will others remember you by? Do not let your nurse "drop and cripple"
you so that you will be rendered ineffective with nothing between your dash! Fulfill the call! As that angel told
me, "Dream again with $5.00 in your pocket!" Have faith in God!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Church Hurt!
CHURCH
HURT
By Vickie L. Evans
Church - a place of sanctity and solace - a safe haven - a place where you can find rest
for your "weary soul" -a shelter from the storms of life. I have heard it referred to as a "hospital"
-- a place where the wounded can find a "balm in Gilead"; where the broken hearted can be mended; where the lame
can "take up their beds and walk"; where blinded eyes can be opened, and deaf ears can be unstopped. Church
- a refugee camp - a place for the outcast - the derelict - a "home for the homeless", "life for the lifeless",
"hope for the hopeless", you know those who are rejected, neglected, and ejected by the world and its pandemonium.
Church - a holistic place-a place of restoration and wholeness-- where those who are hemorrhaging; who have
had an "issue of blood" for many years-unbearable pain and suffering--going from doctor-to-doctor and psychiatry-to-psychiatry;
who have exhausted all resources-penniless--broke--in despair--searching for just one touch-- seeking to be made whole again!
But what happens when the very place that you turn to when you are hurting...hurts you? What happens when those who
have been commissioned and ordained to "put Humpty-Dumpty back together again" are the ones who caused Humpty to
"have a great fall"? I am sure if I conducted a survey and sent it out to 1000 church goers, I would find
that at least half of them have experienced "Church Hurt".
Over twenty
years ago, I wrote a play entitled, "The Gift", based on the biblical account of the "good Samaritan,
which depicts a well-renown Bishop, who is invited as a guest speaker to a small town church's "annual Christmas
revival". The members of the church had heard of him and how he had performed many miracles; yet they had
never seen or met him face-to-face. On the bishop's arrival into this small town, while walking down the street,
he is mugged by two local thugs. A short while later, a group of church leaders passed by, whom he asked for assistance,
but they refused. As I stated earlier, the very ones who were commissioned and ordained to help him were the ones
who "snubbed up" their noses at him. However he encountered a runaway teenager-who fed him; a bag lady-who
sung him a song of comfort; and a homeless man-who offered him a sleeping bag to rest for the night. Sometimes love
and compassion are shown through those in which we least expect and "gifts" comes in small packages. Well,
the Bible tells us not to despise "small" beginnings (that is just an extra tidbit for someone who needed it).
Nevertheless, "Church Hurt"-hurts
like no other hurt; it is more intense. The thing about "Church Hurt", you never know when it is coming or
who it is coming from-it could be a choir member, an auxiliary leader, an usher, the church mother, the pastor's wife,
or even the pastor. Now, you talk about hurt-when your pastor hurt you-that is some severe hurt. It is a gut-wrenching
blow that knocks all of the wind out of your sail. Nevertheless, it is a reality; it happens! Stephanie
Mills sung a song a few years ago entitled, "I Never Knew Love Like This Before!" I could do a remake
entitled, "I Never Knew Pain Like This Before!" But she also states in the song, "Open My Eyes"
"Church Hurt" does just that "Open Your Eyes!" You will realize that the only thing in this
world that you can depend on is the unadulterated (pure) Word of God! People will fail you, but the Word of God NEVER
fails. Before I move on to my next point, I must leave a warning to the shepherds who impose "Church Hurt"
found in Ezekiel 34:4 and 34:10:
4) The diseased have ye not strengthened, neither have ye healed that which was sick, neither have
ye bound up that which was broken, neither have ye brought again that which was driven away, neither have ye sought that which
was lost; but with force and with cruelty have ye ruled them.
10) This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am against the shepherds and will hold them accountable for
my flock. I will remove them from tending the flock so that the shepherds can no longer feed themselves. I will rescue my
flock from their mouths, and it will no longer be food for them.
Now, let's talk about how we position ourselves to get hurt. Some of us were raised in church and
became quite familiar with the traditionalism of going to church because it was the "right" thing to do! Some
of us attended church because there was a need or point of lack in our lives! And some of us attended church because
we were broken, busted, and disgusted and were seeking a balm or some type of solace. The common denominator that linked
all these scenarios is the Pastor. At our original entrance in the church, we may have needed instructions, guidance,
or a roadmap to get back on our feet or to steer us in the right way, because we did not know "The Way" (Jesus is
The Way, The Truth, and The Life [John 14:6]). However, once we get on our feet and become acquainted with "The
Way", we no longer need our "crutch". What I am trying to say that some of us become co-dependent on
man ( the Pastor and the Church body), instead of solely depending on and putting our trust in "The Way".
First, let me say that Pastors should be reverenced, given honor, and esteemed-highly. But there is a thin line between
"reverenced" and "idolized". There is a distinction between "honored" and "put on
a pedestal". There is a contrast between "esteemed-highly " and "worshipped". Besides,
our God is a jealous God; He will not have any other god before him (See Exodus 34:14). Is it possible that He imposes
measures to break "the apron strings" of dependency that you have placed before him? Is it possible that He
allows situations to occur that "open our eyes" ? Just maybe that measure could very well be "Church
Hurt". Once we are free from the addiction of man-we can now fully and wholeheartedly receive the anointing of
God; who will teach us all things.
1 John 2:27: But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that
any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath
taught you, ye shall abide in him.
Let me clarify, I am not advocating emancipation, or separation from the church, nor am I telling anyone
not to listen to their Pastor, so let us get that straight right now. I am a minister and I certainly would not do anything
to disrespect my ministerial calling or for that matter, those who have been called to Pastor. But what I am saying
to you is what a Pastor told me several years ago that changed my life, "Get to know God for yourself." Do
not let your relationship with God solely be determined by a 15-30 minute sermon. Study the Word of God for yourself.
2 Timothy 2:15 confirms, "Study to show thyself approved, a workman that needed not be ashamed, rightly dividing
the word of truth." Read your Bible! If you have trouble understanding the Word, by all means
seek for understanding from a clergy or someone who is an astute student of the Word.
In conclusion, I have certainly had my share of "Church
Hurt" but it has only strengthened me; for my trials have only made me stronger, wiser, and better. "Church
Hurt" has made me re-focus my priorities and place my trust in the Lord (Proverbs 3). It has taught me that I do
not have to be a "clone" of someone else; that I can uniquely and individually be "me". It
has made me live the advice of my Pastor, the late Georgia Smith, "Get to know God for yourself!" Each
day I am learning more..! Experience a "relationship" not a "religion-ship". You will
be glad you did!
5:06 am edt
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Author, Vickie L. Evans
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