What I have learned about myself and forums....

[Sweet Pea]

While coming here this past week to read the posts honoring Cindy, I got caught up in a thread with another poster. Then last night while once again reading the tributes to Cindy and her kindness, I began to think about myself and this forum.

To give a little history, I first registered on FCF because a friend began to tell me about posts that were being made that were somewhat derogatory regarding my pastor and home church. I have always considered myself a loyal person and I wanted to defend my pastor and church. I am sure that I came across abrasive and rude. There were some posters that held my feet to the fire but were kind and then there were others who were rude right back. I continued my tirade on NFCF when unkind and derogatory remarks were made regarding my pastor. By the time AFF came along, he wasn’t as much of an interest and it kind of faded into the background. Through the years, I have continued to “lurk” and sometimes post when something caught my interest. I especially enjoyed keeping up with the Grandparents forum during the time P.O. and Renda were expecting their first grandchildren.

At some point, God began to work on me regarding my attitude in the cyber world. Just because I’m anonymous, I have no right to have an ugly or bad spirit when I disagree with you. I wouldn’t have been so unkind and rude if we were having the same conversation face-to-face , so why did I think it was okay to do it with my keyboard and anonymity? It isn’t!!! So I tried to visualize the person behind each post. My ugliness and Pharisaical attitude was actually sin. God convicted me.

Reading the tributes about Cindy and what a friend she was to all, started me thinking about all this. She loved everyone and was kind. She left the “judging” up to God. Even her reprimands to calm things down when it became heated, were kind. What a true Christian! My interaction with this other poster reminded me of my own beginning on the forum and I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror.

So, to the point of this post. I know most of those I interacted with on FCF and NFCF are no longer posting on AFF; but for those who do remain, I would like to offer a sincere apology for my rudeness and unkindness to you in the past. We may have a mutual heritage in the UPCI and in the Oneness Pentecostal movement, but you may have chosen a different direction and path than I have. That is between you and God, and I will respect your decision as you respect my decision. Please forgive my judgmental attitude in the past. We will not face the Lord on judgment day as a group or as any organization, we will meet Him face and face. My greatest desire is that He will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

Jesus said in Matthew that the two most important commandments are to "love God and love people". He didn’t say to love only those who agree with you – He just said “love.” We can love without being hateful, arrogant and abrasive.

I’m sorry for the lengthy post, but there was no way to shorten it.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

May God bless each of you!

[Sweet Pea]

I just realized that I had gotten distracted and had not finished with the title of this thread. It was going to be...

"What I have learned about myself and forums...."

[Hoovie]

Great wisdom Sweet Pea!

Thank you!

[larrylyates]

Very humbling to read. Words straight to my heart!

[BeenThinkin]

Originally Posted by Sweet Pea

While coming here this past week to read the posts honoring Cindy, I got caught up in a thread with another poster. Then last night while once again reading the tributes to Cindy and her kindness, I began to think about myself and this forum.

To give a little history, I first registered on FCF because a friend began to tell me about posts that were being made that were somewhat derogatory regarding my pastor and home church. I have always considered myself a loyal person and I wanted to defend my pastor and church. I am sure that I came across abrasive and rude. There were some posters that held my feet to the fire but were kind and then there were others who were rude right back. I continued my tirade on NFCF when unkind and derogatory remarks were made regarding my pastor. By the time AFF came along, he wasn’t as much of an interest and it kind of faded into the background. Through the years, I have continued to “lurk” and sometimes post when something caught my interest. I especially enjoyed keeping up with the Grandparents forum during the time P.O. and Renda were expecting their first grandchildren.

At some point, God began to work on me regarding my attitude in the cyber world. Just because I’m anonymous, I have no right to have an ugly or bad spirit when I disagree with you. I wouldn’t have been so unkind and rude if we were having the same conversation face-to-face , so why did I think it was okay to do it with my keyboard and anonymity? It isn’t!!! So I tried to visualize the person behind each post. My ugliness and Pharisaical attitude was actually sin. God convicted me.

Reading the tributes about Cindy and what a friend she was to all, started me thinking about all this. She loved everyone and was kind. She left the “judging” up to God. Even her reprimands to calm things down when it became heated, were kind. What a true Christian! My interaction with this other poster reminded me of my own beginning on the forum and I didn’t like what I saw in the mirror.

So, to the point of this post. I know most of those I interacted with on FCF and NFCF are no longer posting on AFF; but for those who do remain, I would like to offer a sincere apology for my rudeness and unkindness to you in the past. We may have a mutual heritage in the UPCI and in the Oneness Pentecostal movement, but you may have chosen a different direction and path than I have. That is between you and God, and I will respect your decision as you respect my decision. Please forgive my judgmental attitude in the past. We will not face the Lord on judgment day as a group or as any organization, we will meet Him face and face. My greatest desire is that He will say: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant.”

Jesus said in Matthew that the two most important commandments are to "love God and love people". He didn’t say to love only those who agree with you – He just said “love.” We can love without being hateful, arrogant and abrasive.

I’m sorry for the lengthy post, but there was no way to shorten it.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

May God bless each of you!

Great post Sweet Pea. And we all could probably join in with you to some extent. And, it seems Cindy is going to be with us for a long, long time reminding us! "Good Grief"

Been Thinkin

[NewbieMisfits]

We're right there with ya

[ApostolicKitty]

I remember you from FCF, Sweet Pea. I am glad to see God working in your life. It is always a blessing to be able to look back and see how far he's taken us from where we used to be.

[Titus2woman]

I think you're nice... but I'm kind of a crabby old lady, so maybe not the best judge.

[Pressing-On]

Originally Posted by Titus2woman

I think you're nice... but I'm kind of a crabby old lady, so maybe not the best judge.

I always thought Sweet Pea was nice too!

[commonsense]

I also date back to FCF, but don't recall any unkindness .